SCIENCE
Four credits in science must be earned for graduation. One of these credits must be Biology and one must be a physical science. Those students seeking and Advanced Academic Diploma must complete Biology and Chemistry.
Honors/Pre AP Biology - This course is offered for accelerated ninth grade students who have an 80 or higher average the previous year in science. This course is an in-depth study of the diversity of life including the study of cells, heredity, plant and animal classification and the interdependence of living things. Students are expected to complete special projects and cover material at an accelerated rate. Freshmen students only.
Biology - This course is the study of life and all its diversities. Topics studied in this course include plant and animal classification, cellular studies, heredity, and environmental relationships. Science process/problem solving skills are also emphasized.
Physical Science - This tenth grade course is a survey course showing the relationship between chemistry and physics utilizing a hands-on laboratory approach. Topics covered in this class include matter, energy, force and motion.
Chemistry - This beginning course in Chemistry describes the properties of matter as they relate to molecular structure, chemicals in solutions, thermodynamic laws, and organic compounds. This class is a lab-oriented class. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology.
Honors/Pre AP Chemistry - This course is a lab-oriented class which builds on the same concepts as Chemistry and also includes the study of matter and its changes. Projects are an integral part of this course and may be individual or group oriented. Demonstrations are included where students must practice observation skills and write laboratory reports. Students must have average or above average math skills in order to achieve success. Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I or A/B.
Honors/Pre AP Anatomy & Physiology - This course teaches the anatomy of human systems and the physiology or operation of these systems. Medical terminology and anatomical directional terms are stressed. Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry.
Marine Biology - This course studies marine organisms, physical characteristics of the sea, and marine ecology which covers the interactions of the marine organisms and the their physical characteristics. Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry or Physical Science.
Forensics - This class focuses on the analysis of evidence, collection, the decomposition process, crime scenes, and document validity. Prerequisite: Biology- 12th grade only.
Environmental Science - This class is a lab-oriented course designed to educate and raise awareness concerning the earth’s ecosystem by testing and monitoring land cover, soil, water, and atmosphere. Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry or Physical Science..
Honors/Pre AP Physics - This course studies relationships among energy, work machines, electricity, magnetism, velocity, and momentum. The laws of physics are an integral aspect of this course. It is geared toward students entering the engineering and pre-medical fields. Prerequisite: Algebra II, Biology & Chemistry.
Advanced Placement Chemistry - This course is based on the curriculum established by the College Board. The course provides an in-depth look into electro-chemistry, ionic equations, redox reactions, and solution equilibrium. It is a lab based course which does require outside readings. This course is a college level course. Scoring high enough on the spring AP test can provide college credit. Prerequisite: Chemistry & Algebra II.
Advanced Placement Physics - This course is a college level course based on the curriculum established by the College Board. This course studies the topics of advanced motion, mechanics, simple machines and operations, and momentum. This course is lab oriented and does require outside readings. It is geared toward students entering the engineering and pre-medical fields. This course can provide college credit if the score earned on the AP test in spring warrants it. Prerequisite: Physics & enrolled in Pre Calculus.
Advanced Placement Biology- This course is a college level course based on the curriculum established by the College Board. This course studies the topics of cellular, genetics, microbiology, physiology, anatomy, and other topics covered in a college level entry Biology Course.
Botany- This is a laboratory-based elective class focusing on the study of plants, plant types and the soils that support plant growth. The class incorporates field experiences, hands on activities, and classification of various phyla from the plant kingdom.
Zoology- This course places emphasis on animal taxa, basic body symmetry and behavior. Laboratory investigations, including dissection as well as, computer simulations, provide students with exposure to the comparative anatomy of representative animal species.
Pre-Engineering
Introduction to Engineering- This is a one credit- course designed to introduce students to the various opportunities available in the engineering profession. Students through a hands-on program enter the introductory realms of engineering and are exposed to professionals in the field.
Engineering Technology- This is a one credit course designed to explore the technologies involved in the engineering research and design process. Topics include construction, transportation, communication and manufacturing technologies. Various materials, processes, and systems are used to build structures.