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SCIENCE EIGHT - Science 8 begins with a study of earth's geological processes and energy resources, oceanography, and astronomy. Environmental applications are covered with global and societal implications. In addition, Science 8 introduces the students to personal health, and biology, including systems of the human body, reproduction, disease immunity, and substance abuse. Prerequisite: Grade Eight standing (10 credits).
SCIENCE NINE - Science 9 is a required course for all students. This course is an introductory physical science designed to prepare students for upper division science classes. It provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. Topics covered include introduction to matter, motion and forces, work and machines, the atom, interactions of matter, electricity, waves, sound and light. Environmental applications are covered with global and societal implications. Prerequisite: Freshman standing (10 credits).
BIOLOGY - Biology is an inquiry-oriented course in which lectures and laboratory experiments are designed to introduce the student to the diversity of living things, their structure and function, and their interrelationships. A major approach includes biological problem solving using scientific methods. This course focuses on the study of energy flow, plant and animal classification, microorganisms, aspects of the cell theory, biochemistry, heredity and genetics, and evolution. This will be supplemented by information on marine biology and oceanography of local interest. Recommended to satisfy college entrance requirements for a life science laboratory course. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, Freshman with an admissions examination basic score of 85% or higher or consent of Science Department Chair (10 credits).
EARTH SCIENCE - This course is a detailed survey of concepts in earth science in four main categories: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Topics to be covered include plate tectonics, rock and mineral identification, erosion, soil and rock formation, ocean currents, environmental cycles, climatology, fossils, land formations, the solar system, and other celestial objects. Labs are scheduled on a weekly basis and field trips are undertaken when suitable. The emphasis is on written and verbal expression as well as practical ability, rather than on rigorous mathematical treatments. This course is recommended for those students not planning to enter a science-related field in college. Science majors should enroll in chemistry and physics.
CHEMISTRY - This chemistry course places greater emphasis on the application of concepts and the ability to reason, rather than a rote memory class.. The contents of the course curriculum includes the following subjects: data analysis,, dimensional analysis, matter properties and changes, structure of an atom, the periodic table, chemical reactions, the mole, stoichiometry, states of matter, gases, solutions, energy and chemical change, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium acids and bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and environmental chemistry. Prerequisite: Minimum C+ average in math and either have taken, or current enrollment in Algebra II (12 credits).
CHEMISTRY HONORS - The honors chemistry course is designed to challenge students on an individual basis. In addition to a mastery of the areas listed below, the course features extended content and additional workload. Scientific research papers, oral and written reports are required. Independent inquiry in specific interest areas are emphasized. The course includes in-depth application of the following: scientific principles; atomic theory; stoichiometry and dimensional analysis; chemical and nuclear reactions; energy; solutions, periodic table, chemical bonding; oxidation numbers; electrochemistry; equilibrium constants; organic compounds. Prerequisite: Minimum 3.7 G.P.A..; "B" average or higher in math and either have taken or current enrollment of Algebra II/Trig (H); and consent of the instructor (12 credits).
CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY - Conceptual Chemistry is a year-long high school chemistry course for college-bound students. The course is organized around societal issues involving chemistry concepts. Along with basic inorganic chemistry, students learn organic and biochemistry and how these concepts are applied in environmental and industrial situations. The course is laboratory based and features decision-making activities which give students practice in applying their chemistry knowledge. The course clearly addresses the fundamental principles found in the National Science Education Standards. Prerequisites: Completion of biology, concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher mathematics recommended (12 credits).
PHYSICS HONORS - This course covers topics in mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Laboratory exercises are scheduled weekly and are drawn from the topics studied in class. Mathematical treatments involving advanced algebra, trigonometry, and math analysis are employed throughout the course. Prerequisite: Minimum 3.5 G. P. A., "B" average in mathematics, current enrollment in Pre-Calculus or Calculus, and consent of the instructor (12 credits).
BIOLOGY ADVANCED PLACEMENT - Advanced Placement biology is a college level biology course for able and motivated students who intend to take the AP exam in the spring. The course content follows the suggested outline for college biology developed by the College Entrance Exam Board. The topics covered include: molecular biology, genetics and evolution and organisms and populations. It aims to provide the student with the conceptual framework and the analytical skills to understand the current advances in the field of biology. Prerequisite: Grades of "B" in biology, chemistry and mathematics and consent of the instructor (12 credits).
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