Anatomy & Physiology is the study of the body’s structures and respective functions at the molecular/biochemical, cellular, tissue, and organ systemic and organism levels. Students explore the body through laboratory investigations, model diagrams, and/or comparative studies of the anatomy of other organisms. Through the study of the human body, students develop an understanding of who they are, what makes their bodies work, and what happens when their bodies malfunction. Decision making and responsibility are stressed as students learn about themselves and develop an understanding of the effects of their choices and decisions. The study of Anatomy & Physiology prepares students for a variety of pursuits such as health care, sports, and fitness careers, as well as for taking an active part in their own health and wellness. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

AP Biology is a course that helps students prepare for the AP Biology test and also develop a conceptual framework for modern Biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The course helps students develop useful laboratory practices and the analytical skills to be successful in college-level science classes and in their future careers. Students have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement (AP) test in the spring to earn college credit. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: Algebra I, District Placement Scores

AP Chemistry prepares students to take the AP Chemistry test and is designed to be the equivalent of a general Chemistry course at the college level. The course focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of Chemistry and fostering strong abilities to use chemical calculations effectively. Further, chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of Chemistry principles is emphasized. Lab experiences in the course are typical of first-year-college general Chemistry courses and focus on quantitative aspects of Chemistry. The AP Chemistry course builds student abilities to think critically, clearly, and logically, as well as become effective communicators. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: Pre-AP Chemistry or Equivalent, Algebra II

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The AP Environmental Science course enhances students’ higher order thinking and reasoning abilities. Prerequisites: Biology

AP Physics A course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level Physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. In this course, students develop a conceptual framework for modern Physics and an appreciation of Science as a process. The course helps students develop useful laboratory practices and the analytical skills to be successful in college-level Science classes and in their future careers. Students have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement (AP) test in the spring to earn college credit. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra II

AP Physics B course is an Algebra-based, introductory college-level Physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear Physics. 25% of instructional time is spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations which provide students with opportunities to apply Science practices. Students have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement (AP) test in the spring to earn college credit. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: AP Physics A or comparable introductory course; Students should have taken or be concurrently enrolled in Precalculus or an equivalent course.

This is a laboratory science course studying life from the simplest one-celled forms to the complex multi-cellular organisms. The course includes areas such as cellular structure and function, genetics, natural selection, populations, and biodiversity. This is accomplished through lecture, visuals, and structured laboratory exercises which demonstrate the dynamics of living things. Prerequisites: Algebra I Recommended

Honors Biology is a course that helps students prepare for AP Biology and other AP science courses, and develop a conceptual framework for modern Biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The course helps students develop useful laboratory practices and the analytical skills to be successful in college-level science classes and in their future careers. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: Algebra I, District Placement Scores

Chemistry is the science that examines the structure of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It is based on both experiment and theory. As a result, the student comes to an understanding of the chemical world through a combination of laboratory experiments and analysis of the underlying theories. Topics will be studied using a combination of lecture/discussion, textbook reading, worksheets, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments. A course notebook is maintained, and lab write-ups are required. A solid foundation in math is important for success in this course. Prerequisites: Biology Recommended

The course focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of Chemistry and fostering strong abilities to use chemical calculations effectively. Chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of Chemistry principles are emphasized. Lab experiences in the course are typical of first-year college general Chemistry courses and focus on quantitative aspects of Chemistry. This course earns weighted credit. Prerequisites: Algebra II

Earth Science is a course that emphasizes the process of scientific investigation through the study of the physical world. Discussion of the earth and its materials, processes, history, and position in space are included. This course introduces the student to the quantitative nature of knowledge and the skills of scientific investigation. Prerequisites: Placement based on Reading Level

Forensic Science gives students a basic understanding of the chemistry, physics, and biology used in crime- scene investigations. This course also delves into how these sciences are used in the courtroom. Labs, collaborative activities, investigations, and case studies are used to provide students with fundamental knowledge of crime scene investigations and how they are used in society. Prerequisites: Biology or Equivalent

The Investigative Science course is designed to give students a look into many earth sciences concepts and phenomena. It is an exploration of how our earth rotates relative to the sun and how latitude contributes to various weather patterns and seasons. It is also the study of earth’s spheres and interactive processes, human impact on ethical, social, economic, and political implications, and the role of energy to Astronomy. Students work with technology and create projects and other meaningful outlets to show their knowledge of the world around us and beyond.

This is a laboratory Science course studying life from the simplest one-celled forms to the complex multi-cellular organisms. The course includes areas such as cellular structure and function, natural selection, populations, and biodiversity. This course is structured to provide support in vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and the writing of lab reports. Students in this course learn about biological principles while strengthening their language art skills. Prerequisites: Placement Based on Reading Level

Physical Science courses involve study of the structures and states of matter. Typically (but not always) offered as introductory survey courses, they may include such topics as forms of energy, wave phenomenon, electromagnetism, and physical and chemical interactions. Prerequisites: Earth & Space and Biology or Life Science

This lab-oriented Science course offers an overview of Physics and Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing conceptual understandings of the following topics: Motion, Forces, and Momentum, Work, Energy Storage and Transfer; Physical, Chemical, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Matter; and Atomic and Nuclear Processes. Prerequisites: Earth & Space and Biology or Life Science

This course covers the study of matter, energy, and information and their interactions in all systems. This course emphasizes hands-on activities that provide students the opportunity to practice physical thinking based on models and the integration of physical ideas with Mathematics. Students conduct experiments that gather and analyze physical data by mathematical and graphical means. This course covers topics such as energy and information, kinematics, motion, forces, waves, atomic structure and the interaction of light and matter. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Scientific Inquiry or equivalent recommended