The curriculum for 6-12 science is designed to integrate our school mission with courses that both reinforce and challenge, taught in a structured environment designed to encourage success. The scope and sequence of 6-8 emphasizes understanding and mastery of foundation skills for the smoothest possible transition to upper school curriculum. Our high school science offers all state required courses for graduation and college admission.
Earth Science – 9
Earth science reinforces the interconnectedness of the four main Earth systems: the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. In this course, the students will gain an understanding of the sub-specialties of Earth Science concerning climatology, paleontology, hydrology, geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. Lectures, discussions, discovery labs, videos and laboratory work will be methods of instruction. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Earth Science – Honors – 9
Earth science reinforces the interconnectedness of the four main Earth systems: the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. In this course, the students will gain an understanding of the sub-specialties of Earth Science concerning climatology, paleontology, hydrology, geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. Lectures, discussions, discovery labs, videos and laboratory work will be methods of instruction. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards. This course goes into more depth for each topic.
Biology – 10
The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations and understanding of biological sciences. In depth study of the following concepts in included: the cell, the molecular bases of heredity, the interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems and the adaptive responses of organisms. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Honors Biology – 10
The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations and understanding of biological sciences. In depth study of the following concepts in included: the cell, the molecular bases of heredity, the interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems and the adaptive responses of organisms. Honors Biology is similar to Biology in terms of content, but proceeds at a faster pace and includes more in-depth studies. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Chemistry – 11
The Chemistry course encourages students to continue their investigation of the structure of matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in these reactions. Inquiry is applied to the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties of substances. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts and incorporates activities that promote investigations to reinforce the concepts. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Honors Chemistry – 11
The honors Chemistry course encourages students to continue their investigation of the structure of matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in theses reactions. Inquiry is applied to the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties of substances. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts and incorporates activities that promote investigations to reinforce the concepts. This course is different from the Chemistry course in that it goes more in depth with concepts and calculations. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Human Anatomy and Physiology – 12
In this course, students will be actively involved in studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The major human tissues and organ systems are studied in detail. Students participate in a variety of activities which include identifying bones of the skeleton and skull, identifying muscles by origin and insertion, and taking blood pressure and heartbeat readings. Students will also carry out a detailed and systematic dissection of a fetal pig.
Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology – 12
In this course, students will be actively involved in studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The major human tissues and organ systems are studied in detail. Students participate in a variety of activities which include identifying bones of the skeleton and skull, identifying muscles by origin and insertion, and taking blood pressure and heartbeat readings. Students will also carry out a detailed and systematic dissection of a fetal pig. The honors class covers the same information as the regular Anatomy class, but with more in-depth study of each topic.
Physics – 12
Physics is the study of the interactions between matter and energy. Completion of Algebra II is recommended. Topics covered are linear motion, forces in one and tow dimensions, Newton’s Laws of motion, universal gravitation, energy, work, simple machines, impulse and momentum, waves, static electricity, and electrical circuits. Students investigate concepts with labs with formal lab reports and/or web quests for each topic. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.
Honors Physics – 12
Honors Physics is the study of the interactions between matter and energy. Completion of Algebra II is required, and completion of Pre-Calculus (or a Trigonometry course) is recommended. Topics covered are linear motion, forces in one and two dimensions, Newton’s Laws of motion, universal gravitation, energy, work, and simple machines, impulse and momentum, waves, static electricity, electrical circuits, and the development of Einstein’s E=mc2 equation. Students investigate concepts in labs with formal lab reports and/or with web quests for each topic. Honors Physics is similar to Physics in terms of content, but proceeds at a faster pace, includes more in-depth study, and includes more mathematical rigor. Content taught in this class align with National and State Science content standards.