GENERAL SCIENCE

This is a “survey” of various scientific realms to include Geology, Physical Science, Astronomy, the Animal Kingdom and Atomic Structure and Bonding among other subjects. Special emphasis on extensive note-taking, study skills, the metric system of measurements and graphic presentation of data (charts and graphs). The course is designed to supply the entry-level student with the tools and background she will need to succeed in her future pursuit of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and related fields.

BIOLOGY

Biology is the study of living things. Topics covered are: the nature of science, biology as a science, an introduction to chemistry, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, cell energy: photosynthesis and respiration, nucleic acids: DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, cell growth and division, introduction to genetics, genes and chromosomes, human heredity, evolution and the scientific classification system. Laboratory work reinforces these concepts through the use of the scientific method.

BIOLOGY (HONORS)

Honors Biology is the study of living things. Topics covered are: the nature of science, biology as a science, an introduction to chemistry, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, cell energy: photosynthesis and respiration, nucleic acids: DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, cell growth and division, introduction to genetics, genes and chromosomes, human heredity, evolution and the scientific classification system. Laboratory work reinforces these concepts through the use of the scientific method.

CHEMISTRY

This course attempts to provide an introduction to the basic physical principles of chemistry and science and an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills that will be beneficial in college or in any professional endeavor.

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (HONORS)

This course is designed for high school students with an aptitude in science and mathematics and serves as a second high school chemistry course. It attempts to provide the equivalent of the first year of college chemistry and aims to accomplish two things: (1) to impart an understanding of basic physical principles and (2) to enable students to solve a variety of problems in the content areas covered. Efforts are made to strike a balance between nurturing and understanding of basic principles (conceptual insight) and developing practical problem-solving skills.

PHYSICS (HONORS)

This is a wide-range class which gives each student a taste of concepts, ideas and methodologies across the physical spectrum. It includes:
1. mechanics (motion, energy and gravity)
2. properties of matter (atomic nature, states of matter)
3. heat (temperature, heat transfer and phase change)
4. sound and light (waves, reflection/refraction, diffraction and interference)
5. electricity and magnetism (fields, currents and induction)
6. atomic and nuclear physics (quantum theory, radioactivity, fission and fusion)

In addition to 1-6 all honor students must complete an individual science project during the first semester and compete in the school-wide science fair. During the second semester all honor students are required to submit a research paper on a Physics-related topic.