Science Courses

Required Courses

Biology I (Academic)

Grade 9
2 credits
Prerequisite: none

Biology I is an introductory science course emphasizing terminology, the major groups of organisms, homeostasis, biochemistry/nutrition, cells, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Time is dedicated to helping students think independently and scientifically and to developing successful study skills. Special emphasis is placed on making material covered relate to our everyday existence through lab activities, uses of technology, and various projects throughout the course.

Biology I (Honors)

Grade 9
2 credits
Prerequisite: Guidance Counselor approval

Biology I is an introductory science course emphasizing terminology, the major groups of organisms, homeostasis, biochemistry/nutrition, cells, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Time is dedicated to helping students think independently and scientifically and to developing successful study skills. Special emphasis is placed on making material covered relate to our everyday existence through lab activities, uses of technology, and various projects throughout the course. Students will be expected to learn material in greater depth and be able to work independently and in small groups to complete labs. This class is intended as the track for those students considering IB Biology or other Honors Science Courses.

Biology II (Honors)

Grade 11
1 credits
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Physics

Biology II is an advanced laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course. Students enrolled in Biology II examine in greater depth the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms. Students also analyze and describe the relationship of Earth’s living organisms to each other and to the environment in which they live. In this course, students refine their scientific inquiry skills as they collaboratively and independently apply their knowledge of the unifying themes of biology to biological questions, and problems related to personal and community issues in the life sciences. This course is required as an introduction for IB Biology Standard Level.

Biology Standard Level, International Baccalaureate

Grades 12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Physics

Biology Standard Level is a life science course established by the International Baccalaureate Organization. In Diploma Programme biology, it is hoped that students will acquire a body of facts and at the same time develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject. There are four basic biological concepts that run throughout the course: structure and function; universality versus diversity; and equilibrium within systems. Students also study cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology, evolution, human health, and physiology as well as additional IB topics as determined by the instructor.

Biology Higher Level, International Baccalaureate

Grades 11-12
4 credits
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, Physics I (Required grades: a B- or above in each honors science course OR an A in each academic course)

This is an advanced course in biology that is similar in breadth and depth to a first year college biology class. In addition to the standard level topics, higher level students must complete study in the following topics: nucleic acids and proteins; cell respiration and photosynthesis; human reproduction; defense against infectious diseases; nerves, muscles and movement; excretion; plant science as well as additional IB topics as determined by the instructor.

Chemistry I (Academic)

Grades 10-11
2 credits
Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I

Chemistry I (Academic) is a comprehensive introductory course that will help students develop a better understanding of their physical world. Students are expected and encouraged to develop critical, independent thinking skills, use technology to gather and organize data, and work collaboratively in groups. We use a modeling curriculum that follows the history of the development of the atom. Our study of chemistry will begin with the macroscopic and visible aspects of the discipline and proceed throughout the course to the atomic level. Topics covered include basic lab skills and data presentation, kinetic molecular theory and gas laws, chemical formulas and reactions, the mole concept, and multiple applications of stoichiometry. Additional topics such as periodic trends, acid-base theory, and equilibrium will be added as time permits.

 Chemistry I (Honors)

Grade 10
2 credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Chemistry I (Honors) covers the same content as Chemistry I (Academic) but students will be challenged to work more independently. The rigor of coursework, lab analysis and exams is greater. The level of expectation for problem solving will also be more challenging. Students enrolled in Chemistry I (Honors) are preparing to move on to Physics I (Honors) and an I.B. Science in their junior/senior years.

 Chemistry II (Honors)

Grade 11
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Algebra II (may be taken concurrently with this course)

Chemistry II is an extended laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course. Students enrolled in Chemistry II examine the chemical reactions of matter in living and nonliving materials. Based on the unifying themes of chemistry and the application of physical and mathematical models of the interactions of matter, students use the methods of scientific inquiry to answer chemical questions and solve problems concerning personal needs and community issues related to chemistry. This course is required as an introduction to IB Chemistry Standard Level.

Chemistry Standard Level, International Baccalaureate

Grades 11-12
2 credits
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Algebra II (may be taken concurrently with this course)

Standard level IB Chemistry is a rigorous course in chemistry. The course places particular emphasis on laboratory work. Students will use scientific inquiry and model the scientific method throughout the course. They will design their own experiments, do their own research and generate their own scientific questions. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, stoichiometry, atomic theory, chemical bonding theory, states of matter, the periodic table and carbon chemistry. This course is designed to help prepare students for success in both the lab and lecture aspects of college sciences.

Chemistry Higher Level, International Baccalaureate

Grades 11-12
4 credits
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Algebra II (may be taken concurrently with this course) (Required grades: a B- or above in each honors science course OR an A in each academic course)

Chemistry Higher Level, International Baccalaureate is designed to introduce students to the theories and practical techniques involved in the composition, characterization, and transformation of substances. As the central science, the chemical principles investigated underpin both the physical world in which we live and all biological systems. Students study eleven core topics: stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry. Students must complete additional study in nine topics: atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry.

 Integrated Chemistry-Physics

Grade 10-11
2 credits
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and Algebra I (may be taken concurrently with this course)

Integrated Chemistry-Physics is a laboratory-based course in which students explore fundamental chemistry and physics principles. Students enrolled in this course examine, through the process of scientific inquiry, the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces, motion, and the interactions between energy and matter. Working in a laboratory environment, students investigate the basics of chemistry and physics in solving real-world problems that may have personal or social consequences beyond the classroom.

 Physics I (Academic)

Grades 10-11
2 credits
Prerequisite: Algebra I

Physics I allows students to synthesize the fundamental concepts and principles concerning matter and energy. Their scientific knowledge is modeled from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation as they design and conduct investigations. Based on their data, the students analyze, evaluate and communicate the results of their investigations. In this way, they develop models of the physical world around them apply these models to solve new problems while being aware of the limitations of the models. The core topics addressed in this course include models of energy, mechanical waves, sound, light, electricity, motion, forces, and momentum. Energy is considered as a unifying thread that weaves throughout each of these topics as well as all the sciences.

 Physics I (Honors)

Grades 10-11
2 credits
Co-requisite: Honors Pre-Calculus

Prerequisite: B+ or above in Honors Chemistry OR A in Academic Chemistry with teacher recommendation
The concepts addressed in this honors course are the same as Academic Physics I, but the level of mathematical rigor is much greater in this honors class. Thus, the requirements for problem solving, laboratory analysis, and course exams are significantly more challenging. This honors class provides skills that are vital for success in IB science classes and is also strongly recommended for any student considering future science-related careers.

Elective Courses

Biology II (Anatomy & Physiology)

Grade 10-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I

Biology II (Anatomy & Physiology) is a course in which students investigate and apply concepts associated with human anatomy and physiology. Concepts covered include the structures and processes of various tissues, organs and organ systems. Emphasis will be on histology, morphology, and organization of the body as well with various physiological processes. Laboratory experiences (dissection, use of microscopes, models, and other lab equipment) will be used often to apply knowledge of various course topics.

Biology II (Genetics & Forensics)

Grade 10-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I

Biology II is a course in which students investigate and apply concepts associated with the genetics unit studied in Biology I. Topics such as biotechnology, genetic diseases, ethical issues, and gene manipulation will be covered. In addition, forensic topics such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis and scientific problem
solving methods will be addressed. Laboratory experience, discussion and small group work will be important components of the class. Current technological advances within the field of genetics will also be discussed.

Biology II (Zoology)

Grade 10-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I

Zoology is the scientific study of animals from cells to tissues to populations to whole animals. Zoology is a laboratory-based course that will survey the eight major phyla of the Animal Kingdom. Morphology, taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology will be investigated. Participation in specimen dissection is required. Comparative studies may be addressed during laboratory observations and dissections.

Environmental Science

Grade 10-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: None

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students enrolled in this course conduct in-depth scientific studies of ecosystems, population dynamics, resource management, and environmental consequences of natural and anthropogenic processes. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component. Students completing Environmental Science, Advanced acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems.

Physics II (Engineering) (H)

Grades 11-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: B+ or above Honors Physics OR Physics teacher recommendation

Students enrolled in Physics II significantly expand upon the physical models they developed in Physics I. They investigate physical phenomena and develop empirical and theoretical models that are useful in understanding the interacting systems of the macro- and microcosms. Students extensively explore the unifying themes of physics in the laboratory and as they tackle challenging engineering problems. Core physics topics include advanced kinematics, dynamics, and electromagnetism. Aerospace, electrical, and mechanical applications are addressed as the students tackle challenging engineering problems and projects.