Science

Engage in scientific inquiry — don't just memorize it!

Students I the Biology course learn the foundational skills of scientific inquiry (e.g., the scientific process, measurement, lab safety) and study life forms, from a single cell to a larger, complex organisms like plants and animals. The class relies heavily on lab and field work to apply and explore the concepts of the course. An honors-level course is available to students interested in a challenge. That course moves at a faster pace, incorporated more mathematical application, and ultimately covers more material than the standard Biology class.

Sample Topics: Scientific process, macromolecules, cell theory, cellular transport, taxonomy, body systems.

Examine the physical universe, ask questions, and test ideas.

Chemistry is defined as the study of composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Since matter is anything that has mass and occupies space, chemistry affects all aspects of life, both living and nonliving. This course will teach students how to examine the physical universe, ask questions, and test ideas. Both honors-level and conceptual courses are available. Students in the honors class are expected to be able to apply and manipulate mathematical concepts to their study of chemistry. A strong grasp of algebraic concepts is necessary for success in the course. For students who struggle with math, the conceptual course offers an opportunity for students to learn about the laws and theories of chemistry devoid of any intensive mathematical application.

Sample Topics: Atomic structure and theory, the role of the electron, trends in the periodic table, chemical bonding, the classification of chemical reactions, the mole, gas laws, and acid-base theory.

Examine the physical world around you and think like an engineer.

In this course, students use mathematics to examine the physical world around them. Follow a three-step learning sequence:

1. Mechanical engineering
2. Civil engineering
3. Electrical engineering

All units will include a large number of hands-on labs that will supplement classroom material and aid in deeper comprehension.

Sample Topics: Force, energy, motion, Newtonian mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves.

The chemistry occurring in living organisms.

Biochemistry is the branch of science concerned with the chemical and physicochemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. In order to grasp biochemistry concepts, a strong foundation in chemistry and knowledge of organic chemistry is essential. Therefore, this course will be broken into three main components: chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. In addition, the course will include opportunities to strengthen student lab skills by completing topic related labs and writing lab reports. A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for this honors level course.

Sample Topics: 

• Chemistry - Periodic Table, Nomenclature, Reactions, Mole, and Stoichiometry.
• Organic Chemistry - Hydrocarbons and Functional Groups.
• Biochemistry - Carbohydrates, Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins, Enzymes, Lipids, Nucleic Acids, and Metabolism.

Study environmental disasters, our climate, and predict what the future will hold for our planet.

Students first gain an overview of Environmental Science basics, then apply those to research projects on environmental disasters. Students take a robust look at how planetary climates establish their equilibrium temperature. Seniors also look at historical data and compare and contrast with the modern anthropogenic warning trend. They analyze the current warning, greenhouse gas emissions, and the future impacts climates change will have on our planet.

Learn about the body, memorize it's parts, and prepare for a career in the medical field.

A&P is anatomical study of the systems forming the human body. Emphasis is placed on the organs forming each system, the embryonic development of the system, and the functions of the tissues and the organs of each system. The course includes a brief physiological review with each system and also provides a physiological-chemical study of the systems forming the human body. The course focuses on the relationships between the systems and the maintenance of homeostatic condition within the body. Diseases, defects, and abnormalities are covered with each system. Content is learned through lectures, readings, group work, projects, and hands-on laboratory procedures.