Science
Subject area goals Students will discover the processes of the world around them and begin lifelong experiences in science. Scholars are required to take Biology plus two other science courses. College track scholars should have Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Honors Distinction
Overall, scholars must have a 3.0 GPA or better. Students must complete all four sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science) with a B or better in each class for a distinction. The Alternative to taking Earth Science as a 4th science is taking A Brief History of Time. In addition, scholars must read a science classic and write a 1000 word paper. See the list of science classics or talk to a science teacher.
S = Semester Class (meets every other day)
Y = Year long Class (meets every other day)
B = Block Class (1 semester, 1 credit classes) Meets everyday, counts as 2 classes
* = Required Class
220 Biology* (offered 1st semester only)
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: none. Major areas of study: cell structure, function and processes, genetics, classification, microbiology, plants, animals, and ecology. This course includes topics of human reproduction and evolution. It will also include dissection. Field work project required.
227 Biology Honors (offered 1st semester only)
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. Accelerated
220 course requirements plus investigation of current topics in biology.
230 Chemistry (offered 2nd semester only)
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra 1.
Includes the forces that act within the atom in nuclear chemistry, the qualitative nature of atoms as elements of the periodic table, forces acting within and between molecules, process of chemical reactions, correct lab procedures, measurement and math with problem solving techniques in chemistry.
237 Chemistry Honors (2nd semester only)
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra 1 & teacher recommendation. Accelerated.
230 course requirements while going deeper into the history and scope of science in today's world.
211 Earth Science (offered 2nd semester only)
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: None.
Explores the Earth inside and out and beyond by studying the environment, geology, meteorology, oceanography and space studies.
231 Physics
B - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology & Geometry.
In this class we will study Physics and Astronomy together, as they have been studied for many centuries, beginning with the early observations of Copernicus and Galileo and continuing on through the explorations of space. The physics portion will include the study of the forces of nature, interactions between objects, different forms of energy (heat, light, and acoustics…), and some relativistic theory. Astronomy will include the study of what is in "outer space" (stars, planets, comets, meteors and…). Selections from Newton's Principia will be studied in this course.
235 A Brief History of Time
S - 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of 3 science classes.
In this class scholars read, ponder and discuss the science classic A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. Grades are based off of participation in discussion and projects as assigned by the teacher.