Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 8th

Weight: 1.0

General Science 8 is a course designed to give students an understanding of the connection between matter and energy as well as the principles of motion. Topics included in this course will include the structure and interaction of matter, principles of energy and energy transformation, the motion of objects, simple machines and electricity.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 9th – 11th

Weight: 1.0

Ecology is a freshman level Biology class that is available for 9th graders. The class sets students on a pace so that they fulfill their requirements for the Biology Keystone within two academic year. The course covers the Ecology and Evolution content area of the Biology Keystone exam.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 9th – 12th

Weight: 1.0

This course is designed to give an introduction to cell biology, genetics and ecology. Topics covered include: cell structure and function, nucleic acid function and structure, human genetics and interactions of organisms with their environment. Test format includes multiple choice and essay. Lab activities will be performed. Also, lab experiments will require written lab reports.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 11th – 12th

Weight: 1.0

Biology II is a course intended for individuals that are college bound, with intent to pursue a career in a biology related field, such as; microbiology, zoology, ecology, botany, and entomology… Students will do a vast amount of dissections on varying specimens while learning the specimen’s anatomy. They will learn classifications and use comparative physiology to group the organisms in their correct classifications. Students will also investigate each organism’s niche and how their role is important. Students will spend time learning the physiology of plants and plant identification.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 9th – 11th

Weight: 1.0

Honors Biology is a freshman level class that is available for 9th graders that held an 85% or higher average in 8th grade science. The class sets students on a faster pace so that they may fulfill their requirements for the Biology Keystone exam within one academic year. The course covers the content area of the entire Biology Keystone exam.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 10th – 12th

Weight: 1.0

The first half of this course deals with the constructive and deconstructive forces of the Earth. We begin with mineral and rock identification and move into volcanoes, earthquakes, and the effects of weathering and climate. The second half of the year is dedicated to the study of space, primarily our solar system. This course includes lecture, small and large group work, papers, and presentations.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 10th – 12th

Weight: 1.04

Chemistry I is an introduction to our understanding of the atomic and molecular nature of matter. The use of mathematics (Algebra) to explain and predict aspects of the physical world is a central concept, as is the development of a systematic approach to solve complex problems. Topics include: classifications of matter (elements and compounds), chemical reactions, acids and bases, gases and gas laws, and others.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 11th – 12th

Weight: 1.08

Advanced topics in chemistry, intended for students interested in majoring in science-related fields. Oxidation and reduction, the quantum mechanical description of the atom, thermochemistry, and advanced acid/base equilibrium are typical topics. This course is an excellent way to prepare for college chemistry.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 9th – 12th

Weight: 1.0

Environmental Science is a course intended for everyone. Students will learn about environmental health, laws, new energy, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. There will be guest speakers and a number of outdoor labs. Labs will teach students how to study the environment from a scientist’s perspective. They will see how an individual can impact the environment and will learn how new innovative studies could make oil obsolete.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 11th and 12th

Weight: 1.08

Prerequisite: Overall GPA of 90%, a 93% in content area and a member of the National Honor Society. Must have a 90% or above in                             the Sciences.

The use of mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry) is used to describe, explain, and predict the behavior of physical objects and systems. Central topics include: forces and motion (kinematics), momentum, energy, and electricity, simple machines, waves, light and optics, and electricity and electrical circuits. Recommended for students pursuing further education in science.

Credit: 1

Grades Offered: 11th and 12th

Weight: 1.08

This course involves the study of the human body from cellular to systematic levels. Major topics covered throughout the year will be: general review of biochemistry, tissues, anatomical position and directional terms, skeletal systems, the muscular system, the digestive system, and the circulatory system. Each exam will combine written tests involving short answer or practical tests specifically focusing on the identification of bone structures, muscles, organs, etc. Lab experiments will also require a written lab report. Students must have taken Chemistry I and passed with a 75% or higher.