Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
Students enrolled in IPC explore the laws that govern the nature of matter. This is accomplished by students actively participating in lab activities where they are expected to collect data and apply basic algebraic formulas and writing skills in summarizing their results.
Biology I
This is a general survey course that presents the facts of biology within a pattern of unifying themes that helps students understand the larger significance of the details that they are learning. Examples of themes studied are natural selection, reproduction and inheritance, development, structure and function, energy relationships, ecology, and science and society. Emphasis is also placed on developing critical thinking, laboratory and writing skills. At the completion of two semesters of Biology I, students take a statewide end-of-course exam.
Pre AP Biology I
Pre AP Biology I is a pre-Advanced Placement level course designed for very capable science students who may wish to take AP Biology II. This course generally covers the same themes as the Biology I course, but it has correlation to contemporary molecular biology. Students are required to analyze and synthesize concepts and draw inferences from new information. Laboratory work is designed to emphasize investigation rather than illustration and greater emphasis is placed on independent thinking. At the completion of two semesters of Pre AP Biology I, students take a statewide end-of-course exam.
AP Biology II
This is a college-preparatory course designed for students who have taken Pre AP Biology I. Previous concepts studied in Pre AP Biology I and new concepts will be covered in greater detail. Greater emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigations. Students will be performing laboratory investigations included in the AP Biology curriculum as well as designing their own experiments. This course may not be offered each year.
Chemistry I
This course uses a combination of computer, laser disc and teacher presentation to teach students basic concepts of chemistry. Class discussion generally centers on issues arising from homework assignments. The course work consists primarily of physical and inorganic chemistry with limited units (depending on time constraints) on nuclear and organic chemistry. Laboratory work requires students to demonstrate skills in quantitative, qualitative and analytical lab techniques.
Pre AP Chemistry
Pre AP Chemistry is a pre-Advanced Placement level course designed for very capable science students who may wish to take AP Chemistry II. This course generally covers the same themes as the Chemistry I course, but greater emphasis is placed on independent thinking. Laboratory work is designed to emphasize investigation rather than illustration.
Pre AP Physics
This first year of physics is a college-preparatory course for students with deeper scientific interest in knowing how our universe works through laboratory work and mathematical theory. Topics covered are laws of motion, forces, energy, work, and torque. AstroWorld becomes our outdoor lab in the spring to reinforce the reality of the concepts studied in class all year. It is recommended that the student be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus.
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