Biology 1 - An introductory course in general biology. Some of the topics covered are cell biology, genetics, ecology and physiology. There is an important laboratory component once a week.
Biology 2 (AP) - Requires departmental approval. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1. A deeper look at subjects presented in Biology 1. College level laboratories and an oral presentation. Prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.
Chemistry 1 - Departmental Placement Test required. . An introductory course in general chemistry. Topics of study include: Atomic Structure, the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Stoichiometry, Gases, Equilibrium, Thermochemistry, Kinetics, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. There is a weekly laboratory program which provides a “hands-on” learning environment for the student. Chemistry 1 will not explicitly prepare students for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. Placement in Chemistry 1 will require departmental approval in conjunction with the results of a placement test.
Chemistry 1 (Honors) - Departmental Placement Test required. An Honors level introductory course in general Chemistry that will also prepare students to take the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. Topics of study include Atomic Structure, the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Stoichiometry, Gases, Equilibrium, Thermochemistry, Kinetics, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. There is a weekly laboratory program which provides a “hands-on” learning environment for the student. Placement in Chemistry 1 Honors will require departmental approval in conjunction with the results of a placement test.
Chemistry 2 (AP) - Requires departmental approval. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1. A deeper look at subjects presented in Chemistry 1. College level laboratories. Prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry.
Physics 1 (Honors) - A first year lab course that is based on Newtonian physics. It requires a math background in a second year algebra course that includes trigonometry. The basic concepts in kinematics, dynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and energy are covered. The course is both conceptual and quantitative. It develops a basic understanding of the connection between graphing data and relating this to quantitative analysis.
Physics 2 Mechanics (AP) Requires departmental approval. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1. A deeper look, using calculus, into the mechanics present in Physics 1. It involves college-level laboratories, and prepares the student for the C Level Advanced Placement Mechanics Examination in Physics
Physics 2 E&M (AP C) Requires departmental approval. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Physics 1, and AB Calculus. This course involves a deeper look, using calculus, into Electricity and Magnetism. It involves college-level laboratories and prepares the student for the C Level Advanced Placement Magnetism and Electricity Examination in Physics.
Environmental Science (Honors) - Requires departmental approval. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. An in depth look at Environmental Science using the standard text of most college courses, Miller 13th Edition. It is a multi-disciplinary course incorporating elements of biology, chemistry, geography, geology, oceanography, and natural resource management. Activities undertaken outside of classroom include college level laboratories, field investigations, a spring term trip to Chincoteague Island, and a full-term spring project.
Astronomy - Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. The underlying principles of life, earth, and physical science are integrated in the study of our place in the universe. The course will be divided into three major components: solar system, stellar and galactic. Major topics include the history of astronomy, objects of the celestial sky, planetary formation, stellar evolution, galaxies, Big Bang and the search for extraterrestrial life. Students will conduct observations of the night skies and investigative research.
Science Term Courses:
Human Physiology - This term course is designed to provide students not only with information about how the human body functions but also with tips for studying and learning to solve problems. To accomplish this, there will be a number of study aids performed during the course. Students construct a global view of the body, its systems, and the many processes that keep the systems working. This “big picture” is called the integration of systems and is a key theme of the course. Learning to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information are skills that students develop in this course. (Fall)
Kinesiology - This two-term course consists of the study of human movement from the point of view of the physical sciences. The course examines the human body as a machine for the performance of work. Areas of study include biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy and neuromuscular physiology. Students use a hands-on approach with laboratory exercises being performed throughout the term. In this course a foundation is laid for perfecting, repairing and keeping in good condition that incomparable mechanism -- the human body. (Winter/Spring)