SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

This course is a one year course divided into two parts:  basic concepts of chemistry and physics.  This course is intended for the college bound student. Emphasis is on strengthening scientific reasoning skills.  All students in labs are required to wear safety glasses.

An introductory life sciences class.  This course will cover basic biological concepts and information.  Some lab activities are offered and students are required to wear safety glasses.

Science Today is a course designed for students needing to fulfill their science credit requirements.  This class will study current science topics in today’s world.  Considerable time will be spent reading and writing on current articles in science magazines, newspapers, etc.  Students will also spend time using the internet to research international, national regional, and local newspapers as well as many science related websites.  This research will be used for in-class writings on science topics.

Chemistry helps students develop a better understanding of their physical world and prepares them for future training in the pursuit of technical and health careers.  Topics include:  atomic theory-classical and quantum, periodic table, bonding, gas laws, energy, reaction rate and equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and introductory organic chemistry. This class will include lecture, demonstration, laboratory, and problem solving activities are integrated into the course.  All lab students are required to wear safety glasses.

This class focuses on bacteria and provides the training necessary to perform basic microbiology laboratory techniques including cultivating, staining and identifying bacteria.  Since this is a lab-based class, students will be expected to correctly write lab reports in standard scientific format.  All students in laboratory classes are required to wear safety glasses.

Genetics is an advanced course intended for college preparatory work.  This course is aimed to demonstrate in a logical way some of the basic principles of inheritance.   Genetics includes a study of the fundamental laws of heredity and variations, cytogenetics and laboratory specimens that demonstrate the mechanisms of heredity.

This course will cover the physical and biological environments of organisms with an emphasis on interactions within ecosystems.  The interactions between organisms and their environment will be discussed with emphasis on human impacts.  This course will involve outdoor experiences that will enhance the classroom learning.

Advanced Chemistry involves a review of extension of concepts introduced in Chemistry.  More in-depth study of important concepts are supported by extensive lab activities.  Since the goal of the class is to prepare the students for the AP Chemistry exam in May, the pace, content, and rigor of the class is similar to that of college level general chemistry.  All students in laboratory are required to wear safety glasses.

This class will approach physics with an emphasis on concepts supported by adequate mathematics.  Numerous lab activities will expand upon the ideas presented in the text and lecture.  Technology will be an integral part of all lab sessions.  Upon completion of the class, students will be able to appreciate physics that surround them.  They should also be prepared to manage the rigor of introductory college physics.  All students will be required to wear safety glasses during labs.