Science

Faculty

Students need two units of science to graduate. They may choose the area of study. Students may take science courses at different points in their high school careers; for example, some may take biology as freshmen while others may wait until later years. There are several areas of science that are common to all science courses.

• Science Connections - Conduct scientific studies using models, scientific methods and otherresearch tools to study systems found in nature or human-made.
   
• Nature of Science -Explain how scientific knowledge is attained. Describe the ethical problems that may result when doing scientific research. Research and present the
  contributions to society of scientists from various backgrounds.
   
• Science Inquiry - Research scientific concepts. Undertake scientific investigations using
  appropriate scientific methods, technology and tools. Use computer-based
  technology, mathematics and scientific vocabulary to communicate results.
   
• Scientific Application -Research a selected career in science, technology or engineering. Study a local, state, national or global problem in which technology has been used to design a solution.
   
• Science in Social and Personal Perspectives - Draw connections between the effects of science upon society and of society upon the natural world. Examine a social problem of local, national or global importance and use scientific knowledge and analysis to discuss possible solutions.

BIOLOGY 1 Biology, the study of life, offers an organized and scientific framework for posing and answering questions about the natural world. Biologists study questions about how living things work, how they interact with the environment, and how they change over time. In this course, students will consider the characteristics, basic chemistry, and building blocks of living things. Content will include the structures and functions of organisms, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence of organisms, behavior of organisms, and matter, energy, and organization in living systems. Topics can include cell structure and function, photosynthesis, genetic engineering, microorganisms and fungi, plants, animals, the human body, reproduction, and other related topics. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and can do research to extend their understanding of biological concepts and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and can do research to extend their understanding of biological concepts and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills.

BIOLOGY 2 Biology 2 is an advanced course designed for the student whose major interest is in the field of biology or a field requiring a strong foundation in the biological sciences. It emphasizes a more in-depth study of the content and related topics described in Biology 1. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and do research to extend their understanding of biological concepts and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills

AP BIOLOGY AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. Primary emphasis is placed on understanding concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Three general topical areas are covered: *Molecules and Cells; *Heredity and Evolution; and *Organisms and Populations. The eight major themes include: (1) Science as a Process; (2) Evolution; (3) Energy Transfer; (4) Continuity and Change; (5) Relationship of Structure to Function; (6) Regulation; (7) Interdependence in Nature; and (8) Science, Technology, and Society.

CHEMISTRY 1 Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter, changes in composition and the physical laws controlling these changes. Chemistry deals with the materials of the universe and the changes that these materials undergo. A basic understanding of chemistry is central to all sciences, everyday life, and to discoveries in science and technology. In this course students will investigate the structure and makeup of various physical and chemical substances. Content will include structures of atoms and matter, chemical composition, reactions and bonding, conservation of energy, the structural and organizational properties of matter, and the interactions of matter and energy. Topics can include the periodic table, nomenclature, measurements and calculations, data analysis, atomic theory, states of matter, solutions, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrochemistry, radioactivity and nuclear energy, organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry of the environment and other related topics. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and can do research to extend their understanding of chemistry and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills.

PHYSICS 1 Physics is a branch of scientific knowledge that involves the study of the basic principles of matter and energy and how they interact with one another. Studying physics helps students to describe the organization of the universe and understand and apply natural laws. In this course students will investigate the inter-relationship between matter and energy and will apply their discoveries to the practical application of physics concepts to real world needs. Content will include structure of atoms and matter, the principles of motion and force, conservation of energy and the increase in disorder, and interactions or matter and energy. Topics may include momentum, work, power and machines, energy transfer, thermal energy, sound, waves, reflection and refraction, static electricity, electromagnetism, quantum theory, nuclear applications and other related topics. Physics courses can be conceptual-based and/or mathematics-based. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and can do research to extend their understanding of physics and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS Physics Concepts is a less rigorous laboratory-oriented physics course. This course is designed to ignite students? interest in physics through meaningful examples and activities. The focus of the course is on the concepts identified in Physics 1 that guide the physical world. Students will conduct laboratory investigations and can do research to extend their understanding of physics concepts and apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills. Mathematics proficiency is not required for this course.

AP PHYSICS B AP Physics B is designed for students who will pursue studies in the life sciences, medicine, geology, and related areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. Physics B includes topics in both classical and modern physics.

ROBOTICS SCIENCE Robotics provides integrated hardware, software and educational resources for use in the science classroom. Students learn to design, program and control fully-functional models and robots that carry out life-like automated tasks. Robots and automated systems play an integral role in everyday life. Future innovators will require the skills to create, program and maintain complex automated systems that drive industry, from manufacturing, information technology and skilled trades. Students will learn how to integrate science and engineering to work in teams. Students will also design, analyze, use applied mathematics and physics, to perform complex calculations in the construction to understand patterns, and variables.