Grade level: 11-12

Course #: 3010

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:  Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite:  ICP or Chemistry I, and Biology I

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students completing Environmental Science, acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems. Students enrolled in this course conduct in-depth scientific studies of environmental systems, flow of matter and energy, natural disasters, environmental policies, biodiversity, population, pollution, and natural and anthropogenic resource cycles. Cross-cutting concepts are an integral part of this course. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component using the Science and Engineering Practices.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science (life) course requirement for all diplomas

Grade level:  11-12

Course #:  3020

Length:      Full year

Credit(s):   Two

Diploma:   Counts as a Science Course for all diplomas

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I

AP Biology is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. The major themes of the course include: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes, Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 9-10

Course #: 3024

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors

Prerequisite: None

Biology I is a course based on the following core topics: cellular; structure and function; matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence; inheritance and variation traits; evolution. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPS) and cross-cutting concepts.

Fulfills the Biology requirement for all diplomas

Grade level: 9

Course #: 3024T

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors

Prerequisite: None

Pre-AP Biology I is a course based on the following core topics: cellular chemistry, structure and reproduction; matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence of organisms; molecular basis of heredity; genetics and evolution. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures.  Some topics are covered in more depth than Biology I.  In order to develop a student’s ability in applying the scientific method to solve a problem, a research project will be required and presented at a science fair.

Fulfills the Biology requirement for all diplomas

Grade level: 10-12

Course #:  3026

Length:      Full year

Credit(s):   Two

Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Dual Credit Availability

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I

Biology II is an advanced laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course. Students enrolled in Biology II examine in greater depth the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms. Students also analyze and describe the relationship of Earth’s living organisms to each other and to the environment in which they live. In this course, students refine their scientific inquiry skills as they collaboratively and independently apply their knowledge of the unifying themes of biology to biological questions and problems related to personal and community issues in the life sciences.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science course requirement for all diplomas

Grade Level:  9-10

Course #:   3030

Length:      1 Semester

Credit(s):   One

Diploma:    Counts as a science course for the General diploma only.  Counts as an Elective for the core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors

Prerequisites:  None

Life Science is an introduction to the biology course.  Students develop problem-solving skills and strategies while performing laboratory and field investigations of fundamental biological concepts and principles.  Students explore the functions and processes of cells within all living organisms, the sources and patterns of genetic inheritance and variation leading to biodiversity, and the relationships of living organisms to each other and to the environment as a whole.

Fulfills science requirement for all diplomas

Grade Level: 9-12

Course #:  3044
Length:      Full Year
Credit(s):  Two
Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite:  None

Earth and Space Science I is a course focused on the following core topics: universe; solar system; Earth cycles and systems; atmosphere and hydrosphere; solid Earth; Earth processes. Students analyze and describe earth’s interconnected systems and examine how earth’s materials, landforms, and continents are modified across geological time. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation, by designing and conducting investigations guided by the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPS) and cross-cutting concepts.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science course requirement for all diplomas

Grade Level: 11-12
Course #:  3046
Length:      Full Year
Credit(s):   Two
Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas;

Prerequisite:    Earth and Space Science I

Earth and Space Science II is an extended laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course whereby students apply concepts from other scientific disciplines in synthesizing theoretical models of Earth and its interactions with the macrocosm.  Students enrolled in this course examine various Earth and space science phenomena, such as the structure, composition, and interconnected systems of Earth and the various processes that shape it, as well as Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and celestial environment.  Students analyze and apply the unifying themes of Earth and space science as part of scientific inquiry aimed at investigating Earth and space science problems related to personal needs and community issues.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science course requirement for all diplomas

Grade level: 12

Course #: 3060

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:  Counts as a Science course for all diplomas

Pre-requisite:  Chemistry I, College Algebra or          Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry Pre-AP

AP Chemistry is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. The content includes: (1) structure of matter: atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, molecular models, nuclear chemistry; (2) states of matter: gases, liquids and solids, solutions; and (3) reactions: reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics.

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 10-12

Course #:  3064

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I with an A or B

Chemistry I is a course based on the following core topics: properties and states of matter; atomic structure and the Periodic Table; bonding and molecular structure; reactions and stoichiometry; behavior of gases; thermochemistry; solutions; acids and bases. Students enrolled in Chemistry I compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation, the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPS) and cross-cutting concepts.

Fulfills  Core 40 Science (physical) course requirement for all diplomas

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 11-12

Course #:  3066

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Dual Credit Availability

Pre-requisite:  Chemistry I, Algebra II

Chemistry II is an extended laboratory, field, and literature investigations-based course. Students enrolled in Chemistry II examine the chemical reactions of matter in living and nonliving materials. Based on the unifying themes of chemistry and the application of physical and mathematical models of the interactions of matter, students use the methods of scientific inquiry to answer chemical questions and solve problems concerning personal needs and community issues related to chemistry.

Fulfills  Core 40 Science course requirement for all diplomas

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 10-12

Course #: 3080

Length:     Full Year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as a Science Course for all diplomas; General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors 

Prerequisites:  Algebra II (may be concurrent); ICP or Chemistry I is recommended

AP Physics I is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP Physics 1: Algebra-based is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric.

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 11-12

Course #: 3081

Length:     Full Year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as a Science Course for all diplomas; General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors 

Prerequisites:  AP Physics I; Algebra-based

AP Physics II is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP Physics 2: Algebra-based is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics.

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 10-12

Course #:  3084

Length:      Full year

Credit(s):   Two

Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite:  Algebra II (may be taken concurrently) and  ICP or Chemistry I is recommended

Physics I is a course focused on the following core topics: constant velocity; constant acceleration; forces; energy; linear momentum in one dimension; simple harmonic oscillating systems; mechanical waves and sound; simple circuit analysis. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation using the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPS) and cross-cutting concepts.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science (physical) course requirement for all diplomas

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level: 12

Course #: 3092

Length:     Full Year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:  Counts as a Science Course for all diplomas; General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors 

Prerequisite:  at least 3 years of Core 40 Science courses

Advanced Science, Special Topics is any science course which is grounded in extended laboratory, field, and literature investigations into one or more specialized science disciplines, such as anatomy/physiology, astronomy, biochemistry, botany, ecology, electromagnetism, genetics, geology, nuclear physics, organic chemistry, etc. Students enrolled in this course engage in an in-depth study of the application of science concepts, principles, and unifying themes that are unique to that particular science discipline and that address specific technological, environmental or health-related issues. Under the direction of a science advisor, students enrolled in this course will complete an end-of-course project and presentation, such as a scientific research paper or science fair project, integrating knowledge, skills, and concepts from the student’s course of study. Individual projects are preferred, but group projects may be appropriate if each student in the group has specific and unique responsibilities.

Grade Level:   11-12

Course #:  3092

Length:     2 Semesters

Credit(s):  1 credit per sem., 2 credits maximum

Diploma:   Counts as a Science course for all diplomas; General, Core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors

Recommended Prerequisite: Biology I; ICP/Chemistry I

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws during criminal investigations, as governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure. This course is a laboratory based, exploratory course that encompasses the subjects of chemistry, biology, geology, physics, and psychology as they apply to the criminal justice system.  Students will gain an understanding of the history of forensics, apply the knowledge and technology of science to the definition and enforcement of laws, and study the professions that use their skills to help law enforcement officials conduct their investigations. Students enrolled in this course will explore high-profile criminal case studies and conduct various investigations, including death investigations, that will immerse students in topics such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, hair and fiber analysis, toxicology, DNA testing, and blood spatter as a way to explore how science is utilized within the law enforcement community and the American legal system. Under the direction of their science teacher, students will complete an end-of-course project and presentation.  

Grade level: 9-12

Course #:  3094

Length:     1 Semester

Credit(s):  1 credit per semester, 8 credits maximum

Diploma:  Counts as an elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite: This course must be taken concurrently with a Core 40 science course

Science Tutorial provides students with individualized instruction designed to support success in completing Core 40 science coursework for each year that they are enrolled in Core 40 science courses.

Grade Level:  9-10

Course #:  3102

Length:      1 Semester

Credit(s):   One

Diploma:    Counts toward the physical science requirement for the General diploma.  Counts as an Elective for the core 40, Academic Honors, Technical Honors

Prerequisites:  None

Physical Science is a course in which students develop problem solving skills and strategies while performing laboratory and field investigations of fundamental chemical, physical, and related Earth and space science concepts and principles that are related to students’ interests and that address everyday problems.  Students enrolled in Physical Science will explore the structure and properties of matter, the nature of energy and its role in chemical reactions and the physical and chemical laws that govern Earth’s interconnected systems and forces of nature.

Fulfills science requirement for all diplomas

Grade level: 9

Course #:  3108

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as an Elective for all diplomas

Prerequisite: Algebra I or may be taken concurrently

 Integrated Chemistry-Physics is a course focused on the following core topics: constant velocity; uniform acceleration; Newton’s Laws of motion (one dimension); energy; particle theory of matter; describing substances; representing chemical change; electricity and magnetism; waves; nuclear energy. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation using the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPS) and cross-cutting concepts.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science (physical) course requirement for all diplomas

Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Grade level:  11-12

Course#:   5276

Length:     Full year

Credit(s):  Two

Diploma:   Counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for all diplomas

Dual Credit Availability

Prerequisite: Biology I

Anatomy & Physiology is a course in which students investigate concepts related to Health Science, with emphasis on interdependence of systems and contributions of each system to the maintenance of a healthy body. It introduces students to the cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms, and covers tissues, integument, skeleton, muscular and nervous systems as an integrated unit. Through instruction, including laboratory activities, students apply concepts associated with Human Anatomy & Physiology. Students will understand the structure, organization and function of the various components of the healthy body in order to apply this knowledge in all health related fields.

Fulfills a Core 40 Science course requirement for all diplomas