Science Department

Integrated Science
Description: Integrated Science is a discovery-based, hands-on science course that consists of units which integrate biological and chemical concepts, including Ecology, Cells, Heredity, Evolution, and Chemical Interactions, to prepare students for future courses in biology and chemistry. Open-ended questions and problem-solving techniques covered in this class allow for the development of logic and consequential thinking skills. Discussion and resolution of real world scientific issues will provide students with the problem solving skills required in a 21st Century, technologically advanced society.

Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: NONE

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Biology 1
Description: Biology is an academically rigorous sophomore science course that explores all of the major principles of the study of living organisms. The main topics of study include Biological Principles, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolution, and Genetics. Students will be exposed to various methods of learning: lectures, discussions, cooperative learning, videos, lab experiments, group projects, and many hands-on opportunities will be provided, with formal quizzes and assessments. Instructional methods incorporated are diverse and catered towards students of many different learning styles.

Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Integrated Science

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Honors Biology 1
Description: Honors Biology is an academically rigorous sophomore science course that explores all of the major principles of the study of living organisms. The main topics of study include Biological Principles, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolution, and Genetics. Students will be exposed to various methods of learning: lectures, discussions, cooperative learning, videos, lab experiments, group projects, and many hands-on opportunities will be provided, with formal quizzes and assessments. Instructional methods incorporated are diverse and catered towards students of many different learning styles. While the same general biological concepts of general Biology are covered, students in Honors Biology will be expected to delve into the material in greater depth and in shorter amount of time. There is an increase in student centered instruction such as debates and research projects.

Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Integrated Science and Teacher Recommendation

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Chemistry
Description: Chemistry is the study of materials, their composition, structure, and the changes they undergo. It is an experimental and intellectual course geared toward problem solving and the development of analytical thinking skills. Understanding and appreciating the environment and recognizing the order in nature are some of the goals for each student. Topics that will be studied in this course include: Matter & Energy, Atomic Structure, Nuclear Chemistry, Elements & the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Formula Writing, and Writing & Balancing Chemical Equations.

Grade Level: 11th or 12th
Prerequisites: Biology 1 or Honors Biology 1 and Algebra 1

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Honors Chemistry
Description: Honors Chemistry is the study of materials, their composition, structure, and the changes they undergo. It is an experimental and intellectual course geared toward problem solving and the development of analytical thinking skills. Understanding and appreciating the environment and recognizing the order in nature are some of the goals for each student. In Honors Chemistry, the same topics in general Chemistry will be studied; however, students are expected to delve into the material in greater depth and in a shorter amount of time.

Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Biology 1 or Honors Biology 1 and Algebra 1 and Teacher Recommendation

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Principles of Technology
Description: Principles of Technology is a course designed to prepare students more effectively for a technical career. The complexity and rapid change in modern technology requires training that is applicable to more than a single job. Technicians must understand the mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal principles on which modern equipment operates. It is an academically rigorous and practical course incorporating simple to complex technological devices and equipment as well as the mathematics necessary to understand the principles covered. Units of study include Force, Work, Rate, Resistance, and Energy.

Grade Level: 11th or 12th
Prerequisites: Biology 1 or Honors Biology 1 and Algebra 1

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Biology 2
Description: Biology 2 is a senior course that investigates the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. Students will be exposed to various methods of learning: lectures, discussions, cooperative learning, videos, lab experiments, group projects, and many hands-on opportunities will be provided, with formal quizzes and assessments. Instructional methods incorporated are diverse and catered towards students of many different learning styles.

Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Biology 1 or Honors Biology 1

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Physics
Description: Physics is the branch of science that involves the study of the physical world: energy, matter, and how they are related. Topics that are discussed in this course include 1 and 2-Dimensional Motion, Vectors, Forces & the Laws of Motion, Work & Energy, Momentum & Collisions, Circular Motion & Gravitation, and Vibrations & Waves, and how these principles affect our society and the world as a whole. A knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world, but also supplies the student with the insight to develop new and innovative ideas.

Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and Algebra 1 (NOT recommended for students who took Principles of Technology)

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Honors Physics
Description: Honors Physics is the branch of science that involves the study of the physical world: energy, matter, and how they are related. A knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world, but also supplies the student with the insight to develop new and innovative ideas. In Honors Physics, the same topics in general Physics will be studied; however, students are expected to delve into the material in greater depth and in a shorter amount of time. The instructional content will also be more mathematically challenging compared to general Physics.

Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and Algebra 2 and Teacher Recommendation (the student should be planning to enroll in a high level math class such as Precalculus or Calculus)

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Science Department:

  • James Kofskie (ext. 3466)
  • Kevin Lehman (ext. 3424)
  • Christina Mersereau (ext. 3425)
  • Bernie Ridall (ext. 3370)
  • Nicole Snyder (ext. 3412)
  • Diane Walter (ext. 3427)