Physical Science
The physical sciences are the sciences concerned with studying non-living natural objects. Physical Science as a course provides an introduction to scientific investigation through the perspective of chemistry and physics. The course focuses first on introductory chemistry with the properties of matter and the periodic table, atomic structure, compounds, and chemical reactions. The course then turns to physics, focusing on the relationship between velocity and acceleration, Newton's Laws governing forces and gravity, energy, momentum, and waves. Labs or investigations give scholars hands-on learning and practical applications for the material.
Honors Physical Science
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
The physical sciences are those concerned with studying non-living natural objects. Honors Physical Science is an advanced course that introduces scientific investigation through the perspective of chemistry and physics. The course focuses first on introductory chemistry with the properties of matter and the periodic table, atomic structure, compounds, and chemical reactions. The course then turns to physics, focusing on the relationship between velocity and acceleration, Newton's Laws governing forces and gravity, energy, momentum, and waves. Labs or investigations give scholars hands-on learning and practical applications for the material. In an honors course, topics are covered more in-depth, and scholars are expected to perform at a higher level than in a regular science course.
Biology
Biology consists of the study of basic principles governing all living things. Subject matter incorporates relevant sciences such as chemistry and environmental science to understand the processes necessary for life. The cell’s role in transforming energy is investigated along with the structure and function of DNA. Scholars explore ecosystem-level processes through real-world problems such as invasive species. Scholars in Biology utilize an evidence-based approach to investigate and explain scientific phenomena related to life.
Honors Biology
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation upon completion of a physical science or life science course.
Honors Biology prepares scholars for an introductory college course in Biology. The components of Biology I exist inside the class, with an added higher level reading requirement. Scholars investigate biological phenomena and design models to explain the fundamental concepts observed. College-bound scholars are strongly encouraged to enroll in Honors Biology.
Chemistry
Prerequisite: The successful completion of Physical Science
Chemistry examines materials' elements and interactions. Scholars examine atomic structure, gasses, liquids, reaction prediction, solids, chemical bonding, molecular structures, and shapes. Chemistry prepares scholars to understand everyday chemistry and for the science portion of college-readiness tests and college success.
Physics
Prerequisite: The successful completion of Physical Science
Physics is the science concerning the study of motion, matter, and energy. It seeks to explain the behavior and interrelationships of motion, matter, and energy by applying mathematics and observation in the laboratory. Physics prepares scholars for how physics impacts the everyday world and the science portion of college-readiness tests and college success.
Ecology
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation upon completion of a physical science or life science course.
Ecology is a sub-discipline of biology investigating the interactions between plants and animals and their environment. Scholars explore population, community, and ecosystem-level phenomena within select biomes such as forests, grasslands, tundras, and deserts. Finally, scholars analyze current issues impacting human populations, such as natural resource use and public health.
