Science

 

 

Chemistry is a standard introductory course into the scientific study of the properties of matter and the changes that matter undergoes during reactions that is designed for students who are developing their problem-solving and analytic skills. Students taking Chemistry will regularly experience hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential Big Ideas such as structure and properties of matter and chemical reactions.

 

In an honors class, students will be expected to engage in more advanced problem solving and extend their learning to science projects outside of the classroom. Successful completion of Chemistry H will prepare students for future honors and AP coursework.

 

Biology is a standard introductory course into the scientific study of life and life processes that is designed for students who are developing their problem-solving and analytical skills. Students taking Biology will regularly experience hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential Big Ideas such as the structure, function and information processing, matter and energy in organisms, inheritance and variation of traits, natural selection, and evolution.

 

In an honors class, students will be expected to engage in more advanced problem solving and extend their learning to science projects outside of the classroom. Successful completion of Biology H will prepare students for future honors and AP coursework.

The biology course is organized by topics, SL students study six topics and HL students study a further five, with some of these taking the first six topics to greater depth. In addition to this, students study two out of a choice of seven (at SL) or five (at HL) option topics. There are four basic biological concepts that run throughout: Structure and function; Universality versus diversity; Equilibrium within systems; and Evolution. These four concepts serve as themes that unify the various topics that make up the three sections of the course: the core, the additional higher level (AHL) material and the options.

 

Through studying environmental systems and societies (ES&S) students will be provided with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. The teaching approach is such that students are allowed to evaluate the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of issues. During the course, students will study seven different topics. The most important aspect of the ES&S course is hands-on work in the laboratory and/ or out in the field.

Environmental Science is a standard introductory course into the scientific study of the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment that is designed for students who are developing their problem-solving and analytic skills. Students taking Environmental Science will regularly experience hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential Big Ideas such as interrelations between organisms and the environment, cycles of matter and energy transfers in ecosystems, and natural resources.

Honors Engineering Design provides students with an introduction to engineering and machine design. Students will explore the fundamentals of engineering through the application of scientific principles to manufacturing processes. Students will conduct independent and collaborative investigations and solve problems relating to many fields of engineering, with an emphasis on practical design considerations. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential Big Ideas such as force and motion, waves, and interactions of energy and matter.

 

This course is an advanced engineering design course for students who have successfully completed a year of introductory engineering coursework. In this course, students utilize and strengthen their understanding of the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering concepts to hands-on design projects. Students will build upon existing ideas about materials, forces, energy, electrical systems, environmental engineering, and the impact of engineering on society. Engineering design projects emphasizing teamwork, problem solving, and decision making will be incorporated throughout the class. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential Big Ideas such as force and motion, waves, and interactions of energy and matter.

Anatomy and Physiology explores the structures and functions of systems in the human body including the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. This course is usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of biology. Students will explore the role of diagnostic tools and research in the prevention and control of disease. Students will engage in lab work, hands-on activities, research projects, and presentations. Anatomy and Physiology is recommended for any student considering in a career in biology or the medical field.

Forensic Science is an investigative elective course that focuses on scientific problem solving within a relevant context. Forensics is a multidisciplinary applied science encompassing several sub-fields of biology, chemistry, physics and crime scene investigation. These sub-fields include genetics, toxicology, entomology, ballistics, pathology, fire debris and trace evidence. The course utilizes an inquiry-based approach, including examining mock crime scenes or analyzing evidence in laboratory investigations, in order to consider how scientific methods and evidence are used to substantiate legal investigations. Students will apply knowledge of biotechnology in order to analyze forensic scenarios. Students in this course should expect to develop Science and Engineering practices as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards.

Exploring Computer Science is a nationally recognized introductory college preparatory computer science course and includes curriculum, professional development, and assessments. ECS is composed of six foundational units with lessons that are designed to promote an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning foundational concepts in computer science and highlighting the computational practices and problem solving associated with doing computer science.

The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. Students will develop communication and collaboration skills, working individual and collaboratively to solve problems.