Biological concepts are developed and applied throughout. Students will develop the skills and learn biological concepts in preparation to take Core 40 Biology. This course will survey such topics as the cell, genetics, ecology, and the five Kingdoms of life. Throughout this course of study, careers will be discussed regularly and we will utilize the video series, Enter Here. The emphasis in this video series is on entry level jobs, on the job educations, and returning to school to achieve a two year or four year degree to advance in the chosen career.

This is a comprehensive biology course designed primarily for the college-bound sophomore student. Topics in the course include: ecology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy, and a survey of the five kingdoms. The topics are explored through discussions, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, videotapes, computer activities, dissections and projects. The course utilizes skills of scientific observation, data collection, scientific illustrations, group work, inquiry, and pre-college study skills and habits.

This course is designed for the exceptional science student who is self-motivated and disciplined to work at a faster pace and capable of exploring Biology in more detail than in CP Biology. Emphasis will be on problem solving techniques, science as a process, scientific observation, and pre-college study skills and habits. Topics include ecology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology.

This course is a good option for the college-bound student who has an interest in life science and desire a laboratory experience. The majority of class time is spent in a laboratory environment with lab investigations requiring 1 - 8 weeks for completion. Because the work must be done in class (which also makes it a good option to double-up with another science option), it is important that the student be in attendance. The classroom environment in Biology II tends to be more open than the non-lab classroom and requires more self-motivation and self-discipline on the part of the student. If the student is deficient in these areas or tends to have attendance problems the lab work may be difficult to complete. Six series of lab investigations are offered: A study of scientific method using yeast metabolism; microbiology; a study of genetics utilizing fruit flies, Chi-square, and Hardy- Weinberg; chromatography; plant growth analysis; and microscopy.

The Advanced Placement Biology college course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. AP Biology strives to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology and to prepare the science student to be competitive in the college community. The course is broken down into three areas of study: 25% molecules and cells, 25% genetics and evolution, and 50% organisms and populations. A college textbook and laboratory experiments will be utilized. The AP program is recognized by nearly 2900 U.S. and foreign colleges and universities, which grant credit, appropriate placement, or both to students who have performed satisfactorily on the AP examination.

Chemistry I CP is designed to address the qualitative and quantitative topics and approaches to the study of first year chemistry. As a lab science, teachers will introduce the student to the concept through a variety of teaching methods. Topics addressed will include: Properties of Matter, Nature of Chemical Change, Structure of Matter, Nature of energy, Change and Historical Perspectives of Chemistry, Practical Applications and Career Opportunities. Students will utilize college preparatory study habits and skills, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, fundamental math skills, and proper lab and safety procedures. (NOTE: Chemistry I CP or Honors Chemistry will fulfill the Chemistry I prerequisite necessary for AP Chemistry.)

Honors Chemistry is designed for the student who desires an in-depth and accelerated first year chemistry curriculum. Topics include those listed in the CP Chemistry description with additional emphasis on skills and content that will enhance the students’ understanding and success in future chemistry courses.

This college course is designed for juniors or seniors who are considering a science or science related major in college. The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in this course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course strives to contribute to the logic of problem solving. A college textbook and laboratory experiments will be utilized.

This is a comprehensive laboratory course designed primarily for college-bound junior and senior students. The course stresses concepts, problem-solving, and the scientific method. The major areas studied are: mechanics, properties of matter, heat, wave motion (sound and light), electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. A three-week unit on astronomy is included with the lab resulting in an accurate plot of the orbits of three of the planets. Students will utilize college preparatory study habits and skills, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, fundamental math skills, and proper lab and safety procedures.

This college course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus. The Physics B course provides a foundation in physics for students in physics, engineering, like sciences, premedicine, some applied sciences and other fields not related to science. The course includes topics in both classical and modern physics, Newtonian Mechanics (35%), Thermal Physics (10%), Electricity and Magnetism (25%), Waves and Optics (15%), and Atomic and Nuclear Physics (15%). A college textbook and laboratory experiments will be utilized. It is assumed that all the students will take the AP exam in the spring.

Earth Science is a course designed especially for those students who are planning on entering the work force upon completion of high school. This course will emphasize writing skills, study skills, real world connections and science related careers. Earth Science is a comprehensive physical science and environmental laboratory science course. The emphasis of the course content is within the field of geology, but several topics are investigated. "Hands-on" topics include maps and surveying techniques, minerals and rocks, fossils, weather and climate, while others such as plate tectonics, landforms, oceanography and astronomy are approached through discussion, computer activities, lab exercises, and videotapes. Emphasis is placed upon the interrelationship of the various areas of study and their environmental influence on man and the world, as well as technological issues.

Earth/Space Science is a comprehensive physical science and environmental laboratory science course. The emphasis of the course is within the field of geology, but several topics are investigated. "Hands-on" topics include maps and surveying techniques, minerals and rocks, fossils, weather and climate, while others such as plate tectonics, landforms, oceanography and astronomy are approached through discussion, computer activities, lab exercises, and videotapes. Emphasis is placed upon the interrelationship of the various areas of study and their environmental influence on man and the world. Some biology, chemistry, and physics concepts are taught.

This course is designed for the self-motivated student who exhibits a desire to work at an accelerated pace and who enjoys the challenge of discovery and problem-solving. Many different aspects of earth science are studied and their interrelationships are highlighted and emphasized. Topics covered include: topography, geology, paleontology, erosion and weathering, earthquakes and volcanoes, meteorology, fresh and groundwater, oceanography, astronomy, natural resources, and the environment. Also included is surveying and the completion of a topographic map. The objectives are met through discussion, hands-on lab work, computer labs, group work, library projects, and a second semester report.

Students will examine the relationship between humans and their natural environment. They will study the earth's aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and evaluate the human impact upon these natural systems. Topics of study will include the use and management of natural resources such as soil, water, minerals, energy, timber and ocean fisheries; quality of air, surface water, and ground water; waste management, climate modification, and land development. Environmental issues will be discussed on global, national, and local scales. Local environmental concerns will be highlighted, i.e., restoration of wetlands, PCB contamination, evelopment within the Lake Monroe watershed, the maintenance of the city sewage treatment, landfill, and recycling programs.