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Honors/AP Science
Student registration in an Advanced Placement (AP) or honors course is based on academic record, teacher recommendation, and student motivation. AP courses are designed in conjuction with the curriculum expectations of College Board's AP Program and also seek to prepare students to take the AP exams in May. Students may receive credit and/or AP standing at the college or university they plan to attend. Students and parents must be aware that AP and honors courses are quite rigorous and require a great deal of self-directed study and additional out of class time. Prerequisites must be met before a student can enroll in an AP or honors course. A student may enroll in an AP or honors course only at the beginning of a school year.
Accelerated Chemistry (YR)
Accelerated Chemistry is a rigorous course designed to challenge students who have a great curiosity and ability in science. This course will cover all of the same material as in the regular Chemistry course, but at a much faster pace. This will allow additional topics to be covered such as thermodynamics and organic chemistry. Because of the faster pace, students will be expected to be hard workers, motivated learners, and able to grasp scientific concepts quickly. Students will also be expected to handle mathematical manipulations easily.
Prerequisite: An “A” in both semesters of Biology and an “A-” in Honors Advanced Algebra or a “B+“ in Honors Pre-Calculus
Advanced Placement Biology (YR)
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course differs significantly from the usual high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. Lab work will concentrate on the set of 12 labs to be covered in the AP exam. A variety of classroom settings will be incorporated including lecture, discussion, lab work, and computer simulations. These will include enzyme assay, cell respiration determinations, manipulation and study of bacteria and fruit flies, developmental studies of organisms, and molecular genetics. The course will culminate with the dissection of a cat. This course is a preparation for the AP Biology Exam that is given in mid-May. Thus it is expected that students taking this course will take the AP Biology Exam.
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “A-“ in sophomore Biology. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry is required.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Physics (YR)
Physics is a college preparatory course designed for students who have a strong mathematical background and an interest in problem solving and abstract reasoning. This course delves into the study of matter and energy. The primary focus of this course will be on the laws of conservation of matter, energy, momentum, and electrical charge. Topics include the mechanics of solids and liquids, wave phenomena, electricity, the dual nature of light, and atomic structure. Students will be required to complete lab assignments and one major project.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of three years of mathematics. Advanced Algebra is required. Successful completion of chemistry is recommended.
Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.
