Science
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Physical Science
This course is a study of matter and energy. It emphasizes everyday applications of physical laws. Emphasis is placed on helping the student develop and apply critical thinking process skills. The student is first introduced to the nature and methods of science in which he learns the importance of observation, measurement, and problem solving techniques. Following this introduction, the general topics are: motion, energy, heat, work, machine, forms of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds, periodic table of elements, organic chemistry, solutions, chemical reactions, waves (sound and light), mirrors and lenses, electricity, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, and energy alternatives.
Biology I
The high school biology classroom is no longer just a place where facts are disseminated. The modern biology classroom is a place where a student not only learns the facts associated with the science of life, but also learns the various higher level thinking skills that are a requirement for a successful adult life. Critical thinking skills involve judging the validity of facts by collecting evidence that either supports the facts or refutes them. The general topics that are covered in the course are: molecular biology, the cell, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, human biology, and ecology.
Environmental Science
This course is a study of one aspect of the natural world—living in a world that we seem to be destroying. To complete this study, we need detailed knowledge of how the natural world works so that we can prevent further abuse of our planet and begin to repair the damage already done. Specialized environmental topics, such as ecology, forestry, oceanography, geology, and meteorology, will be covered. Students will be expected to do field research and to become involved in local environmental issues.
Chemistry I
In this course, the student will study substances, especially their structure, composition, properties, and transformations. He will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills not only to use in chemistry, but also, by extension, to use in everyday life. Topics covered include: classification and phases of matter, energy, atomic structure, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, gases, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, solutions, kinetics and thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Physics
The central theme of this course is the interrelation of matter and energy. The underlying statement, theory, or law and the application of the principles to problem solving are presented within various topics of physical phenomena. Laboratory work, and its interpretation, is an essential part of this course. The various topics treated include: mechanics, motion in a straight line, acceleration, vector analysis, Newton’s Laws, momentum, projectile and circular motion, work, power, energy, kinetic theory of gases, heat, radiant energy, mirrors and lenses, wave and quantum, theory of light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear energy.
Biology II
This course explores details of human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory work is incorporated, including mammalian dissection with timed tests.
Biology II AP
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by a biology major in his first year. It differs significantly from our first 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 the student, and the time and effort required of the student.
Chemistry II
This course is designed for the student who wishes to explore more thoroughly the concepts he was exposed to in Chemistry I. Additional topics that time constraints did not allow to be covered in the first course are investigated.
Chemistry II AP
This course is designed to closely resemble a college chemistry class in a high school setting. The topics covered in Chemistry I are reviewed in greater depth, and new topics are explored that could not be dealt with in the first chemistry. More emphasis is placed on laboratory work.
Earth Science
This is a senior level, one-year course designed to focus on the conceptual understanding of fundamental earth science processes. Main topics covered include the principles of geology, oceanography, meteorology, environmental / soil science, and astronomy / planetary geology. Subtopics include introductions in geologic time, seismology, mineralogy, pedalogy, cosmology, hydrology, and geochemistry. Lab work is incorporated into this course.