Biology (Honors)

This course provides a survey of fundamental biological principles. Emphasis is placed on basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, and other related topics. Experiments and lab activities will facilitate student learning and allow students hands-on experience in a lab setting. The lab experiments will utilize the scientific process, analytical skills, graphing, and report writing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and better understanding of biology as it applies to everyday life.

Physics (Honors)

This class is the study of the nature of our universe. It is one of the fundamental sciences, with many applications in technology, industry, and the professions. This course is non-calculus based, using algebra, geometry and some trigonometry. Topics to be addressed include: mechanics, energy, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. The broad topic of mechanics includes studies of velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum. The principles of physics will be developed with attention to the underlying scientific method.

Chemistry (Honors)

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry. The class will prepare students for college-level general chemistry. The course will examine chemical and physical properties of matter, the qualitative nature of chemical reactions, chemical periodicity, atomic bonding, quantitative nature of chemical reactions, states of matter, gaseous behavior, solutions, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Most of all, this course should prepare all students to think critically and analytically, and hopefully make them more aware of the impact of chemistry in the everyday world. In order to encourage complete mastery of the subject material, a wide variety of tools will be utilized in the classroom, including lecture, group problem solving, demonstrations, and laboratory investigations.

Biology II

This course provides a survey of organismic biological. Emphasis is placed on taxonomy, evolution, ecology, diversity, diseases, basic anatomy and other related topics. Lab activities and dissections will facilitate student learning through enhance observations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and better understanding of nature and the interactions of living organisms.

AP Biology

This course is designed to parallel, in content, laboratory experiences and techniques, an introductory, college-level biology course. It closely follows the College Board's recommended biology curriculum and will prepare students for the Advanced Placement biology exam. Emphasis is on developing the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to understand, and participate in, the modern field of biology. The curriculum includes the study of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, evolution, genetics, ecological principles, energetics, cell signaling mechanisms, developmental biology, population dynamics, botany, and the comparative anatomy and morphology of animal systems. Concepts are presented in a variety of formats, including class discussions, readings, lab work, and lecture. Laboratory experiences will be used to enhance important topics as well as stress data collection techniques, analysis, and interpretation. Laboratory work will include, but is not limited to, the required labs of the Advanced Placement curriculum. Attention to current scientific literature, independent student research, and seminars will also be integral parts of this course. Students interested in this course should be successful independent learners with a strong interest in the field of biology.