Lab Sciences

Biology is an exciting and rapidly growing field of study. This one year course is an introduction to the biological sciences. Students will develop a greater understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms including cell structure and function, animal behavior, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living organisms, and plant and animal structure and function. Laboratory periods are used to reinforce the topic currently being considered and to develop necessary process skills and reasoning ability required in scientific inquiry and investigations.

This yearlong lab course prepares students for the AP Biology examination as well as the SAT Subject Test in biology. Included in this course are biochemistry, cytology and cellular energy transformations, taxonomy, ecology and population dynamics and molecular genetics, heredity and evolution.

The objective of this course is to develop a working knowledge of many fundamental aspects of modern chemistry, including: chemical symbols, nomenclature and formulas, manipulation of equations, stoichiometry, aqueous solution chemistry, acids and bases, the periodic table, theories of chemical bonding, thermochemistry, atomic theory, gas laws and the states of matter. Laboratory periods are used to reinforce the topic currently being considered and allow students to acquire reasoning skills for scientific investigations.

Pre-­‐requisite: successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II/Trigonometry.

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general Chemistry is required.

Prerequisite: Chemistry is required; completion or concurrent enrollment in IM3 STEM or Higher Math.

This course is a one year introduction to the major topics of physics. You will learn about the dynamic relationships between matter and energy. Modern applications of the preceding principles will be emphasized. To fully understand and apply physical principles, you should have a thorough grasp of algebra-­‐based problem solving skills.

Physics I, Advanced Placement is part of the college board’s redesign of Physics B, Advanced Placement, currently an approved AP course in our district. The Physics I, Advanced Placement course is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, power and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 2 or higher math with a grade B or better. Enrollment in Integrated Math 3 STEM or higher.

Physics 2, Advanced Placement is the second course in the College Board’s redesigned algebra based introductory college level physics course. It follows the currently approved AP Physics 1 course. Students explore the principles of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, advanced electrical circuits, physical and geometric optics, and a variety of modern physics topics such as quantum mechanics, atomic physics and nuclear physics. Continuing the focus on inquiry-based learning fostered in AP Physics 1 students will continue to develop their scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 or Physics/Physics Honors Co-Requisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Integrated Math 3 STEM or higher math

This one semester elective is designed to introduce students to the environmental science aspect of ecology. A basic understanding of general biological processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient cycling is helpful, but not required. Topics covered throughout the semester include: analysis of biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems; nutrient and energy cycling; food chains and food webs; the atmosphere; the greenhouse effect and global warming; water and air pollution; land use; food; waste; biodiversity and sustainability. Through participation in labs performed in class, students will acquire reasoning skills necessary in understanding and conducting scientific investigations, reinforce the topic currently being studied and develop skills in organizing information, making observations, recording scientific data and preparing lab reports.