COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SCIENCE

Sciences are offered to develop scientifically literate and concerned individuals. Students are prepared for professional work in science and related fields by receiving a broad background in science. All courses are laboratory oriented. Four years of science (Biology  and Physics or Chemistry,) are required.  Typically, freshmen study Biology or and sophomores study Physics and/or Chemistry both a regular and an honors course are offered in each. Juniors and seniors will take Marine Biology 1 or 2, environmental science, AP Environmental, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry. Students may take two science courses per year with one counting as an elective.  Advanced Placement Science courses are open to both juniors and seniors and are generally offered in Alternate years.  Research Mentorship is only open to seniors with a high level of motivation. Students in Honors and AP courses whose first semester grade is C- or lower should not expect to remain in the course.

Balboa Academy Graduation Requirement: 4 Science credit (s) in grades 9-12

After the minimum credit needed for graduation is obtained, all additional courses may be used as elective credits

Physics 1                                                                              Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 001      Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr        Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Algebra 1, (The ability to use a scientific calculator.)

Major Obligations of Coursework: Work completed on time

Course Description: The essential concepts of mechanics, properties of matter, waves, conservation laws, electricity and magnetism, and modem topics in physics are covered. Students establish strong working definitions through an integration of these concepts using lab activities and observations of demonstrations.  This course provides the student with the general physics knowledge needed to pursue college education if the student is considering a career in which a strong background in physics is not necessary. The topics emphasized in this course are general concepts about handling experimental data (basic statistics, errors, and graphical analysis), elementary vector analysis, kinematics, dynamics, electricity and magnetism. Other topics that may be addressed during the year are geometric optics and introductory modern physics.

Chemistry 1                                                                           Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 002      Level: College Prep      Length: 1 yr      Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): None

Major Obligations of Coursework: Work completed on time, weekly quizzes or tests.

Course Description: This course focuses on the major concepts of chemistry by looking at contemporary chemical science and societal issues. Frequent, inquiry- based laboratories and student-centered activities will give students a balanced view of Chemistry and help them see how it will serve them in the world in which they live.  This course provides the student with the basic knowledge of chemistry and prepares them for further studies in science. The topics emphasized in this course are nomenclature, chemical equations, the concept of mole, and stoichiometry, and concentrations. Other topics addressed through the year are states of matter, atomic theory, equilibrium and acids and bases.

Biology 1                                                                                   Grade (s) 9 - 10
Course # 003      Level:      Length: 1 yr       Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): None

This course emphasizes structural and functional characteristics of the cell and organ systems of living organisms using selected organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms. The students evaluate basic principles that rule the inheritance of traits and the concept of evolution. The students will develop skills for safely and efficiently handling laboratory equipment used in the biological field.

Biology 2       (No Longer Offered, See Cr# 025 026 & 029)   Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course #004       Level: College Prep            Length: 1 yr         Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Science teacher recommendation, Biology 1, (Chemistry is strongly recommended)

The emphasis in the advanced biology course is on providing students with ample opportunities for research and discovery in order that students best develop an understanding of the scientific method. The study of living organisms is undertaken at a variety of levels from the molecular to the biosphere. By the end of the course the student will have developed an appreciation of the interactions between these levels and of organisms as functioning units within the biosphere. All students will be involved with practical laboratory work and a project.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE                                                                             Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 005      Level: College Prep      Length: 1 yr      Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): None

Course Description:  Physical Science is a course that explores the relationship between matter and energy. The student will investigate the following:

• Force and Motion

• Structure and Properties of Matter

• Interactions of Matter

• Energy

It is the expectation that students will experience the content of Physical Science through inquiry learning. Hands-on laboratory investigations, individual studies, and group activities should constitute a major portion of the learning experience. Using available technology, students will investigate forces and motion, the chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact within the natural world, and the forms and properties of energy. Conservation of matter and energy is an underlying theme throughout the course. Physical Science will provide the knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision making about matters of scientific and technological concern. Physical science provides a basic foundation for advanced studies in chemistry and physics.

Environmental Science                                                   Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 011      Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr        Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Biology 1 The ability to use a scientific calculator

A willingness to get dirty! Knowledge of basic statistics for statistical analysis of data and analysis of statistical diagrams.

This course intends to provide students with a coherent, essentially scientific, perspective on the environment. The course includes two segments: the subject core and options. The core examines the fundamental structure and functioning and composition of the environment. Students must study one of the first three options. These options include methodologies appropriate for the practical investigation and modeling of ecosystems. Each student must then study two of the remaining three options that look at specific environmental issues that have both local and global significance. All students will be involved with practical laboratory work and a project.

Chemistry 2         (Alternate Years)                                     Grade (s) 11 - 12
(This course is offered in alternate years (2003))
Course #013       Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr      Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Chemistry 1, Algebra 1

The course is by nature, a rigorous one and will require a high level of reading ability, reading comprehension and a strong mathematical background. The student should also know how to write and balance equations and use the, proper nomenclature for writing compounds and elements.

Chemistry 2 is designed for students who plan higher studies in science, engineering, or medicine. This course provides a solid background both in the theoretical and experimental chemistry. After a review of the mole concept and stoichiometry; students then study atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium during the first semester. These studies set the basis for the second semester during which acids and bases, ksp, analysis, oxidation-reduction, organic chemistry, and biochemistry are studied. All students will be involved with practical laboratory work and a project.

Physics 2            (Alternate Years)                                      Grade (s) 11 - 12
Course # 014         Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr       Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Physics 1, Algebra 1.

Physics 2 is by nature, a rigorous course and will require a high level of reading ability and comprehension and strong mathematics background. The student should also know how to use a scientific calculator.

The course will start with a review of the mathematical tools needed to gather, process, and analyze experimental data correctly. The review will include a detailed treatment of basic operations with vectors, including scalar and vector products. The main concepts of linear kinematics, dynamics, and circular motion are analyzed. A brief study of fluid mechanics follows. The first semester finishes with the study of wave motion and sound related phenomena. The second semester of the course starts with a study of kinetic theory, heat, and thermodynamics. Students will then work with the concept of electric charge and its conservation. Couloumb's Law will be analyzed and applied to problems in one and two dimensions. A detailed treatment of the concepts of electric field and potential difference follows, and then electric energy and DC circuits are discussed. Magnetic phenomena and its applications (including some concepts on AC circuits), and electromagnetic waves complete our treatment of electromagnetic phenomena. An introduction to modern physics completes the course.

Marine Biology 1                                                                      Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 015    Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr       Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Biology 1

The Marine Biology 1 course provides an introduction to the biology of marine life.  Selected groups of marine organisms are used to develop an understanding of biological principals and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the sea.  To build on the basics, information dealing with several aspects of taxonomy, evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of selected groups of marine organisms are studied. 

THIS COURSE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS AFTER SCHOOL AND ON WEEKENDS. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS.

Marine Biology 2             (Alternate Years)                 Grade (s) 11 - 12
Course # 017         Level: College Prep       Length: 1 yr       Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Marine Biology 1

The Marine Biology 2 course provides an advanced study of the biology of marine life continuing on from the Marine Biology 1 course.  Selected groups of marine organisms are used to develop an understanding of biological principals and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the sea.  To build on the basics, information dealing with several aspects of taxonomy, evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of selected groups of marine organisms are studied. Students will need to be able to swim and will receive scuba training and receive a scuba license.  Students will study and map tide pools with the Smithsonian Research Facility

THIS COURSE WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS AFTER SCHOOL AND ON WEEKENDS. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS.

AP BIOLOGY                                                   Grade (s) 10 - 12

Course # 019       Level: Advanced Placement       Length: 1 yr    Credit (s): 1 in Science

Prerequisites: Biology H and Chemistry H, minimum grade of B, and approval of instructor

Major Obligations of Coursework: Summer reading and assignments; extensive reading; extended laboratory work, ability to manage time effectively.

Course Description: The Biology AP course is a full year introductory college level course in biology with laboratory to prepare the student to take the AP Biology exam.  Advanced Placement Biology is specifically designed for students who plan higher studies in science and/or medicine. This course is, by nature, a rigorous one and will require a high level of reading ability and comprehension.  Emphasis is given to a variety of topics within the categories of cellular and molecular biology, organism biology, and population biology. Preparation for the national AP examination is included. Students are expected to maintain at least a C average to remain in the course for the second semester.

CONTRACT FOR AP BIOLOGY

AP Biology is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in AP Biology will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Advance Placement examination: It is required that all students will take the Advance Placement examination to receive AP credit for the course.

5. Course switching: AP Biology is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Biology 2 is not on the same schedule as AP Biology, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Biology 2 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

6. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Biology 1 or a B in Biology H.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Biology. I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

AP CHEMISTRY   (Alternate Years)                             Grade (s) 11 - 12

Course # 020       Level: Advanced Placement       Length: 1 yr    Credit (s): 1 in Science

Prerequisites: Chemistry I with a minimum grade of B+, and approval of instructor Major Obligations of Coursework: Summer reading and assignments; extended laboratory work

Course Description: Chemistry AP is a college level course designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Examination. Students cover such topics as atomic structure, bonding theory, instrumentation, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, kinetics, and organic chemistry. Much of the time is spent in the laboratory to develop skills needed for scientific research. Students are expected to maintain at least a C average to remain in the course for the second semester. 

CONTRACT FOR AP CHEMISTRY

AP Chemistry is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in AP Chemistry will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Advance Placement examination: It is required that all students will take the Advance Placement examination to receive AP credit for the course.

5. Course switching: AP Chemistry is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Chemistry 2 is not on the same schedule as AP Chemistry, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Chemistry 2 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

6. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Chemistry 1 or a Chemistry B in H.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Chemistry. I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Alternate Years)        Grade (s) 11 - 12

Course # 021       Level: Advanced Placement       Length: 1 yr        Credit (s): 1 in Science
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1 with a B, and approval of instructor

Major Obligations of Coursework: Summer reading; extended laboratory work

Course Description: AP Environmental Science is a college level integrated study of ecology and environ mental issues. In addition to the fundamental concepts of ecology, students will study a wide range of environ mental concerns, connections, and solutions. Topics will include: the structure and function of ecosystems, population dynamics, climate, water resources, global food resources, biodiversity, energy resources, and environmental economics and politics. The significant laboratory portion of this course will include field work on water quality, plant and animal population studies, and local environmental monitoring.

THIS COURSE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS AFTER SCHOOL AND ON WEEKENDS. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS

CONTRACT FOR AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

AP Environmental science is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in AP Environmental science will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Advance Placement examination: It is required that all students will take the Advance Placement examination to receive AP credit for the course.

5. Course switching: AP Environmental science is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Environmental science 2 is not on the same schedule as AP Environmental science, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Environmental science 2 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

6. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Physics 1 or a B in Physics H.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Environmental science. I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

PHYSICS HONORS

Course # 022      Level: Honors       Length: 1 yr        Credit (s): 1 in Science

Prerequisites: Algebra I with minimum grade B, The ability to use a scientific calculator

Major Obligations of Coursework: Work completed on time

Course Description: The Physics Honors course is a prerequisite for AP Physics. It provides an in-depth coverage of the major areas of physics, with emphasis on analytical skills and synthesis of ideas is provided. Everyday examples are stressed to strongly relate the theoretical and the practical. Laboratory skills and communication of results, concisely and clearly, are also emphasized.  This course provides the student with the general physics knowledge needed to pursue college education if the student is considering a career in which a background in physics is necessary. It also prepares the student for further physics classes. The topics emphasized in this course are general concepts about handling experimental data (basic statistics, errors, and graphical analysis), elementary vector analysis, kinematics, dynamics, electricity and magnetism. Other topics that may be addressed during the year are geometric optics and introductory modern physics.

CHEMISTRY HONORS

Course # 024      Level: College Prep      Length: 1 yr      Credit (s): 1 in Science 

Prerequisites: approval of instructor; Algebra I with a minimum grade of B.  The ability to use a scientific calculator

Major Obligations of Coursework: Ability to man age time; extended assignments. Course Description: Honors Chemistry is a course designed for the student who is interested in a career in the sciences. Topics are covered in a manner that enables the student to move smoothly into the next level of scientific study. Emphasis is on the synthesis of major unifying concepts and the development of laboratory skills. Students with a semester grade below C will be moved to Chemistry I at the beginning of the second semester.

CONTRACT FOR CHEMISTRY HONORS

Chemistry Honors is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in Chemistry Honors will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Course switching: Chemistry Honors is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Chemistry (Regular) is not on the same schedule as Chemistry Honors, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Chemistry 1 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

5. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Algebra I. It is not necessary to have been in Physics Honors to take Chemistry Honors, but you should also have at least a B+ in your science course.

It is necessary to have successfully completed Physics to be placed in Chemistry.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Chemistry. I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

CONTRACT FOR PHYSICS HONORS

Physics Honors is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in Physics Honors will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Course switching: Physics Honors is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Physics (Regular) is not on the same schedule as Physics Honors, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Physics 1 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

5. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Algebra I. It is not necessary to have been in Physics Honors to take Physics Honors, but you should also have at least a B+ in your science course.

It is necessary to have successfully completed Chemistry to be placed in Physics.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Physics I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

Botany                                                                      Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 025    Level: College Prep       Length: Sem       Credit (s): 0.5 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Biology 1

Course Description: Introductory treatment of the structural organization and related functions of plant cells, tissue systems, leaves, roots, stems, flowers, fruits and seeds.

This course is introductory-level course which provides information regarding the morphology, anatomy, and physiology of plants, especially flowering plants which are explored in detail and in an evolutionary context. The format includes lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Some specific topics that are considered are:

• the gross morphology of stems, roots, and leaves;
• anatomy of primary and secondary tissues, the cells that compose those tissues, and the meristems from which they originate;
• the translocation of substances in xylem and phloem;
• fundamental metabolic processes including photosynthesis and photorespiration;
• classes of plant hormones and their roles in growth, development, and tropic responses;
• reproduction and plant genetics;
• plant speciation and systematics.

These concepts are also explored in the historical context of research beginning with the experiments of Hooke, Englemann, and Darwin and extending to the issues that face contemporary researchers in plant molecular biology.

Laboratory: The laboratory portion of the course is designed to permit students to apply the concepts from lecture to observations and experiments in the laboratory. A variety of native tropical flowering plants are used, supplemented with species from aquatic, and desert habitats. Laboratory exercises include considerable microscopic observations of sectioned materials, dissection of fresh materials, experimentation, and problem-solving.

Zoology                                                                      Grade (s) 10 - 12
Course # 026    Level: College Prep       Length: Sem       Credit (s): 0.5 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Biology 1

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the classification, relationships, structure, and function of major animal phyla. Emphasis is on levels of organization, reproduction and development, comparative systems, and a survey of selected phyla. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of animal form and function, including comparative systems of selected groups. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  After completion of this course, the student will demonstrate basic knowledge in each of the following:

a. Biological evolution.

b. Unicellular organisms - protozoa.

c. Multicellular animals - porifera, pseudocoelomates, acoelomates, eucoelomates.

d. Protostomes and deuterostomes.

e. Structures and characteristics of the phyla: Porifera, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Rotifera, Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Chordata.

Laboratory: Laboratory exercises include microscope observations and dissections to reinforce topics discussed in lecture.

AP PHYSICS          (Alternate Years)                     Grade (s) 11 - 12

Course # 027       Level: Advanced Placement       Length: 1 yr        Credit (s): 1 in Science

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1 with minimum grade of B+, or Chemistry H with a minimum grades of B and approval of instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in Calculus is required.

Major Obligations of Coursework: Summer reading and assignments; extended laboratory work

Course Description:  AP Physics is a college level course designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Examination. This course provides an introduction to the main principles of Physics and emphasizes developing problem solving abilities. It is a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences. The use of mathematics including calculus, algorithms, and computers as tools to help interpret and explain physical phenomena will be emphasized throughout the course. The computer will also be used where appropriate to take and analyze data.  The student should also know how to use a scientific calculator.

CONTRACT FOR AP PHYSICS

AP Physics is a fast-paced course. It is lively, fun, interesting, and laboratory based. It is also challenging. Choosing to enroll in AP Physics will take a commitment. In order to decide whether to accept the challenge, you must be informed. Here are some issues that you will need to consider.

1. Homework. While you will not be expected to spend 3 or 4 hours a night doing homework, you will need to discipline yourself to study approximately 30- 45 minutes each day. I will not sit over you and make you do it. Your parents should not constantly have to ask you if you have done your homework. Home work is designed to help you learn the material. I expect you to “self-check” it, correct your mistakes, ask me for help when needed, and turn it in when it is due.

2. Laboratory: We spend a considerable amount of time in the lab. I expect you to be able to behave in a responsible manner, following procedures and safety cautions. I expect lab reports to be thorough, with proper conclusions and error analyses.

3. Attendance/Tardies: I expect you to be on time to class, with your materials. I expect that when you are absent, you will get the notes from the computer or from a classmate and take responsibility for making up your work.

4. Advance Placement examination: It is required that all students will take the Advance Placement examination to receive AP credit for the course.

5. Course switching: AP Physics is a yearlong course. The time to decide whether you want to make this commitment is now, not halfway through the course. Physics 2 is not on the same schedule as AP Physics, so it is not possible to suddenly decide that the course is too difficult and that you want to “drop down” to the Physics 2 course. If your grade is below a C at the semester, you will be moved. Otherwise, you have committed to the course for the entire year.

6. Pre-requisites: Motivation and desire are the strongest qualities for success. However, experience has shown that a reasonable expertise in math is desirable. Generally, a student should have at least a B+ in Physics 1 or a B in Physics H.

As your teacher, I will commit to teach you to the very best of my ability. I love Physics. I find it both fascinating and beautiful. I want you to see it in the same light that I do. I promise that classes will be meaningful and fully prepared. I will return your papers and tests in a timely manner so that you may quickly correct any misconceptions that you have. I will make every effort to stay on the cutting edge of both the subject and technology to teach it. I will be available to help you both before and after school. I will do everything in my power to assure that you are successful in the course.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (One Semester)
Course # 029    Level: College Prep       Length: Sem       Credit (s): 0.5 in Science
Prerequisite (s): Biology 1

Course Description: This is a one-semester class which investigates the functional organ systems of animals and plants with special emphasis on human structures and functions.  Also included are special topics in genetics and biochemistry.  This is a lab science course.  Evaluation is based on examinations and assignments, each receiving about equal emphasis.

Science Course Offerings

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS