CLASS OF 2022
CLASS OF 2021
CLASS OF 2022
Freshman participation in Honors Biology is by invitation only , and must be taken in addition to Honors Physical Science . It is recommended that freshmen taking Honors Physical Science also be enrolled in both Honors English and an Honors math course , in addition to the required placement by their 8th grade science teacher .
The curriculum for future years will include year-long classes in Biology , Chemistry and Physics . All will be offered at Core , Foundations , Honors and AP levels . Electives will also continue to be available .
Physical Science ( 1 credit ) Grade 9
This course focuses on a wide array of physical science disciplines with an emphasis placed on each subject ’ s effect on the world around us . Over the course of the school year , students will explore topics in astronomy , chemistry , energy , and earth science . Along the way , students will develop data collection , analysis , and problem solving skills through coursework and lab activities .
Foundations of Physical Science
( 1 credit )
Grade 9
This course includes all Physical Science topics ( see above ) with readings adjusted to meet the abilities of enrolled students .
Honors Physical Science ( 1 credit ) Grade 9 Prerequisites : Placement by 8th grade science teacher and enrollment in Honors Math . This course includes extensive writing and reading and requires strong skills in these areas .
The topics explored in this course are the same as those in regular Physical Science class but will be explored in more depth while integrating skill development for high school honors level work . Students will practice advanced skills in math , analytical writing , analytical and critical thinking , and problem solving . Students can expect daily homework assignments as well as a number of extended labs , research papers , and projects . This course is recommended for students who plan to take at least two honors science classes and at least one AP science class in their high school career and are working toward a STEM diploma endorsement .
CLASS OF 2021
Sophomores recommended for Honors or AP science may see the descriptions later in the science section . Remaining sophomores will complete a year of Biology . Electives will also continue to be available .
Biology ( 1 credit )
Grades 10 , 11 and 12
What makes something living and how do living organisms function ? How did our living Earth develop , evolve , and what drives this continuous change ? How does a simple , common genetic code create such great biodiversity ? How do all forms of life coexist and interact with the abiotic environment ? The first semester is focused on cellular and molecular biology . Students will discover and explore the unique chemistry of living things . During the second semester students will compare and contrast the mechanisms that drive evolution , from Darwin ’ s original ideas to modern breakthroughs in genetic technology . Students engage with these concepts while building critical writing , research , and scientific thinking through inquiry based laboratory work , group activities , lectures and class discussions . Course work will include note-taking skills as well as scientific reading and writing .
Foundations of Biology ( 1 credit ) Grades 10 , 11 and 12
This course includes all Biology topics ( see above ) with readings adjusted to meet the abilities of enrolled students .
Honors Biology ( 1 credit ) Grades 9 , 10 , 11 and 12
Prerequisites : Teacher placement
Students will thoroughly explore life on a cellular and molecular level , both conceptually and experimentally . The course will address the Next Generation Science Standards ’ life science disciplinary core ideas : the structures and processes of living things ; the inheritance of and variation of traits ; biological evolution ; ecosystem interactions , energy , and dynamics . These standards will be covered in depth , and students will further develop their strong skills in critical reading , writing , research , scientific thinking , and knowledge application . Students will ask their own research questions , design their own experiments , collect and analyze data , and write formal lab reports . Students will utilize technology to address the International Society for Technology Education Standards to demonstrate they are empowered learners , digital citizens , knowledge constructors , and computational thinkers . This course requires strong algebra skills and is a prerequisite for AP Biology .
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