Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 37

SOPHOMORES recommended for Honors or
AP science may see the descriptions later in the
science section. Remaining sophomores will select
one of the Biology courses below. Electives will
also continue to be available.
Biology (or) Foundations of Biology
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
This yearlong course covers the theories and
phenomena observed through the study of general
biology. The first semester is focused on cellular
and molecular biology. Students will discover and
explore the form and function of cells along with the
unique chemistry of living things. During the second
semester, students will compare and contrast the
mechanisms that drive evolution and ecology, from
Darwin’s original ideas to how energy flows through
ecosystems. Students will engage with these concepts
through research, and foster critical thinking through
inquiry based laboratory work, group activities,
lectures and class discussions. Coursework integrates
developing proficiency around writing, note-taking,
and scientific literacy. School counselor and teacher
referral is required for enrollment in Foundations of
Biology.
Honors Biology
1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Honors Physical Science or
placement by instructor
Students will explore life on a cellular and molecular
level, both conceptually and experimentally. The
course will address the structures and processes of
living things, the inheritance of and variation of traits,
biological evolution, ecosystem interactions, energy,
and dynamics. Students will develop strong skills in
critical reading, writing, research, scientific thinking,
and knowledge application. Students formulate
original research questions, design experiments,
collect and analyze data, and write formal lab reports.
This course is a prerequisite for AP Biology.
JUNIORS & SENIORS
Chemistry
1 credit
Grade 10, 11
Students will participate in laboratory work and
problem-solving activities with an emphasis on
developing critical thinking skills. Properties of
matter, electronic structure, periodic properties, ionic
& molecular compounds, nomenclature, chemical
reactions, stoichiometry, and molecular structure are
studied in this course.
Physics
1 credit
Grade 11, 12
This course will make students’ understanding of
the first principles of physics relevant by focusing
on exploration and explanation of everyday physical
phenomena. Topics will include, kinematics (motion),
dynamics (forces), work and energy, momentum,
vibrations, waves and sound, optics and electricity and
magnetism. Students will conduct investigations and
collect, analyze and explain data.
Foundations of Physics
1 credit
Grade 11, 12
This class covers the most fundamental physics
principles through exploration and application.
Units of focus include: motion and accelerated
motion, forces, energy, waves, light and optics,
circuits and hydraulics. In this active learning
environment, students will create, manipulate, and
dissect apparatuses and will have a strong sense
of how physics applies to the world around them.
School counselor and teacher referral is required for
enrollment in Foundations of Physics.