Academics : Science
Requirements:
All students must take three years of Science.
411 - Honors Physical Science
This course is designed to help the student to develop basic scientific concepts, to learn laboratory techniques which will be needed in subsequent science courses, and to develop ease in applying math to an understanding and explanation of data. Topics include: scientific methods and skills, properties and composition of matter, atomic structure and bonding, formulas and equations, elements and the periodic table, acids and bases, force, motion, simple machines, heat, sound, light, electricity, and nuclear energy. Summer assignment required.
412/413 - Physical Science
This course is designed to help the student understand fundamental scientific concepts and processes, and apply laboratory and math skills to their learning of physical science. Some topics which are explored are : care and use of scientific equipment and materials, metric measurements, classification of matter, atomic structure , chemical bonding, chemical reactions, motion, energy, heat, electricity, light, and sound.
412 - Honors Biology
In this course topics are explored that lead to a framework of discussion and experimentation of ideas. The course begins with a discussion of the unique properties of living organisms. The presentation of molecular and cellular biology follows and gives a background for the concepts of reproduction and genetics. The study progresses from cells to protests, to plants, to animals, and finally to Humans. In the laboratory, students will be involved in activities which help them to discover scientific principles and develop fundamental scientific skills. Summer assignments are required. Prerequisites: Summer preparation, Honors Physical Science and teacher/department head approval.
422 - Biology
In this course topics are explored that lead to a framework of discussion and experimentation of ideas. The course begins with a discussion of the unique properties of living organisms. The presentation of molecular and cellular biology follows and gives a background for the concepts of reproduction, genetics, evolution and classification. The study progresses from cells to protests, to plants, to animals, and finally to humans. Lab investigations will help the student further develop their scientific skills. Prerequisites: Physical Science and teacher/department head approval.
431 - Honors Chemistry
Chemistry is a course designed to enable students to acquire a background in the subject for future college courses, to obtain jobs in science related fields, and to be informed, scientifically literate citizens. Topics include scientific method, properties of matter, formulas and equations, stoichiometry, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, solutions, equilibrium, acids, bases, salts, oxidation - reduction, electrochemistry, organic and nuclear chemistry. Labs include Drexel University's Science in Motion Program. In this experience, students work with equipment used in professional laboratories. Prerequisites: Summer preparation, Honors Biology, Algebra 2 (concurrently), and teacher/department head approval.
432 - Chemistry
Chemistry is a course designed to enable students to acquire a background in the subject for future college courses, to obtain jobs in science and science related fields, and to be informed, scientifically literate citizens. Topics include scientific method, properties of matter, formulas and equations, atomic structure, the period table, solutions, equilibrium, acids, bases, salts, oxidation - reduction, and electrochemistry. Lab activities stress aspects of chemistry applicable to everyday life. Prerequisites: Biology (track 2), Algebra 2 (concurrently) and teacher/department head approval.
441 - Standard Pre-College Physics
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the physical laws of nature. Topics covered include: Motion, mechanics, light, optics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying concepts. The use of mathematics in problem solving as well as the interpreting and of reporting data in the form of tables and graphs are integral parts of the course. Prerequisites: Calculus or Trigonometry (concurrently), a first semester Chemistry grade of 85 or above, and teacher/department head approval. Calculus of Trigonometry must be taken concurrently.
442- Conceptual Physics
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the physical laws of nature. Topics covered include: motion, mechanics, light, optics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter. Coursework does not include the intense mathematical analysis normally associated with a Physics course. Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra 2and Trigonometry (concurrently), a first semester Chemistry grade of 75 or above, and teacher/department head approval.