Science and Technology

This course is designed to be the equivalent to a college level introductory biology course and is only offered to students who have taken a yearlong course in biology.  Topics are discussed from an evolutionary perspective and include biochemistry, photosynthesis and respiration, cell biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, population genetics, zoology and botany, anatomy and physiology of vertebrates, systematic, population and community ecology, and evolution.  A series of labs and field trips complement the course offerings.  Students who are admitted to this course may have to take it over two period (double block), meaning that they cannot take another elective or commit to regular class sessions outside the school schedule (before and after school). In addition to the AP course, students will also take a Computer Programming supplementary course that is imbedded into this course, and will receive .5 credits in computer programming.

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in this course attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. In addition, descriptive chemical reactions and their applications to daily lives are emphasized. One of the major differences between college chemistry and secondary school chemistry is evident in the laboratory work. Students are expected to be able to master the use of modern instruments such as pH meters, milligram balances, spectrophotometers and precision glassware. Students who are admitted to this course may have to take it over two-period block (double block), meaning that they cannot take another elective or commit to regular class sessions outside the school schedule.

This is a college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

AP Physics is Algebra-based, is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, but it is designed to be taught over a full academic year to enable AP students to develop deep understanding of the content and to focus on applying their knowledge through inquiry labs. The full year also allows time for inclusion of physics content that is normally taught in ninth grade. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits.  Open for students in ninth to twelfth grades.

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

The major principles, concepts, and applications of chemistry will be reviewed while employing a hands-on and a student-centered approach to learning. This course is designed to prepare students for college-level chemistry and science related majors. Emphasis is placed on independent experiments, reading and writing, projects, technology, and research. During this course, the student will learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter, chemical reactions, changes in matter and energy, elements and compounds (structure, bonding, and reactivity).

This course stresses the basic concepts and provides students with a genuine understanding of physics.  The conservation laws are emphasized and most of the topics are developed in terms of these laws.  The topics included are vectors, Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and optical instruments, waves and sound.