Course Offerings:

Science Department

Physical Science

Physical Science is the study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. The first semester focuses mainly on chemicals and chemical reactions. The second semester deals with motion, forces, and types of energy. Both semesters involve a mixture of laboratory work, class discussions, reading, and exercises out of the textbook. The emphasis in this course is on the practical application of physical science concepts in real world situations.

Biology 

This course is a full year course intended to improve the student's understanding and appreciation of the living world. The first semester begins with the basic principles governing all living things, and the methods biologists use to explain the living condition. The semester concludes with a study of the basic principles of genetics, and heredity. This includes the basic biochemistry involved, and the application of these principles to variation and theories of evolution. The second semester is a survey of the organism, including the microorganisms, plants, and animals. Throughout the course ecological principles involved are stressed. The classroom discussions are heavily supplemented by laboratory activities, using living and preserved materials, films and filmstrips.

Topics of Natural Science 

This course will explore many areas of natural science, including astronomy, meteorology, ecology, physical geography, earth science, life science, and the physical sciences. It is intended as an overview of these areas. It is required for those students who decide not to take any of the other science courses offered beyond Biology and will normally be taken during the Junior year. This course is not an elective for students that have taken, or are presently taking, Chemistry.

Chemistry 

This course is the study of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes. Chemistry is an extension of Physical Science 1 and deals with some of the same concepts but in a more detailed and mathematical manner. Also included in this course are units on biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and the chemistry of medicines, foods, and household products. A fairly good math background, especially in Algebra, is very helpful but not required for success in chemistry. Emphasis is on learning lab skills plus understanding and being able to work with concepts such as naming compounds, writing formulas, balancing equations, and doing stoichiometric calculations.

Physics

This course is the science of matter and energy. The major topics of concern are sound, light, mechanics, heat, electricity and atomic energy. Laboratory periods are devoted to practical application of the theory covered in the classroom. It is recommended (although not required) that trigonometry be taken prior to enrolling for physics.

Advanced Biology 

The 1st semester in Advanced Biology will include a unit on Ecology. Included in this unit will be the study of the biosphere and biomes, structure and relationships of ecosystems, population relationships and protecting life on earth. Outdoor study and lab situations will be included. The end of the 1st semester and beginning of 2nd semester will be the study and dissection of the major body systems of the cat. The remainder of the 2nd semester will include human anatomy and physiology study in comparison to the cat. The final unit of the year will deal with researching, reporting, and discussing new discoveries and critical issues in today's biological world.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

AP Chemistry is an extension of the first year of Chemistry with emphasis placed on problem solving, energy involved in chemical reactions, equilibrium concepts and chemical structure and bonding. Additional laboratory skills are practiced. Near the end of the school year, the student will have the option to take the national AP test to obtain advanced college placement in chemistry. If this option is chosen, there will be a testing cost that must be paid by the student.

Health Care Assistant Program

This vocational course is designed for the student to develop an awareness of the diversity of the health care field while learning the skills needed for an entry level health care assistant.  During the 1st semester, students are instructed in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases and in basic patient care procedures.  The basic patient care procedures will be practiced in a lab type setting.  Upon successful completion of the 1st semester, the students will move out into the clinical setting, being assigned approximately 3 days per week to work in the hospital and nursing home settings.  The students will also be assigned to explore a variety of other allied health careers by observing in areas such as the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, Surgical Services, Cardio-Pulmonary Services, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Radiology, Laboratory and Doctor’s Offices.  A dental office rotation is also possible if requested.  (Other community clinicals may be available, such as pharmacy, chiropractor, optometry and veterinary, if students request and contacts are approved.)