Science

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

3 credits in Science must include one unit of physical sciences, one unit of life sciences and one unit of advanced study in one or more of the following sciences: chemistry, physics or other physical science; advanced biology or other life science.

Click course title to jump to description

COURSES

Freshman

Biology

Academic Pathway: Honors, College Prep

Term: year-long course

Credit: 1 full science credit

This is a laboratory-oriented course designed for freshmen. The course provides an in-depth experience of biochemistry and cell biology and reinforces these concepts throughout the year. Topics include the cell, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Emphasis is given to developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are to work both collaboratively and individually to solve problems and investigate the latest information in biology. The course material extends beyond the classroom with experiences that apply to daily life.

Sophomore

Chemistry

Academic Pathway: Honors

Term: year-long course

Credit: 1 full science credit

This course introduces basic topics of chemistry using an in-depth and mathematical approach. Topics covered include measurement and problem-solving, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the mole concept, the periodic table, nomenclature and equations, stoichiometry, and solutions. Some concepts have a strong mathematical emphasis. Concepts covered in class are applied to lab experiments and other activities.

Physical Science

Academic Pathway: College Prep

Term: year-long course

Credit: 1 full science credit

Have you ever wondered why some metals are magnetic, but others are not? Or how do eyeglasses correct our vision? And how much solar energy can we get from the sun? In Physical Science, we will answer these questions and many more! We will cover introductory topics in chemistry –like how the number of electrons determines how elements bond with (or refuse to bond with) each other. Then we branch into physics, where we will explore how and why things move as they do. Finally, we will wrap up the year exploring the stars and planets in our solar system! In addition to all of this, you will learn how scientists conduct their experiments and how scientific discoveries influence our everyday world.

Junior

SL IB Environmental Systems and Societies (Year 1)

Academic Pathway: IB

Term: Two-year course

Credit: 2 full science credits

ESS is a complex course that requires a diverse set of skills from its students. It is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political, and social interactions of societies with the environment. As a result of studying this course, students will be equipped to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world. The interdisciplinary nature of the course requires a broad skill set from students, including the ability to conduct research and investigations and to participate in philosophical discussions. The course requires a systems approach to understanding and problem-solving in environmental contexts and promotes holistic thinking about environmental issues. It is recognized that to understand the environmental issues of the 21st century and suggest suitable management solutions, both the human and environmental aspects must be understood. Students should be encouraged to develop solutions from the personal to the community and global scales. Through the exploration of cause and effect, the course investigates how values interact with choices and actions to produce a range of environmental impacts. Students develop an understanding that the connections between environmental systems and societies are diverse, varied, and dynamic. The complexity of these interactions challenges those working to understand the actions required for effective guardianship of the planet and the sustainable and equitable use of shared resources.

Physics

Academic Pathway: Honors

Term: year-long course

Credit: 1 full science credit

Physics encompasses everything from the large (the universe) to the small (subatomic particles) and serves as the foundation for all other physical sciences and engineering. In this course, you will learn about a wide variety of topics -- including how and why objects move the way they do (mechanics), what curveballs and peanut butter have in common (fluid mechanics), how electrons behave in atoms and iPhones (electricity and magnetism), the science of sounds and color (waves), why energy is both the hottest and coolest stuff (thermodynamics) and so much more!

Senior

SL IB Environmental Systems and Societies (Year 2)

Academic Pathway: IB

Term: Two-year course

Credit: 2 full science credits

Physics

Academic Pathway: Honors

Term: year-long course

Credit: 1 full science credit

Anatomy and Physiology

Academic Pathway: College Prep

Term: year-long course 

Credit: 1 full science credit

Anatomy and Physiology is an introductory course designed to allow students to understand the relationship between the structures and functions of the body. Students will engage in investigations from the cellular level to the level of the organism to understand and explain the mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, dissections, clinical studies, and a field trip, providing students with a hands-on learning experience for exploring the human system components and basic physiology. Systems will be studied from an integrative perspective and cover the following: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. Students completing anatomy and physiology will be prepared to apply their knowledge in medical fields, health and fitness careers, and post-secondary classes involving health-related fields of study.

FACULTY