Content: This is an introductory laboratory course including inorganic chemistry, physics, and general earth science. Concepts include atomic model of elements, the molecular model of matter, the types of chemical changes that occur in nature, the behavior and nature of heat, light and sound, the forces at work in nature and man's attempt to deal with these forces. It also includes societal and environmental effects of science, and the research basis of science and technology. This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB00810, SCES00810)

Content: The course includes a study of the physical environment and how it is changing, relationships between weather and climate, erosion and weathering, plate tectonics and earthquakes. Other topics include formation of rocks and minerals, landscapes, origin and composition of the universe, and relationships between geological and living components of planet earth. This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB00700, SCES00700)

Content: This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design. Students investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems relating to living systems. Students will become acquainted with fundamental concepts and principles at work as living organisms maintain their own life functions and interact with other living things and the environment. Topics include matter, energy, and organization in living systems, the molecular basis of living material, the cell, heredity and evolution, behavior, and ecology and interdependence of organisms. This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SCSB00000, SCSB00040, SCES00000, SCES00040)

Content: Similar to Biology 1-2. Strong independent reading and writing skills are needed for success in the course. More in-depth study of the various processes and topics is undertaken. Students work collaboratively to design experiments, collect, analyze, evaluate data, and use their findings to draw conclusions and make new hypotheses. Data analysis may require mathematical applications. There is an emphasis on inquiry and problem solving, experimental design and execution.

Content: An in-depth study of ecology, scientific research methods, cell biology, genetics, growth and development of plants and animals, interacting systems in organisms, and animal behavior. This course follows the guidelines outlined by the College Board. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology.

Content: This course includes a study of the composition of matter at the atomic-molecular level and the changes in matter produced by environmental forces. Laboratory experiences which reinforce the development of the chemical principles included in the classroom study. This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SCSB00300, SCES00300)

Content: The course is designed to provide students with a more sophisticated approach to the study of changes and properties of matter than Chemistry 1-2. The quantitative aspects of chemistry will be stressed. Students need a calculator to aid in quantitative experiments and problem solving.

Content: General chemistry principles will be pursued in depth with strong emphasis on the problem-solving aspect of chemistry. This course follows the guidelines outlined by the College Board. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Chemistry.

Activities: Laboratory investigations, including those both qualitative and quantitative in nature, will be correlated with the descriptive phase of the course. Summer work will likely be required of students, to be completed prior to the beginning of the course.

Content: This course will demonstrate the conceptual framework of physics, stressing the importance of attaining results experimentally and then applying these findings into physical theories. Topics studied will include measurement of time, space and matter, structure of matter, laws of motion, optics, mechanical and thermal energy, electromagnetic waves and electric circuits.

Content: This in-depth course stresses the importance of mathematics in understanding basic physical concepts. An in-depth study will be made of laws of motion, optics, potential and thermal energy, electromagnetic waves, electric circuits, and quantum systems. Students will have an opportunity to develop computer solutions to problems involving multiple variables.

Activities: Laboratory work, reading, problem solving, and a research project. Summer work will likely be required of students, to be completed prior to the beginning of the course.

Content: This course stresses the importance of Calculus in understanding physical concepts. An in-depth study will be made of Newtonian mechanics and electricity & magnetism. This course follows the guidelines outlined by the College Board. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Physics (C). Students will have an opportunity to develop computer solutions to problems involving multiple variables. Students may be expected to complete assigned course work during the summer prior to the beginning of the course.

Content: This course is designed for students who have special interests in environmental issues and nature. Topics include the study of ecosystems, energy and conservation, pollution, population, and practical applications. Environmental science includes the study of human and technological impacts on the natural world. This course includes many outdoor activities using local areas as the laboratory and participation in local stewardship activities and/or workshops. A fee may be required for field trips and supplies.