• Science Course Offerings

     
    Middle School Science Department Course Offerings
     
    SCIENCE SIX
    Prerequisite: Science Five
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 6
    Length:  Full Year 
     
    Science 6 focuses on three disciplines - life, physical, and earth sciences.  Ecology examines the relationships of abiotic and biotic components of our environment. The sixth grade environmental camping experience connects classroom learning to the outdoor setting. The Magnets and Motors unit develops students' understanding of magnetism and how motors work.  Students will also create a group-based science project during this unit. During Catastrophic Events, students learn about meteorology and geology and the dangers that storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes can pose. 

    Sixth Grade Science Syllabus

    SCIENCE SEVEN
    Prerequisite: Science Six
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 7
    Length:  Full Year 
     
    Science 7 develops student's abilities to make predictions, explain causal relationships, discover patterns, and generate explanations. The teaching strategies built into the program allow students to work independently and cooperatively on challenging carefully structured tasks. this course focuses on two disciplines-physical and earth science.  The first unit of study is Energy, Machines, and Motion.  Students investigate energy and the different forms it can take, how forces do work to change energy from one form to another, how machines reduce the effort force needed to do work, and how forces change the motion of objects.  The second unit of study is Earth in Space.  Students explore the relationships in the Sun-Earth-Moon System, characteristics of planets, planetary processes, and Earth's history. 
     
    SCIENCE EIGHT

    Prerequisite: Science Seven
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 8

    Length:  Full Year

    Science Eight explores the Properties of Matter during the first semester. Students will perform activities to learn about the characteristics of matter, compare and contrast mixtures and solutions, differentiate between elements and compounds, and classify types of chemical reactions. The second semester topic is Microbiology to Macrobiology. This unit includes the study of living things from all five kingdoms including plants, animals, fungi, monerans, and protists. The overarching themes are how the structure of a living thing is related to its function and habitat and the cyclical nature of living things.  

    High School Science Department Offerings
     
    COLLEGE PREP PHYSICS
     Prerequisite: None
     Credit: 1.0
     Grade Level: 9
     Length: Full Year
     
    College Prep Physics is provides a conceptual overview of the basic principles of mechanics, electricity, light, sound, and wave mechanics. Laboratory work reinforces the subject material. Reasoning skills are emphasized over mathematical problem solving.
     
    HONORS STEM PHYSICS
    Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in I-STEM to participate in this course
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level:  9th
    Length: Full Year
     
    STEM Physics is a traditional physics course that provides the basis for college physics classes and the AP courses: kinematics (1D, 2D, and circular motion), forces, mechanical energy, electricity, light, and sound. Mathematical problem-solving and reasoning skills are emphasized. Laboratory work (hands on and computer simulated) reinforces the presented subject material.
     

    HEALTH SCIENCE

    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 0.5 
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Length:  1 Semester 

    Health Science applies the fundamentals of general science to investigate careers in the health care industry. The course will explore a wide array of health science fields including environmental health, occupational health, radiological health, toxicology, clinical medicine, and dental and nursing practice. This course supports students planning careers in science and the health care professions.

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS MECHANICS
    Prerequisite: Honors Pre-calculus or Calculus taken concurrently or previously
    Credit: 1.2
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    AP Physics is an in-depth study of the basic concepts of mechanics. Mathematical aspects of vector components, vector products, trigonometric functions, and calculus will be emphasized.  The course will follow the prescribed Advanced Placement curriculum. Students are required to take the AP examination in May to possibly earn college credits. Note: This is a lab course requiring one day of lab in the six day cycle during a different class period. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course.
     

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

    Prerequisite: Honors Pre-calculus or Calculus taken concurrently or previously
    Credit: 1.2
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    AP Physics E/M is an in depth study of the basic concepts of electromagnetism.  Mathematical aspects of vector components, vector products, trigonometric functions, and calculus will be emphasized. The course will follow the prescribed Advanced Placement curriculum. Students are required to take the AP examination in May to possibly earn college credits. Note: This is a lab course requiring one day of lab in the six day cycle during a different class period. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course.
     
    THE PHYSICS OF ASTRONOMY
    Prerequisite None
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    The Physics of Astronomy investigates our solar system, stars and their evolution, galaxies and the universe as a whole will be studied. Laboratory investigations and computer simulations will be used to supplement classroom work.
     
    COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY
    Prerequisite: Algebra I
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 10
    Length:  Full Year
     
    College Prep Chemistry is a study of the structure and composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes during chemical reactions. Students will develop an understanding of energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the arrangement of the Periodic Table, and chemical equations. An emphasis on algebra will be used to aid in the understanding of concepts.
     
    HONORS CHEMISTRY
    Prerequisite: Algebra II taken concurrently or previously
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 10
    Length:  Full Year
     
    Honors Chemistry is an in-depth study of the structure and composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes during chemical reactions. The topics covered include composition of materials, atomic structure, bonding, heat energy, acids-bases, and stoichiometry. Laboratory work supplements theoretical concepts. A strong emphasis on algebra will be used to aid in the understanding of concepts.
     
    SCIENCE, ETHICS, AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 0.5
    Grade Level: 10-12
    Length:  Semester
     
    Science, Ethics, and Contemporary issues is an analysis of the issues, events, scientific research and global influences of current scientific developments. This course explores the cause and effect relationship of the science related events of our time and evaluates their possible impact on the future of our world. The course design allows students to develop the research and debate skills that will be used to examine current scientific issues of the 21 st century. 
     
    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CHEMISTRY
    Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry
    Credit: 1.4
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    AP Chemistry is an in-depth study of the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, acid-base theory, chemical equilibrium, and kinetics. Course materials and laboratory experiences are based on the prescribed Advanced Placement curriculum and will require the use of scientific graphing calculators. Students are required to take the AP examination in May to possibly earn college credits. Note: This is a lab course requiring two days of lab in the six day cycle during a different class period. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course. 
     
    MATERIALS SCIENCE 
    Prerequisite: College Prep Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Credit: 0.5 
    Length:  1 Semester

    Materials Science explores the relationships between the structure and properties in all classes of substances including metals, ceramics, electronic materials, and bio-materials. The course investigates the synthesis of improving materials in response to challenges in the areas of energy, the environment, medicine, and manufacturing. This course is designed to give students a significant and unique advantage in material use and its application in 21st century Art, Science, and Engineering. This course supports students planning careers in science and engineering professions. 

    ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

    Prerequisite: College Prep Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
    Credit: 0.5
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  1 Semester

    Organic Chemistry explores the structure and reactivity of organic molecules and their influence on humans.  Organic chemistry topics include organic molecules role in energy, food, air and water pollution, drugs, and other student-generated topics. This course supports students planning careers in science and the health care professions. 

    Organic Chemistry Syllabus

    COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY
    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 11
    Length:  Full Year
     
    College Prep Biology is an introductory course to the study of biology. The major concepts of Biology will be explored such as biochemistry and the molecular basis of life, cellular organization and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and the origin of life. Lab experiments will reinforce course concepts, and students will be expected to utilize critical thinking skills and methods of scientific inquiry to further their knowledge of science as a process. This course has a culminating Keystone Biology Exam.
     
    HONORS BIOLOGY
    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 11
    Length:  Full Year
     
    Honors Biology is an introductory course designed for students who are planning a career in science as well as a foundational course for students who plan to take AP Biology. The major concepts of Biology will be explored from both the micro- and macro- scales and will include such topics as biochemistry and the molecular basis of life, cellular organization and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and the origin of life, taxonomical classification of organisms, and the interactions of organisms with their environment. Lab experiments will reinforce course concepts, and students will be expected to utilize critical thinking skills and methods of scientific inquiry to further their knowledge of science as a process. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course.  This course has a culminating Keystone Biology Exam. 
     
    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY
    Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
    Credit: 1.6
    Grade Level: 12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    AP Biology is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. Learning outcomes include a grasp of science as a process of inquiry; recognition of the themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological information to environmental and social issues. Students are required to take the AP exam in May to possibly earn college credits. Note: This is a lab course requiring three days of lab in the six day cycle during a different class period. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course.
     
    ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
    Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry taken concurrently or previously
    Credit: 1.2
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    AP Environmental Science is the equivalent of an introductory environmental science college course. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world (ecology). Ecological principles are used to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, the relative risks associated with these problems, and the alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Field trips provide on-site experiences; the cost for these trips will be the student's responsibility. (Included among these experiences is a five-day field trip to the Marine Science Consortium at Wallops Island, Virginia) Strong analysis and synthesis skills will be developed and used extensively in all work done in this course. Note: This is a lab course requiring one day of lab in the six day cycle during a different class period. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Several assignments may be required during the summer in preparation for this course. 
     
    HONORS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (ES)  
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design or Principles of Engineering
    Credits: 1.0
    Grade Level: 10-12
    Length: Full Year 

    In ES, students investigate and design solutions in response to real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply issues, and renewable energy. Applying their knowledge through hands-on activities and simulations, students research and design potential solutions to these true-to-life challenges.

    Honors Environmental Sustainability Syllabus
    ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    Anatomy and Physiology explores the structures and functions of the systems comprising the human body. An equal emphasis will be placed on physiological mechanisms as well as a thorough understanding of anatomy. The inter-relatedness of such systems as the skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, and circulatory will be explored. Students will apply their knowledge in the analysis of clinical case studies. Laboratory investigations involving dissections will be required. This course supports students planning careers in science and the health care professions. 
     
    Anatomy and Physiology Syllabus
    BIO MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
    Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology
    Credit: 0.5
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  1 Semester
     
    Biomedical Technology is an introduction to the expanding field of BioMedical Technology. This course provides students with the tools for practical success in the field through an emphasis on hands-on laboratory techniques used in industry, as well as career explorations, and discussion of topics in biotechnology. Medical and pharmaceutical topics will be explored, and human micro-anatomy will be examined. This is an opportunity to for laboratory experiences beyond the regular biology courses. This course supports students planning careers in science and the health care professions.
     
    FORENSIC SCIENCE
    Prerequisite: None
    Credit: 1.0
    Grade Level: 10-12
    Length:  Full Year
     
    Forensic Science explores the world of science in a complete new way! This course applies science to the criminal justice system. Content includes crime investigation and collection and analysis of evidence such as hair, fibers, fingerprints, DNA, blood, and ballistics.  Students will develop precision in obtaining and analyzing data and communicating results through the use of court testimony, case studies, and projects. Note: this course contains graphic material. 
     
    MICROBIOLOGY
    Prerequisite: College Prep Biology or Honors Biology
    Credit: 0.5 (Semester Course)
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Length:  1 Semester

    Microbiology explores the world of bacteria, virus, and fungi and their influence on humans. Microbe-related topics include disease, bio-terrorism, food production, biotechnology, and ecology. With a lab intensive approach, this course supports students planning careers in science and the health care professions.  

    Microbiology Syllabus 
    BIOLOGY STANDARDS
    Prerequisite: Any biology student that is deemed in need of remediation as a result of CDT testing, PVAAS data, and local assessments. Any student who has failed the Biology Keystone Exam. 
    Credit: 0.5
    Grade Level: 11
    Length:  1 Semester
     
    Biology Standards is designed for students who need additional help in achieving proficiency on the Biology Keystone exam in accordance with District, State, and PA Common Core guidelines. The course is designed to supplement student preparation for the Keystone Biology Exam.  
     
Last Modified on December 5, 2016