Science
Faculty
Courses
AP Biology
Tris: 3 | Open to: Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Biology
The AP Biology course is a 3 trimester course designed by the College Board as a college level biology course. In this class, students will study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. This course will prepare students for the AP Biology exam through lecture, writing, data analysis, and hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. - Open to seniors, juniors with teacher approval
Biology
Tris: 2 | Open to: Freshmen | Prerequisites:
Biology is a laboratory science course in which students investigate living things and their interactions with biotic and abiotic factors around them. This course covers a wide range of topics including cells, cell transport and reproduction, genetics, DNA, evolution, and ecology. Students will increase their understanding of biological concepts, processes, and data analysis by participating in various labs and activities throughout the course.
Chemistry
Tris: 2 | Open to: Juniors | Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Conceptual Physics
Chemistry is a laboratory science course in which students will explore the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. This course combines lecture and discussion to support a heavily laboratory focused curriculum, allowing students an active learning environment to explore basic and complex chemistry concepts.
Chemistry in the Community
Tris: 2 | Open to: Juniors | Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Conceptual Physics
Chemistry in the Community is a laboratory-focused course, using experimentation to explore basic chemistry concepts. This course uses real-world environmental issues to explore multiple topics in chemistry through lecture, discussion, and guided experiments.
Chemistry Supplement
Tris: 1 | Open to: Seniors | Prerequisites: Chemistry in the Community
In this chemistry supplement course, students who have completed Chemistry in the Community will apply the concepts learned in that course while diving deeper into more advanced topics and lab experiences. These concepts will complement the material taught in the two-trimester Chemistry course, offering an opportunity for students who have not taken that course to explore more in-depth topics before transitioning to college-level chemistry. You'll delve into subjects like chemical bonding, electron clouds, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics, building on the foundation you've already established. This course serves as a bridge to college-level chemistry, providing hands-on lab work and enhancing problem-solving skills to prepare you for continued education.
Citizen Science
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Biology
In this citizen science course, you’ll discover how everyday people can make meaningful contributions to scientific research—no degree required! We’ll explore how to use tools like the SEEK app for identifying plants and animals and the Audubon bird song app to track bird populations. We'll explore how citizen science is providing enhanced data for real life science by exploring how this method of data collection is used currently, and you'll also learn hands-on techniques for water sampling, collecting live animals, and other methods to help monitor local ecosystems. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills to contribute to real-world science and make a positive impact on the environment.
Conceptual Physics
Tris: 2 | Open to: Sophomores | Prerequisites: Biology
In Conceptual Physics students investigate the interaction of matter and energy in a variety of methods, focusing on the concepts, rather than the math, involved with these interactions. The course begins with an introduction to the scientific method and Newtonian mechanics. It then follows with thermodynamics and proceeds to electromagnetism. At the end, the students have a choice of a variety of topics including modern physics, a more intense look at mechanics focusing on rotational motion, or optics.
Earth & Space Science
Tris: 2 | Open to: Sophomores | Prerequisites: Biology
Earth and Space Science: An innovative take on physics class, in which we use the students' understanding of the natural world to explain and understand fundamental ideas of physics. The class will first focus on the world the students interact with all of the time. It will also include a look forward to our collective future as space explorers.
Environmental Science
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
In this environmental science elective, we will explore the biological components that make up our planet’s ecosystems and how they interact with the environment. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems, we’ll examine the science behind biodiversity, species conservation, and the role of plants and animals in maintaining a balanced environment. We’ll also explore pressing environmental issues like climate change, pollution, resource extraction, and how new technologies are helping to protect our natural world. Join us to learn how science plays a key role in a sustainable future.
Health and the Human Body
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Biology
"Health and the Human Body" is a science elective that delves into the complexities of human health and how the environment and our own anatomy and physiology intersect and lead to either health or disease. Through presentation, hands-on activities, research, and engaging discussions, students will explore topics such as nutrition, genetics, and infectious disease transmittance and prevention.
Intro to Psychology
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Biology
This course introduces students to the study of the human mind and behavior. Students will strive to better understand how we think and act based on intrinsic and extrinsic forces. Topics exploring the basic principles and theories of psychology including personality, the brain, consciousness, learning, and memory will be covered.
Modern Science Discoveries and Research
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
In this course, students will learn how field scientists collect and statistically analyze data to draw meaningful conclusions in various areas of science. We will explore case studies of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, examining the technology, research methods, and real-world applications behind them. Through hands-on experience, students will develop skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and research design. By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to design their own research project or study, applying the techniques and tools they’ve learned to explore a scientific question of their choosing.
- Chemistry preferred, but not required
Philosophy
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Composition 9
The course begins with reading Plato's Allegory of the Cave and selections from Descartes. From there the class changes depending on the interests of the students to either a deeper dive into philosophical texts or an overview of the major topics of Philosophy, namely Logic, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics and linguistics/aesthetics. If that sounds good to you, or if you just like talking about classic literature with an eye on metaphor, then Philosophy would be a great class for you to take.