Course Offerings

Science Department

The aim of the science department is to facilitate growth in the students by helping them sharpened their problem solving skills and enhance their critical thinking while guiding them to value the role of science in their lives and in our society. Instruction will focus on the dynamic nature of science, showing how science can shape our futures and the environment.

The General Sciences

The General Sciences courses are designed for Junior High students to have a variety of investigative opportunities that foster problem solving and collaboration. Organizational and study skills will be reinforced.

The Earth/Life course work will focus upon interdependent relations in ecosystems, earth systems, natural selection, the history of the earth and human impact.

The Physical Science course work will focus on the structure and properties of matter, chemical equations, forces and interactions and energy

Earth/Space Science

This course is designed to build upon previous earth systems knowledge from Junior High. Students will learn about and solve problems related our earth's systems. Topics of study will include the earth's history, earth systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere), weather and climate, human sustainability and space systems. Physical science concepts necessary for understanding these natural processes will be reviewed or introduced as needed. Organizational and study skills will be reinforced.

Life Science

This course is designed to prepare students to understand basic biological concepts. Areas of study include cell structure and function, molecular and cellular basis of life, heredity and genetics, evolution and ecology. Emphasis is placed on how these topics related to today's society. Laboratory development is both hands on and computer driven to enhance the practical application of biological principles.

Chemistry

This course is designed to be a High School introductory course to the world of matter. Students will be engaged in various problem solving activities. Topics include the history of chemistry and the development of atomic theory, atomic structure, understanding the periodic table, states of matter and its conservation, solution chemistry, acids-bases chemistry, nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry and balancing equations. Emphasis is placed on real world chemical applications.

Environmental Science

This course incorporates a review of the necessary earth science and life science principles that are needed to understand current environmental problems such as pollution in its various forms, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, population growth and climate change. Emphasis is upon the students to be solutionaries as they learn about ecosystem dynamics.

Algebra I C: Grade 9

This course is designed for the student who has difficulty mastering mathematical concepts and skills on an abstract level. It is also designed for those students who need constant reinforcement of basic skills needed for Algebra. Concrete and representational models are used to enhance their understanding of mathematical principles. Students should be able to perform operations on rational and irrational numbers as well as simple graphing and linear equations.

Algebra II C: Grade 11

Algebra II C is designed for the student who has completed Geometry but has had a difficult time mastering the abstract mathematical concepts needed to be successful in a traditional Algebra II class. Reinforcement of basic skills and Algebra I concepts are stressed as well as the use of algebra in everyday situations. Curriculum includes linear equations, some graphing, statistics, probability, as well as operations with rational and irrational numbers.

Geometry C: Grade 10

This course is designed for the student who has difficulty mastering abstract mathematical concepts needs constant reinforcement of the basic skills necessary to complete this course. Students will use concrete references such as graphs, drawings, diagrams and manipulatives to construct viable arguments and draw conclusions. Recognition of definitions, theorems, and postulates are emphasized, as well as constructions they produce themselves that help to demonstrate concepts.

Consumer Math: Grade 9-11

This course is designed for the student who has had a history of difficulty in Math courses. Constant reinforcement of basic skills is stressed along with how these skills can be applied in the real world. Concrete references are used to demonstrate the need to master the skills presented.