| We encourage students
to take the most challenging curriculum they can. Crossing
between options from year to year is to be considered in consultation
with your guidance counselor. |
To look up the prerequisites for a particular course, click on the first letter of the course in the table below. The information contained in this page is for the 2005-06 academic year.
| Grade |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
| 9th |
Biology
CPII |
†Biology CPI |
H
Biology |
| 10th | IPS/Intro
to Chemistry CPI |
Chemistry CPI or Physics CPI |
H-Chemistry
or H-Physics |
| 11th |
Physics
CPII |
†Chemistry CPI or †Physics CPI |
H-Chemistry
or H-Physics |
| 12th |
Chemistry
CPII |
Earth Science or Other Options |
AP-Science & Other
Options |
| Other Options |
Anatomy & Physiology, Geology/Earth
Science, Astronomy, Honors Organic
Chemistry, AP-Biology, AP-Physics,
AP-Chemistry. |
||
| Note: |
†
Students in consultation with their guidance counselor should consider
taking the honors level for courses marked with a †. |
||
Life Science Related
500- Biology (CPII): Grades 9, 10 5 credit
Prerequisite: Placement process (placement test, science grades, teacher recommendation, math placement, and English placement).
Biology CPII is designed to meet the needs of students who have had little success in previous science courses and/or mathematics. This course covers topics dealing with a wide range of living organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms. Emphasis is on the human structure and functions. Individualized instruction, self pacing teaching strategies, and hands-on activities are used extensively, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. This course satisfies the year of Biology required for graduation.
502
Prerequisite: Placement process (placement test, science grades, teacher recommendation, math placement, and English placement).
Biology CPI is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of most students. This course will cover topics in cells, genetics, evolution and microbiology. There is a strong emphasis on plant and animal structure and function. Hands-on activities are used extensively, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory.
504
Prerequisite: Placement process (placement test, science grades, teacher recommendation, math placement, and English placement).
Biology (H) is a fast paced college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in science. This course will cover topics in molecular biology, cell structure & function, genetics, evolution, microbiology, and a survey of the kingdoms of organisms and their interrelationships. Abstract modeling is used extensively within this course, and it is assumed that students entering this course have a working knowledge of the standard atomic model as well as how atoms combine to form molecules. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory.
506
Prerequisite: Biology (H) with grade of C or better or Biology (CPI) with grade of B- or better.
Strongly recommended for those students who are considering a career as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist or other such related fields. The 10 body systems will be addressed in terms of both structure and function. The laboratory work will concentrate on physiologic function. Sophomores needing another year of math prior to taking chemistry or physics should consider taking this course. Academically strong juniors and/or seniors might consider taking this course as a 2nd science course along with chemistry, physics or an AP-science.
518Prerequisite: Chemistry (CPI) with grade of B or better or Chemistry (HH) with grade of C or better and Biology (CPI) with grade of B- or better or Biology (H) with grade of B- or better.This course is equivalent to a college introductory biology course. It aims to provide students with conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the changing science of biology. A college text is used and students are expected to take the AP-Biology exam in May.
520
Prerequisite: Not open to students that either (1) have completed Algebra 1 (CPI) with a grade of B- or better; (2) completed any level of Algebra 2 with a passing grade; or (3) will be enrolled in Algebra 2 (CPI) concurrently.
Physics (CPII) is designed to meet the needs of students who have had little success in previous science courses and/or mathematics. This course will cover topics in mechanics, electricity, and physical optics. An emphasis will be placed on a qualitative approach to physics. Skills in measurement techniques, unit knowledge & conversion, data collection & representation, and hypothesis building will be emphasized. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, and find out information.
524
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (CPI) with a grade of C+ or better or enrolled concurrently in Algebra 2 CPI or FST.
Physics (CPI) is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of most students. This course will cover topics in mechanics, electricity & magnetism, light, and selected topics in modern physics. Conceptual understanding is emphasized, although many key ideas are represented through mathematical modeling. Skills in measurement techniques, unit knowledge and conversion, data collection and representation, and hypothesis building will be emphasized. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, and find out information.
526
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (CPI) with a grade of B or better or Algebra 2 (H) with grade of C or better or enrolled concurrently in Algebra 2 (H).
Physics (HH) is a fast paced college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in science. This course will cover topics in kinematics, dynamics, electricity & magnetism, and optics. Mathematical modeling, mathematical analysis, problem solving, and strong conceptual understanding are all emphasized in this course. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, and find out information.
532
Prerequisite: Biology CPI with a grade of C+ or better.
Earth science is a college preparatory course designed to familiarize the student with the properties of and the processes that occur in the Earth’s crust; in the Earth’s atmosphere; and in the Earth’s oceans. Laboratory investigation will be a strong component of this course. Sophomores needing another year of math prior to taking chemistry or physics should consider taking this course. Academically strong juniors and/or seniors might consider taking this course as a 2nd science course along with chemistry, physics or an AP-science.
534
Prerequisite: Physics (CPI) with a grade of C or better.
This course in Astronomy will cover planets, stars and galaxies, but it is really about us! Astronomy helps us answer the ultimate questions of human existence. What are we? Great minds like Plato, Beethoven and Hemingway have tried to give their personal answers, but we must each find our own answer. Astronomy helps us understand the meaning of our existence.
530
Prerequisite: Physics (HH) and recommendation of Honors Physics teacher.
For students with a strong interest in science, engineering or medicine. Topics include: vectors, motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation laws, rotational kinematics, rotational dynamics, equilibrium, as well as Einstein's theory of special relativity. A college text is used and students are expected to take the Physics C - Mechanics AP exam in May. This course is equivalent to a 1 semester freshman college course for science majors.
540
Prerequisite: Biology CPII or Biology CPI with a grade of C or less.
We recommend that students completing this course with a B- or better consider taking Chemistry 548 later in their HS program.
This course is not equivalent to a full year chemistry course, however, it may be used to meet the chemistry graduation requirement.
Introduction to Physical Science/Chemistry is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in fields other than science. This course will cover topics in physical and chemical properties of matter , physical and chemical change, conservation of mass in closed systems, solubility, separation of mixtures, compounds and elements, the atomic model, radioactivity, measurement techniques, unit knowledge & conversion, data collection & representation, and hypothesis building. This course serves, for many students, as a foundation course for future success in science. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory.
We recommend that students completing this course with a B- or better consider taking Chemistry CPI later in their HS program.
544
Prerequisite: Not open to students that either (1) have completed Algebra 1 (CPI) with a grade of B- or better; (2) completed any level of Algebra 2 with a passing grade; or (3) will be enrolled in Algebra 2 (CPI) concurrently.
Chemistry (CPII) is designed to meet the needs of students who have had little success in previous science courses and/or mathematics. This course will focus on chemistry as it relates to our daily lives. An emphasis will be placed on a qualitative approach to chemistry and how it impacts our environment. Skills in measurement techniques, unit knowledge & manipulation, data collection & representation, and hypothesis building will be emphasized. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory.
548
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (CPI) with a grade of C+ or better or enrolled concurrently in Algebra 2 CPI or FST.
Chemistry (CPI) is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in fields other than science. This course will cover topics in structure of atoms and molecules, concepts in energy, chemical dynamics, chemical bonding and how chemistry relates to consumers and the environment. Conceptual understanding is emphasized, although many key ideas are represented through mathematical modeling. Skills in measurement techniques, unit knowledge and manipulation, data collection and hypothesis building will be emphasized. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, find out information, and present information.
550
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (CPI) with a grade of B or better or Algebra 2 (H) with grade of C or better or enrolled concurrently in Algebra 2 (H).
Chemistry (HH) is a fast paced college preparatory course designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in science. This course will cover topics in structure of matter, chemical dynamics, reaction stoichiometry and the mole concept. Mathematical modeling, mathematical analysis, problem solving, analytical laboratory techniques, and critical thinking are all emphasized. Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework, and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory. Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, find out information, and present information.
552
Prerequisite: Chemistry (CPI) with a B- or better or Chemistry (HH) with a C or better.
Offered ONLY on even years (e.g., 2004/05, 2006/07, etc.)
This course is strongly recommended for those students who are considering a career as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other medically related fields. The concepts of organic chemistry in many cases are quite different from those of inorganic and general chemistry. This course explores those concepts to prepare the student interested in careers in the fields of chemistry, biology and medicine. Learning nomenclature, developing skills of formula writing, and becoming proficient in reaction prediction and equation writing will be covered via question and practice problems. Laboratory work will consist of chemical reactions that coincide with the chemical reactions being studied.
558
Prerequisite: Chemistry (HH).
Offered ONLY on odd years (e.g., 2003/04, 2005/06, etc.)
For students with a strong interest in chemistry, chemical engineering, and/or medicine. A college text is used and students are expected to take the Chemistry AP exam in May. This course is equivalent to a 1 semester freshman college course for science majors.
(counter since 8/20/05)
