Prerequisites: None. Open to all who have not already taken Biology, mainly students in grades 9 and 10.

In Biology, students explore the fundamental structures of life, beginning with the principles that control atoms and molecules and building upon those principles as they journey through cells, genetics, the evolution of living organisms and culminating with the complexity of the human body. In the lab, students improve their observation skills and learn to use the scientific method to analyze complex natural systems and a variety of organisms. Students improve study habits and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to grasp intricate biological concepts.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and success in previous science courses

Honors Biology is an introduction to the study of living things and their interdependence with other organisms and their environment. Upon completion of this course, students should have gained an understanding of basic biological concepts. Topics to be covered include biochemistry, cells, metabolism, genetics, evolution, nucleic acid synthesis and function, and plant biology. Regular work in the laboratory, along with analysis of results and formal presentation of findings, will be an important component of this course.

Prerequisites: (summer work required)
Students are guided through an exploration of the recurring themes of biological processes in the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course. By making connections among biological principles, complex topics are simplified. For instance, the large area of respiratory surfaces serves the same function as the highly convoluted inner mitochondrial membrane—more space to do cellular work. Students also are required to put their knowledge into practice through review and discussion of current scientific findings. Learning is reinforced with demonstrations, animations, simulations and labs. Topics covered include biochemistry, cell structure and function, energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, DNA technology, evolutionary biology, diversity of life, human biology, plant biology and ecology.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology. Open to all grade levels, mainly students in grades 10 and 11.

Students studying chemistry examine the makeup of all atomic and molecular forms of matter and the laws that guide matter’s interactions. This allows students to understand some of nature’s seemingly magical transformations, like the fact that two caustic and volatile substances such as chlorine and sodium combine to form a fundamental requirement for human life—salt. To build on these fundamental principles, students develop mathematical tools that allow them to predict how matter will behave. Through strengthening their mathematical skills, students gain confidence in their ability to grasp complex chemical concepts. In the lab, students practice the principles of scientific research as they conduct various experiments, collect data, and report their findings.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology (90% or better) or Honors Biology (85% or better)

In Honors Chemistry, students examine the makeup of all atomic, elemental, and molecular forms of matter and the laws that guide matter’s interactions. They develop an understanding of atomic structure and the elemental properties that arise from that structure, recognizing the patterns and distinctions between materials. Understanding fundamental principles of the universe like the electric force between charges and conservation of matter, honors students learn to predict the outcome of complex chemical reactions. Students also calculate the required amounts of reactants and the expected amounts of products using stoichiometry. In the lab, students use various methods to analyze compounds. Additionally, students will create their own hypotheses and will design experiments to test these predictions, and will refine their understanding of results through data analysis.

Prerequisites:  (summer work required) Advanced Placement Chemistry covers many topics from previous studies in greater detail and new subjects are explored. Particular attention is placed on predicting if a reaction will happen and why some reactions, like rusting, are terribly slow, while other reactions, like the explosion of dynamite, are incredibly fast. Problem-solving skills will develop significantly as students answer complex and multi-layered problems. Laboratory experiments require students to master lab techniques and to properly use various pieces of lab equipment. Students will be challenged to empirically analyze the results and explain sources of error in experiments. The work and level of thinking required in AP Chemistry are equivalent to that required in a college-level class.

Prerequisites:  (summer work required)
This course is designed to give students a diverse view of how our natural world affects us as individuals, as a species and all organisms as a planetary whole. The interconnection of organisms, environments and the systems of each are central to our understanding of how to best live within the natural world, not control it. We will cover many diverse topics ranging from the scientific, at a micro and macro scale, to data gathering and analysis, to US and world government policies and our own morality, role and responsibilities as inhabitants of this planet.

Prerequisite: Open to a limited number of seniors who have completed and excelled in at least one AP Science and/or AP Mathematics course. Tests scores (standardized and AP), grades, interview, essay, teacher recommendations and transcript rigor are all factors in the application process.

A year-long academic offering for students as a core academic class in either Mathematics or Science that seeks to provide rigorous interdisciplinary study in a collaborative and project-based setting, this class quickly becomes a student- driven format with significant critical thinking applied throughout the course.

First semester topics include Team Building, Effective Collaboration, Learning Styles, Analysis, Methodology, Innovation and Design Thinking as well as day-long mini projects and three team-based collaborative projects with presentations. Second semester is designed around a thesis project that is significant in scale, interdisciplinary in nature, and collaborative in format. Teams work toward creating a significant document and large-scale presentation that will be delivered to both small and large panels. Teams build a website to track and display their project and a physical design model or equivalent display (ex., a piece of music, a computer program, etc.) depending on each individual project’s aim and components. Clearly defined individual roles will be identified in all facets of the project, while ensuring a collaborative approach among the team throughout the venture.