Science

In this class, students will explore relationships between structure and function in organisms and the interaction of cells and organisms with each other and their environments. Topics of study include: use of a microscope, cell structure and function, biochemistry, microbiology, classification, human physiology, genetics, evolution, botany and ecology. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts presented and engage students in the practices of scientific inquiry. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the relationships between the structure and properties of matter and the interaction of matter and energy. Units of study include: matter and its changes, atomic structure, chemical composition, nomenclature, acids and bases, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, bonding, molecular geometry, and thermochemistry. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts presented in the course. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

This course helps students understand the basic physical laws of our world. The course includes: scientific methods and measurement, forces, motion, energy, light, waves, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory work serves to promote understanding and to illustrate the experimental nature of physics. Mathematics is used every day in this course. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

Advanced Physics will acquaint students with the basic physical laws of our world. The major areas of study are in measurement, light, waves, motion, forces, energy, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. Laboratory work serves to promote understanding and to illustrate the experimental nature of physics. Algebra and geometry are used extensively in this course. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, highlevel learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a “standard” course. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology provides students an opportunity to explore the intricate and sophisticated relationship between structure and function in the human body. Topics of study include the following: homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and body systems. Laboratory activities, including dissection of a mammal such as the cat, will reinforce the concepts presented in the course. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the relationships between the structure, processes, and resources on Earth and other solar bodies. Emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experiences. Units of study include Cosmology and Earth History, Energy and Forces in the Solar System, Plate Tectonics, Climate Processes, Resources and the Environment, Physical and Chemical Changes in the Geosphere, and Natural Hazards. This course is inquiry based and involves both independent and cooperative learning. HEAR Natural Science.

This is a unique course that examines how societies address the interrelationships between pressing environmental issues. It is a science and social studies course that combines the IB Environmental Systems & Societies curriculum with the AP Environmental Science curriculum. An emphasis is put on study of the ecosystem, human population, carrying capacity and resource use, conservation and biodiversity, pollution management, the issue of global warming and environmental value systems. The course will provide methodologies and skills that can be used in the analysis of environmental issues at local and global levels. Inquiry based laboratory activities reinforce concepts and are used for internal assessments required by IB. This course prepares students for the IB Environmental Systems and Society SL exam and AP Environmental Science Exam. HEAR Natural Science and NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

IB Biology 1 is a comprehensive survey of cells, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology and select topics in physiology. Students will gain conceptual and practical skills as a result of involvement in scientific activities and statistical analyses. Students will develop the ability to evaluate biological knowledge with respect to problems which are facing mankind at present, and which have implication of serious consequences in the future. Laboratory experiences are a major portion of the course. This course is the first part of a curriculum pathway leading to IB/AP exams. HEAR Natural Science.

This course uses discovery learning as much as possible to promote well informed, inquisitive, scientific thinkers. Twenty-five percent of class time is spent in the laboratory developing advanced research skills. Communicating scientific concepts, both orally and written will be practiced. This is an advanced chemistry class which thoroughly prepares a student for General Chemistry, usually taken during the first year of college. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

IB Chemistry 2 is a comprehensive survey of chemistry principles and concepts; it builds upon the studies covered in IB Chemistry 1. The class combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills through a variety of scientific activities and statistical analyses. Students will develop the ability to evaluate chemistry knowledge with respect to real-world environmental problems. Laboratory experiences are a major portion of the course. This class prepares students to take IB and AP exams. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

This class will acquaint students with the basic physical laws of our world. Key concepts covered in the course include Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and introductory atomic physics. From a physics approach to studying science, students will design investigations, collect data, analyze results, evaluate and communicate findings. The course is the first installment (of two) leading to IB/AP exams. Students will utilize a high degree of skill in algebra and geometry. HEAR Natural Science NCAA Clearinghouse approved course.

IB Biochemistry HL is an in􀀀depth study of selected topics introduced in IB Biology 1. An emphasis is put on organic chemistry, enzymes, DNA and protein synthesis, genetic engineering, cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Students will be exposed to rigors of both biology and advanced chemistry concepts. Laboratory activities will reinforce concepts and principles presented in class. Completion of IB Biology 1, IB Biology 2 HL, and IB Biochemistry HL (this course) will prepare students for IB and AP exams. HEAR Natural Science and NCAA  Clearinghouse approved course

This highly structured, year-long course offers students an opportunity to perform authentic science research of their own choosing. Students participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience by performing hands-on scientific research under the supervision of a qualified mentor. Students identify their own topic of research; read relevant and appropriate scientific literature; create testable hypotheses; and design, analyze and discuss results. Each student will have the opportunity to enter research into local, state and national competitions, write a publication-quality paper describing research results, and give an oral presentation of research results. HEAR Natural Science and NCAA Clearinghouse approved course