One credit each in the areas of biology, physics and chemistry is
required in the upper division for graduation. The sequence of study is biology, physics,
chemistry -- taken in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades respectively. Biology,
physics
and chemistry have about one extra period per week for laboratory work. The Advanced Placement
courses in biology, environmental science, physics and chemistry have about two extra lab periods per week. The
laboratory program for each course is designed to reinforce and expound upon the topics
presented during class, to introduce to the student methods of scientific investigation,
to assist students in developing good laboratory techniques, and to develop cognitive
skills. Students are expected to develop skill in interpretation of laboratory data and
communication of interpretations through laboratory reports. The curriculum is designed
so
that there is a sequential development of skills and knowledge.
All students in the required courses complete a library research
project. The assignments for the research projects are constructed so that there is a
sequential development of library research skills for each year of science study.
Core Courses
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Biology
-
Honors Biology
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Physics
-
Honors Physics
-
Chemistry
-
Honors Chemistry
Elective Courses
Advanced Placement
(AP): All AP courses follow the respective AP syllabi,
and all students enrolled in these courses take the AP exams at the conclusion of the
school year. In the school year 2003-2004, there are nine sections of six AP courses.
