Science

Students are required to complete three years of laboratory science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) and are encouraged to elect a fourth year.
312 Biology Grade 9 1 Credit
This survey course is a combination of lectures/discussions and laboratory experiments. Areas of study include the characteristics of life, basic chemistry, the cell, genetics, classification, single-celled organisms, plants, simple and complex animals, evolutionary change, and ecology. Learning how to properly analyze lab results is an integral part of the course.
315 Honors Biology Grade 9 1 Credit
Honors biology is taught on a higher level and it is intended for students who are motivated to work independently, and who possess a special interest in the sciences. Areas of study include the characteristics of life, basic chemistry, the cell, genetics, classification, single-celled organisms, plants, simple and complex animals, evolutionary change, and ecology. Students are required to do outside reading and utilize many more resource materials. Class discussions and laboratory activities are an integral part of this course. PREREQUSITE: Enrollment in this course is based on a student’s 8th grade science performance, and his/her HSPT scores.
330 Topics in Chemistry Grade 10 1 Credit
The aim of this course is to qualitatively introduce basic chemical concepts and apply them to social issues. Areas of discussion throughout this course include atomic theory and the periodic table, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, and gas laws. These concepts will be presented in the context of issues pertaining to pollution, energy requirements, agriculture, and nutrition. This course is a project by the American Chemical Society and is nationally recognized as a chemistry course intended for college bound students.
331 Chemistry Grade 10 1 Credit
The aim of this course is to provide students with a foundation of chemistry. The concepts and laws of chemistry are approached both quantitatively and qualitatively. Emphasis is placed on the solution of word problems covering chemical stoichiometry, energy changes, gases, and equilibrium. Atomic structure, nomenclature and descriptive chemistry are also covered. Hands-on demonstrations and lab activities are an integral part of the course. PREREQUSITE: Grade of C or better in Biology.
335 Honors Chemistry Grade 10 1 Credit
The aim of this course is to provide students with a foundation of computational chemistry. The concepts and laws of chemistry are approached from a predominantly quantitative and but also qualitative approach. Emphasis is placed on the solution of word problems covering electron configuration, atomic theory, chemical stoichiometry, energy changes, gases, equilibrium, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Atomic structure, nomenclature and descriptive chemistry are also covered in depth. Hands-on demonstrations and lab activities are an integral part of the course. PREREQUISITES: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. Grade of "B" or better in Honors Biology or grade of "A" in Biology
340 Topics In Physics Grade 11/12 1 Credit
Through a study of the historic progression of theories and experiments, this course is designed to introduce students on a conceptual level to a variety of topics in classical physics. Topics to be discussed include kinematics, momentum, energy conservation, electricity, magnetism, thermal physics, and optics. Qualitative analysis of physical situations will be the primary mode of problem solving, with some mathematical work. Hands-on demonstrations and lab activities are an integral part of the course. PREREQUISITES: Completion of Chemistry or Topics in Chemistry.
341 Physics Grade 11/12 1 Credit
This is a first year course designed to introduce students to a variety of topics in classical physics, including kinematics, energy, momentum, gravity, thermodynamics, waves, electrostatics, magnetostatics, circuitry, and atomic & nuclear physics. This course is math intensive, with an emphasis on problem solving techniques. Hands-on demonstrations and lab activities are an integral part of the course. PREREQUISITES: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Algebra II; Grade of C or better in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry.
345 A.P. Physics C - Mechanics Grade 12 1 Credit
The College Board determines the syllabus for this course. The AP Physics C exam involves problem solving using calculus based mathematics. Topics to be covered include kinematics, energy, momentum, and rotational dynamics. The laboratory is an integral part of the course, involving self-directed study. It is a second year high school physics course. Students are expected to take the A.P. Physics C, Mechanics exam. PREREQUISITES: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Calculus; grade of B or better in A.P. Physics B, or grade of B+ or better in Physics.
348 A.P. Physics B Grade 11/12 1 Credit
The College Board determines the syllabus for this course. The AP Physics B exam involves problem solving using algebra and trigonometry based mathematics. The course covers a great number of topics in physics, including kinematics, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, sound, electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction, circuitry, and atomic & nuclear physics. The laboratory is an integral part of the course. It can be a first or second year physics course. Students are expected to take the AP Physics B exam. PREREQUISITES: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Precalculus; Grade of B or better in Honors Chemistry or B+ in Physics.
350 A.P. Chemistry Grade 11/12 1 Credit
The College Board has approved the syllabus for this course. The curriculum is modeled after a typical freshman level college chemistry course. It is a fast-paced course that builds upon basic concepts developed in the Honors Chemistry course. Some new topics are covered in addition to building on topics students have already been exposed to. Laboratory skills are far more comprehensive than a normal high school laboratory and students are required to produce in-depth critical laboratory reports. Students are expected to arrive to school early one day a week, complete lab work during homeroom at times and take the AP Chemistry exam in May. PREREQUISITES: A grade of B or better in Honors Chemistry; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus.
353 Astronomy Grade 12 .5 Credit
This course will investigate topics in space exploration and astronomy. The course will begin with a study of the moon and our early exploration of it, including early flight and rocketry. The study will then move to our Solar System and the launching of planetary probes, and move outward from there. Astronomical objects to be discussed include planets, comets, asteroids, moons, stars, and galaxies. Other topics to be discussed include space flight, the history of NASA, the Space Race, living in space, and the current research toward the possibility of manned missions to Mars. Hands-on experience will be obtained from astronomical observations and rocket demonstrations. Evening observations will be required for this course.
355 AP Biology Grade 11/12 1 Credit
The College Board determines the syllabus for this course. Topics included in this course are cell anatomy and physiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and the morphology of plants and animals. Students are expected to take the AP Biology exam. PREREQUISITES: Grade of B or better in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry.
365 AP Environmental Science Grade 12 1 Credit
This course is an interdisciplinary approach to scientific research and environmental studies, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as the integration of politics and mathematics. This course is an intensive research study which will require students to design and implement experiments about the natural world. In addition to a heavy research requirement for the class, students will also explore the cultural and social impacts of developmental expansion on the environment. An awareness of governmental decision-making and policy in Washington, DC in conjunction with original ecological experiments gives students a sense of how well these environmental protection laws and acts are translated into actual progress in our local ecosystems. Students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science exam PREREQUISITES: Grade of B or better in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or Grade of B+ or better in Biology and Chemistry.
366 Ecology of Bugs Grade 12 .5 Credit
A general introduction to the fascinating world of “bugs” with an emphasis on the interactions of insects with their environment. The course introduces students to arthropod anatomy and development, surveys insect orders and major families, explores the reasons for the success and diversity of insects, and reveals the critical role played by insects in various ecosystems. Students will learn the basics of field collection and insect pinning and identification as they create a personal insect collection. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Biology.