Science

Earth Science is a study of the features and forces of the earth and its place in the solar system and the universe. This course introduces students to such topics as geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science students will closely follow the program suggested by the College Board. Students will study scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The course is taught at an intensive level of rigor. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

Environmental Science is designed for students to have the opportunity to increase their environmental literacy and graduate with the knowledge and skills to act responsibly to protect and restore their environment. The goal of this course is to provide students with the skills and content necessary for them to look at current and future environmental issues, both natural and man-made, through a critical lens and to provide a platform to make informed decisions. The course will focus on earth science for one semester and biology one semester and link the concepts of the two disciplines. This course counts as an earth science but not a verified credit.

Biology provides a meaningful view of the whole living world and its interrelationships. Topics such as taxonomy, morphology, physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, ecology and animal behavior are covered. This course will include dissections of various animals. In the Honors level of the course, environmental education will be emphasized. The students will be required to plan, develop, and complete an experimental science project and report the results in oral and written form. All students take the SOL test for Biology and must pass it to earn a verified credit toward graduation.

Advanced Placement Biology students will closely follow the program suggested by the College Board. This course emphasizes the principal topics covered in Biology I, however, it is taught at a more intensive level of rigor. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

Biology II – Forensics is a semester course that combines the concepts of biology and chemistry to explore scientific applications of solving crimes in a comprehensive approach. Students will perform numerous laboratories that will focus on making the connections between science and technology and the impact these two disciplines have on the study of forensic science. Students will use multiple pathways of scientific reasoning to explore the analysis of a crime scene, fingerprints, hair, trace evidence, blood, DNA and case studies. This is a one semester course.

Earth Science II provides an understanding of the components of the universe and their interactions focusing more specifically on the solar system. This is a one semester course.

Oceanography is a semester course that involves the study of the historical, physical and chemical aspects of the oceans. The course will use the Chesapeake Bay region for an intense study of the coastal ocean. This is a paired semester class and students may enter second semester. Either semester may be paired with any other Earth Science II semester course as scheduling permits. This is a one semester course.

Biology II - Genetics includes a study of the continuity of life and heredity, cell chemistry, Mendelian laws of heredity, probability, sex-inheritance, selection, chromosomal aberrations, mutations, cytoplasmic inheritance, bacterial and viral genetics, eugenics, genes in populations and genetics of species formation.

Marine Biology is a semester course that involves the study of the oceans and life processes within and around it, and includes the study of plants and animals in the ocean, ecology, and the impact of humans on the ocean. This course will also include dissections of various preserved ocean animals. This is a paired semester class and students may enter second semester. Either semester may be paired with any other Biology II semester course as scheduling permits. This is a one semester course.

Zoology is a semester course that provides the student with a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Zoology students will delve into the diversity of life by studying characteristics, taxonomic relationships, life processes, survival mechanisms, and economic importance among the organisms. This course will include dissections of various animals. This is a paired semester class and students may enter second semester. Either semester may be paired with any other Biology II semester course as scheduling permits. This is a one semester course.

Ecology is a semester course that includes studies of the relationship between organisms and the environment, including physical and biological conditions. The course will include experimental studies in the laboratory and the field and data analysis. This is a paired semester class and students may enter second semester. Either semester may be paired with any other Biology II semester course as scheduling permits. This is a one semester course.

Anatomy and Physiology is a study of the structure and function of the human body. The course is preparation for advanced biological studies, biomedical nursing, and other science-based careers. Laboratory experiences provide student learning in the following topics: the major body systems; how the body systems work together to provide homeostasis; body functions in the healthy and diseased states; blood typing; muscle action; nerve functioning; and bioethics. Dissections of various preserved animals and organs are an integral part of this course.

The semester-long elective course provides an in-depth study of the molecular basis of cellular processes and the interrelationships in living systems through inquiry-based experimentation and modeling. Students will cover topics including: biochemistry, cell structure and functions, cell membrane structure and transport across the membrane, cellular communication, energetics, molecular genetics, cell organization and movement, and cell cycle. Students will be taught the content, lab techniques and critical thinking skills to be successful in an introductory college biology course. This is a one semester course.

The semester-long elective course focuses on research design, applied math and statistics culminating in a student capstone research project with a molecular cell emphasis. Students develop research skills including science based literature research, developing a research proposal, experimentation, data analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation skills. This is a one semester course.

This is an alternative to the typical science course in the classroom setting. It allows the use of “Discovery Science” which describes natural structures of processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and data collection. Student interest and participation is far above that of a typical classroom setting. The students arrive at class eager to go out and discover something new, and then follow that up with further research when they get back to class to answer all of their questions. As one of our biology textbooks expresses it, “Science is a quest to understand nature.” Being outdoors brings that quest to life. Seeing the interactions firsthand brings excitement into learning.

General Chemistry is a course that explains the basic atomic and molecular processes. Other areas of study include the structure of matter and periodicity of elements, behavior of matter in terms of chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction and acid base theory. Students must have successfully completed Algebra I and either Biology or Earth Science SOL before taking this course.

Honors Chemistry is a course that explains the basic atomic and molecular processes. Other areas of study include the structure of matter and periodicity of elements, behavior of matter in terms of chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction and acid base theory. Students must have successfully passed the Biology or Earth Science SOL before taking this course.

Advanced Placement Chemistry students will closely follow the program suggested by the College Board. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. Laboratory work will be required at least fifty percent of the time. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

General Science and Technology Communications will enhance literacy skills in research in all science disciplines. Digital literacy will be developed through the engineering design process as student become problem finders to develop solutions that will be communicated through various multi-media platforms. This course will incorporate science, technology and communication in an innovative and project-based approach to develop literacy, career and life skills.

General Physics I is a two-semester course designed for students who have successfully completed Geometry and are interested in Physics but are not ready for the math requirement of Honors Physics. Students will develop a conceptual understanding of physical principles and how physics plays a role in their everyday lives. Topics covered will include kinematics, dynamics, energy, waves, geometric optics, electricity and magnetism.

Honors physics includes a discussion of mechanics, kinetic molecular theory, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electrical and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.

Advanced Placement Physics students closely follow the program suggested by the College Board. The curriculum is challenging, but broad in nature. The course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power, and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

Advanced Placement Physics students closely follow the program suggested by the College Board. The curriculum is challenging, but broad in nature. The course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Students prepare for and take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and those who receive an acceptable score on the test may receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.

Sixth Grade Science focuses on the study of force, energy, and matter: the role of the sun’s energy on the Earth’s systems, water in the environment, air and atmosphere, and basic chemistry concepts. Students will also explore the solar system and natural resource management.

Course is designed to introduce students to the scientific investigation process and help them to develop the necessary STEM and science investigation skills to successfully complete an independent science project.

Seventh Grade Life Science focuses on exploration of cellular organization and classification of organisms, the importance of basic physical and chemical processes of photosynthesis and its importance to life, the relationships among members of an ecosystem, and genetics.

Eighth Grade Science focuses on understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas explored are physical and chemical changes, the periodic table, reactions, temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion.