Teachers

John Allison

John Allison

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Rihab Habibi

Rihab Habibi

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Kerri Sorensen

Kerri Sorensen

Kerri Sorensen
Eric Zanger

Eric Zanger

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Courses

Introduction to Physics and Chemistry CP

(Grade 9 only)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Placement Test Scores

This is a full year laboratory course including approximately one semester of fundamental chemistry, including environment chemistry, and approximately one semester of fundamental physics. The course includes lab activities designed to reinforce the physics/chemistry concepts presented in the text and to provide the students with good lab skills and frequent use of the scientific method. The course is open to freshmen only and is especially designed for those students who need special help with math skills used in science. It is designed to serve as a preparation for later courses in biology and/or chemistry.

Introduction to Physics and Chemistry UCP

(Grade 9 only)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITES: Placement Test Scores

This is a full year laboratory course including approximately one semester of fundamental chemistry, including environmental chemistry, and approximately one semester of fundamental physics. The course includes lab activities designed to reinforce the physics/chemistry concepts presented in the text and to provide the students with good lab skills and frequent use of the scientific method. The course is open to freshmen only, with average or better math skills. It is designed to serve as a preparation for later course in biology, chemistry, and/or physics.

Introduction to Physics and Chemistry Honors

(Grade 9 only)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITES: Placement Test Scores

This course is for students who have strong mathematical ability and who intend to take honors biology, chemistry, and physics in high school. There is approximately one semester each of fundamental chemistry and physics. The chemistry section deals with the structure of matter, the relationships between structures and properties, and the ways matter interacts. The physics section deals with motion, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear science. Strong emphasis is placed on laboratory work and on mathematical and graph analysis.

Biology CP

(Grade 10)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry CP and SHG Teacher Recommendation.

This is a lab course which provides an integrated program covering the nature of life. The simplest to the most complex organisms are studied. This course is a practical study of the characteristics and functions of living things. The class emphasizes current knowledge, processes which keep organisms alive, and ecological relationships between organisms. Topics include cell, plant, and animal structures, microbiology, classification of organisms, bacteria, viruses and disease, animal behavior, genetics, reproduction, evolution, and human anatomy. Pertinent laboratory investigations are used to stress scientific principles.

Biology UCP

(Grade 10)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry

This is a lab course which provides an integrated program covering the nature of life. The simplest to the most complex organisms are studied. This course is a practical study of the characteristics and functions of living things. The class emphasizes current knowledge, processes which keep organisms alive, and ecological relationships between organisms. Topics include plant, animal and cell structures, microbiology, forensics, animal behavior, genetics, cell reproduction, evolution, protein assembly and human anatomy. Pertinent laboratory investigations are used to stress scientific principles.

Biology Honors

(Grade 10)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITES: C or higher in Algebra I H, or B or higher in Algebra I UCP; C+ or higher in Introduction to Physics and Chemistry H, or B+ or higher in Introduction to Physics and Chemistry UCP.

This is a laboratory course covering the main areas of life sciences, with concentration on molecular processes. Emphasis is on the broad concepts that help us to understand all living things, as well as the detailed study of life in its various forms. The material is covered at an accelerated pace.

Biology Advanced Placement

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (6.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology H, B or higher; or Biology UCP, A for both semesters; or with written permission of teacher. Concurrent/previous enrollment in Chemistry is recommended, but not required.

This is a laboratory course that will continue topics that were not covered in Biology Honors. It will be a rigorous course and will require reading during the summer. The intent of this course is to extend the biological knowledge base for the student as well as prepare them to take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring. Laboratory work will include activities from the AP lab manual. Topics to be covered include a comparative look at the animal kingdom and a more detailed look at the plant kingdom from that covered in honors as well as some ecology and microbiology.

Practical Chemistry CP (offered even-numbered years, August date)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: One year of math; previous enrollment in Biology; by Biology Teacher Recommendation Only.

This is a lab course designed to include the study of the properties composition, and structure of matter as well as the accompanying energy changes. Major emphasis will be placed on the ways chemistry is used and applied in such diverse things as food and drugs, environment, water treatment, the periodic table, and organic chemistry. This course includes laboratory experience in the use of equipment and in the techniques proper to chemistry. The course is suitable for students with limited mathematical ability.

Chemistry UCP

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: B+ in Algebra I UCP; B+ in Biology UCP; Algebra II UCP (concurrent)

Chemistry is a lab course designed to include the study of the properties, composition, and structure of matter as well as the accompanying energy changes. The course is structured so as to facilitate preparation for careers in medicine, nursing, and other paramedical professions. The course includes laboratory experience in the use of equipment and in the techniques proper to chemistry.

Chemistry Honors

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP, grade A; Biology H, grade B; A in Algebra I or B in Algebra I H for each semester

Unifying principles of chemistry are developed from laboratory observations. The atomic and kinetic theory of matter is developed and applied to gases, liquids, and solids. Chemical reactions and the factors that control them are studied. This course is recommended for those planning careers in science and medicine.

Chemistry Advanced Placement

(Grade 12)
Credit: 1 (6.A grading)

PREREQUISITE; Chemistry H, grade A-/B+ for both semesters; Algebra H, grade B or higher for both semesters or Algebra UCP, grade A for both semesters

This is a college level laboratory chemistry course. The importance of the theoretical aspects of chemistry includes an increasing emphasis on these aspects of the content of general chemistry courses. Topics covered will include structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Students must dedicate a considerable amount of time in preparation for this course.

Forensic Science Honors I

(Grade 12)
Credit: .5 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP or H, Chemistry UCP or H; Algebra II

This lab course is an introduction to the concepts and skills necessary for crime scene investigation and crime reconstruction. It is the application of scientific knowledge and skills to matters of law. It is an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based course. Students will be asked to make careful observations, precise measurements, use the scientific method and their deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve crimes. Topics covered include introduction to forensics, crime scene analysis, hair analysis, fingerprinting, blood and blood spatter analysis and handwriting analysis.

Forensic Science Honors II

(Grade 12)
Credit: .5 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP or H, Chemistry UCP or H; Algebra II; successful completion of Forensic Science I Honors

This lab course is an introduction to the concepts and skills necessary for crime scene investigation and crime reconstruction. It is the application of scientific knowledge and skills to matters of law. It is an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based course. Students will be asked to make careful observations, precise measurements, use the scientific method and their deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve crimes. Topics covered include DNA analysis, bone analysis, time of death, toxicology, arson and ballistics.

Practical Anatomy & Physiology (offered odd-numbered years, August date)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in Biology CP; by Biology Teacher Recommendation Only

This course includes dissection and hands-on participation is required. This is a laboratory class covering structures; systems and functions of the human and animal bodies. This includes relations to other systems, development and nutrition. Students will also be researching the body in health, injury and disease. Anatomy and Physiology cannot be taken before or after this class because of repetition of content.

Anatomy & Physiology

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP C or higher

This course includes a study of the systems of the body, their locations, their functions, and their relation to each other. Some discussion of pathology of systems is included. Sports medicine will be covered with emphasis on injuries and fitness. This is a laboratory course.

Anatomy & Physiology Honors

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP, A- or higher or Biology H, grade B- or higher (each semester)

A study of the systems of the body, their locations, their functions, and their relations to each other are studied in detail. Students will research and may use computer technology in exploring the body in health and disease. This course emphasizes application and other higher order thinking skills. This is a laboratory course. Participation in dissection of a fetal pig may be required.

Zoology (offered even numbered years)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 0.5 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP, C or higher (each semester) or Biology CP, B or higher (each semester)

This is a laboratory course which includes the study of animals, behavior and animal structure, physiology, identification, development, and environmental relationships to their surroundings and other organisms. Course includes extensive dissection. PARTICIPATION IN DISSECTION IS REQUIRED.

Botany (offered even numbered years)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 0.5 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology CP, B or higher or Biology UCP, C or higher (each semester)

This is a laboratory course which includes a study of the general structure and function of plant cells, tissues and organs. Taxonomic principles, importance of plant kingdom, relations of plants to their environment, economic uses of plants will be investigated.

Environmental Science (offered odd numbered years)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 0.5 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology C+ or higher (each semester) and teacher recommendation

This is a laboratory course which is a study of the impact of humans on the environment. It includes the study of the structure and function of ecological systems, including characteristics and behavior of populations, how populations change, special relationships among organisms, food chains and energy flow, and characteristics of ecosystems. Special consideration is given to current and relevant topics. Active discussion and participation in required.

Genetics (offered odd-numbered years)

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 0.5 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Biology UCP C or higher (each semester) and Biology teacher recommendation

This is a laboratory course which includes the study of Mendelian genetics, the language of genetics, inheritance in humans, human genetic mutations, the influence of environment on gene expression, and current applications in the area of biotechnology and molecular genetics.

Medical Terminolgy

(Grade 10-12)
Credit: 0.5 (4.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Prior completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology

This semester long course introduces students to the structure of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, combining forms, and singular and plural forms plus abbreviations and acronyms. The course allows students to achieve comprehension of medical vocabulary appropriate to health care setting, medical procedures, pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology and treatment of selected systems. Upon completion, students will be able to pronounce, spell and define medical terms as related to select body systems and pathological disorders.

Physics Honors

(Grade 12)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Algebra II H; Pre-Calculus I; and Chemistry (or concurrently)

This is a lab course covering the major topics of classical and modern physics, mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, atomic structure, and nuclear physics. Course is recommended for students who plan to enter college studies in physics, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine, and related fields. Strong mathematical ability is needed.

Physics AP

(Grade 12)
Credit: 1 (6.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Algebra II H; Chemistry H; Pre-Calculus H (or concurrently)

This course is an algebra based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. This course is recommended for students who plan to enter college studies in physics, chemistry, geology, engineering, medicine, and related fields. Strong mathematical ability is needed.

Survey of Engineering Honors

(Grade 11-12)
Credit: 1 (5.A grading)

PREREQUISITE: Algebra II UCP (B or higher) with one lab science course

This course is a complete, year-long course designed to complement the existing mix of math and science classes. Students learn first-hand how to use math and science to create and design a wide variety of new and exciting technologies that focus on topics of interest to students - the Internet, cell phones, digital video and movie special effects, and electronic music. Students will learn from a mix of textbook work, work in the computer lab, and hands-on projects. It is especially meant for students interested in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as well as CS (computer science).