Science

BIOLOGY GT 163 (SCB15300N)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Biology GT is a first year biology course that investigates characteristics of living things. Topics include ecology, cell structure and function, cellular processes, energy in living systems, DNA, genetics, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on data analysis, content-related reading and writing, inquiry-based investigation, and organization of resources including student developed notes, laboratory experiences, and both short & long term learning activities.  Students will be actively involved in this class as content is generated and experienced in class to enhance problem solving skills.
PREREQUISITE: Department Recommendation

ELL BIOLOGY 163 (SBC13300N)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A first year biology course that investigates the common characteristics of all living organisms including: cell structure and function, energy in living systems, reproduction, growth, development, genetics, evolution, and interactions with and between species in a variety of environments. Throughout the year, students will experience a variety of laboratory activities designed to enhance their problem solving skills and understanding of scientific processes. Students actively participate through hands-on experiences that emphasize listening, speaking, reading, and related vocabulary.
PREREQUISITE: Department Recommendation

BIOLOGY 163 (SCB163C0/SBC163E0N)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Biology 163 is a  first year biology course that investigates the common characteristics of all living things.  Topics include ecology, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular processes, energy in living systems, DNA, genetics, evolution, and interactions within and between species in a variety of environments. Throughout the year, students will experience a variety of laboratory activities designed to enhance their problem solving skills and understanding of scientific processes.  

Upon registration, students will be asked to select a cellular approach or an ecological approach.  A cellular approach to biology explores the characteristics of life by focusing on both cells and human systems. An ecological approach to biology focuses on using our community and local environments to explore the characteristics of life. In depth water/river analysis is included in the laboratory activities of this approach. 
PREREQUISITE: None

BIOLOGY 173 (9-SCB17300 11-SCB173C0N)
GRADE: 9,11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Biology 173 is a first year biology course that offers an in-depth study of biological topics including ecology, biochemistry, cell structure & function, cellular processes, energy in living systems, DNA,  genetics, evolution, biotechnology and human body systems. Emphasis is placed on data analysis, content-related reading and writing, and inquiry-based investigations. Students will be actively involved in this class as content is generated and experienced in class to enhance problem solving skills. Students will engage in both individual and group research projects and will be expected to think critically and apply newfound knowledge to make various connections throughout the year.

Upon registration, 9th graders will be enrolled in the honors biology course designed for freshmen students. Eleventh graders will register for the junior level honors biology course that will build on energy and matter topics as relevant to biology. 
PREREQUISITE: 9th Grade: Department Recommendation; 11th Grade: Completion of honors freshmen physics and honors sophomore chemistry

EARTH SCIENCE GT 163 (SCE15300N)
GRADE: 10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory course focuses on the structure and composition of the earth. Processing skills, experimental design, data collection and analysis including appropriate graphing skills are practiced in the context of a variety of student centered laboratory experiences. Units cover topics such as earth’s materials & surface, plate tectonics, historical geology, meteorology, and natural disasters.
PREREQUISITE: Department Recommendation

ELL EARTH SCIENCE 163 (SCE13300N)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory course focuses on the structure and composition of the earth. Processing skills, experimental design, data collection & analysis including appropriate graphing skills are practiced in the context of a variety of student centered laboratory experiences. Units cover topics such as the earth’s materials and surface, plate tectonics, historical geology, meteorology and natural disasters. Students actively participate in lessons that emphasize listening, speaking, reading and related vocabulary.
PREREQUISITE: Department Recommendation

INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY 163 (SCC15300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory intensive course is designed to teach the fundamental concepts of chemistry while focusing on the scientific community, experimentation and communicating results. With less mathematical emphasis, this lab oriented approach to chemistry focuses on the particulate nature of matter and its nomenclature; the periodic table and atomic structure; and chemical bonding and reactions. Other units of study may include thermochemistry, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry. Connections are made between the chemical concepts and everyday life experiences so that the students may make intelligent decisions related to societal, technological and environmental issues. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of an algebra program and department recommendation

CHEMISTRY 163 (SCC16300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory intensive course is designed to teach the fundamental concepts while focusing on the scientific community, experimentation, and communicating research results. Topics typically studied include the particulate nature of matter; the periodic table and atomic structure; nuclear chemistry; and chemical bonding and reactions. Other units of study may include gas laws, the mole, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, and acids/bases while integrating mathematical skills as a problem solving tool. 
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of an algebra program (algebra 163 is recommended) and department recommendation

CHEMISTRY 173 (SCC173P0 SCC17300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory intensive course is designed for those students with a high level of success in both math and science. Topics typically include: scientific community and experimentation; particulate nature of matter, the mole, atomic history and structure, nuclear chemistry, bonding and reactions, stoichiometry, solutions chemistry, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, gas laws, and acids/bases. Students participate in a holistic approach to science including experimental design and implementation, data analysis and communicating
findings to a specified target audience. Students also explore recent science discoveries by reading current science articles. Significant emphasis is placed on mathematical analysis.  

Upon registration, students will be enrolled in the honors chemistry course that naturally follows their freshmen science experience. Those students who have completed a biology course will enroll in the Chemistry 173 course that requires successful completion of an algebra program. Those students who have completed Physics 173 during their 9th grade year will enroll in Chemistry 173 that requires concurrent enrollment in a precalculus program.
PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of a geometry program (geometry 173 is recommended) and department recommendation.

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS 163 (SCP15300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Introduction to Physics is a laboratory course designed to teach the fundamental concepts of physics. The course stresses a conceptual understanding of physics, although algebra will be used to investigate physical phenomena. The course will include selected topics from mechanics, waves, electricity and modern physics. Students enrolling in Introduction to Physics have typically taken Introduction to Chemistry. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of geometry and department recommendation

PHYSICS 163 (SCP16300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Physics 163 students study the physical universe by investigating the interactions between matter and energy. Discussion topics may include force, motion, energy, history, astrophysics, wave motion, sound, and optics. Application of inquiry based laboratory work is practiced throughout the year while integrating mathematical skills. A phenomenological approach is used.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of geometry (geometry 163 is recommended) and department recommendation

PHYSICS 173 (9-SCP173F0N; 11,12-SCP17300N)
GRADE: 9,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Physics 173 students will explain, predict, and control phenomena dealt with in a variety of topics that may include Newtonian mechanics, the nature of particulate matter, waves, and classical electricity. The content of the course consists of a set of core models that explain many common and important phenomena. While the topics and concepts are similar to those covered in Physics 163, the content of this course is investigated at a significantly greater mathematical depth. The goals of this course are to stress scientific thinking processes, laboratory techniques, data collection and interpretation, communication skills, problem solving, and to show the relevance of science to society and everyday life.

Upon registration, 11th graders will enroll for the junior level Physics 173 course and 9th graders will be enrolled in the honors freshman physics course designed for freshmen students who are concurrently enrolled in an advanced algebra program. These students will begin to develop foundational skills and prerequisite knowledge necessary to build upon energy and matter topics as they are relevant to chemistry and biology taken during sophomore and junior years. 
PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of an algebra 2 program (algebra 273 is recommended) and department recommendation 

Elective Offerings

AP BIOLOGY 283 (SCB28300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A fast paced college-level course following the curriculum of the College Board. The course content includes evolution and cellular processes including energy and communication, genetics and information transfer, and interactions. There will be an emphasis on science practices which coordinates knowledge and skills to accomplish goals and tasks. Science practices combine content with inquiry and reasoning skills. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of two years of lab science including biology and chemistry. Preference will be given to students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in a third year of lab science

AP CHEMISTRY 283 (SCC28300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A college-level course following the curriculum of the College Board. This includes a thorough presentation of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including extensive laboratory work. It is recommended for students planning careers in science professions. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of two years of lab science including chemistry and completion or concurrent enrollment in precalculus. Preference will be given to students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in a third year of lab science.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 383 (SCE28300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The AP Environmental Science course is a rigorous college-level course following the curriculum of the College Board. The purpose of the course is to develop student understanding of major environmental issues facing mankind today and during the foreseeable future. This two-semester course includes extensive laboratory and fieldwork that integrates chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science, as well as statistics, economics and politics. The course is issue-oriented and requires the application of all science disciplines to analyze and propose solutions to important issues.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of two years of lab science, completion of or concurrent enrollment in algebra 2. Preference will be given to upperclassmen who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in a third year of lab science.

AP PHYSICS I 183 (SCP18300N)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activities, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.  Building on the foundation laid in a first-year physics course, , we will expand the range of phenomena that students can describe, explain, predict, and control. This course is ideal for students looking to pursue life science related post high school studies or have completed physics 163 and are looking to enrich their physics experience. 
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of a first-year physics course (suggested: Physics 163) and recommendation of the department.

AP PHYSICS C 283 (SCP28300N)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
In AP Physics C students develop and use particle and extended-body models in Newtonian mechanics to account for the motion of objects in terms of forces, energy, momentum, and angular momentum, as well as classical models for electric and magnetic fields and basic circuits. Building on the foundation laid in Physics 173, we will freely use differential and integral calculus to expand the range of phenomena that students can describe, explain, predict, and control. This class is ideal for students looking to pursue STEM-related post high school studies. 
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of a first year physics course (suggested physics 173) and completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP calculus AB or BC

Physics 173 and recommendation of the department, completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC. Preference will be given to students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in a third year of lab science.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I: BONES, MUSCLES, & NERVES 161 (SCB36100N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The focus of this semester-long course is on human anatomy and physiology to support a future healthcare career. The lessons are designed to develop a solid understanding of how the human body works. Material will be approached through case-based investigations and simulations using an inquiry approach. Anatomy and Physiology will enable students to develop an understanding of anatomical positions and a general overview of organ systems, to review the chemical composition of living matter, to identify and explain major cell types and tissues of the human body and to identify and explain the functions of the skin, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of biology, chemistry and completion of or concurrent enrollment in third year of lab science

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II: BODY SYSTEMS 162 (SCB36200N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The focus of this semester-long course is on human anatomy and physiology to support a future healthcare career. The lessons are designed to develop a solid understanding of how the human body works. Materials will be approached through case-based investigations and simulations using an inquiry approach. Anatomy & Physiology: Body Systems will help students develop an understanding of anatomical positions and a general overview of organ systems, to review the chemical composition of living matter, to identify and explain major cell types and tissues of the human body and to identify and explain the functions of body systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, blood & immune, digestive and urinary. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of biology and chemistry and completion of or concurrent enrollment in third year of lab science.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE SCIENCES 163 (SCA16300N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
An overview of the fascinating universe will be opened up to students in this yearlong laboratory course. The night sky will be studied through direct observation of the motions of the moon, planets, and sun. Structure and composition of the universe will be discovered through the eyes of space telescopes and probes. Students will study the historical and scientific contributions of scientists and cosmology and the theory of relativity to theorize about the origin and ultimate destiny of the universe. Students will also look at the objects that make up the universe and their relationship to other sciences like geology and biology. The course will include a look at the solar system, black holes, and stellar evolution. PREREQUISITE: Completion of a geometry program and completion of or concurrent enrollment in a physics program. Preference will be given to upperclassmen and the students who have completed a physics program.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE SCIENCES 173 (SCA17300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
An overview of the fascinating universe will be opened up to students in this yearlong laboratory course.  Direct observation of the night sky, current data and discoveries, computer-based image processing, and images of deep sky  objects will be utilized to study the motion structure, and composition of the universe and the solar system. Students will study cosmology and the theory of relativity to theorize about the origin and ultimate destiny of the universe. A look at the historical and pivotal scientific contributions of scientists, the orbital mechanics associated with spacecraft travel, and the use of electromagnetic waves to image stellar objects will also be studied. 
PREREQUISITE: Completion of an honors math and science sequence including Geometry 173 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics 173. Preference will be given to upperclassmen and the students who have completed a physics program.

BRAIN STUDIES 161 (SBC46100N; SCB46200N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A one semester, elective course dealing with how the recent studies in brain research have led to an understanding of one's capacity to learn and maximize their human potential. Along with learning basic brain/neuron biology, the students will experience methods for increasing memory, goal achievement, and stress management. Students will also explore brain research that considers multiple intelligences, learning styles, and self-improvement in academic, athletic, artistic and social skills. This is not considered a laboratory course. 
PREREQUISITE: One credit of laboratory science

EARTH SCIENCE 163 (SCE16300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This laboratory course focuses on the structure and composition of the earth including its oceans and atmosphere. Processing skills, experimental design, data collection and analysis including appropriate graphing skills are learned in the context of a variety of earth science labs. Units cover topics such as weather, mineralogy and petrology, and diastrophism (earthquakes, volcanoes, and crustal movement). 
PREREQUISITE: None

FORENSIC SCIENCE 161 (SCF16100N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Forensic Science gives students the opportunity to use their scientific skills and knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics as they analyze crime scenes and formulate conclusions. Students will learn how to secure a crime scene, analyze the situation, collect evidence, perform appropriate tests, and formulate conclusions. They will present their findings in the typically written “police reports.” Typically topics presented will relate to Biology (fingerprint analysis, analysis of blood and DNA, hair analysis, footprint casting), Chemistry (toxicology studies, fiber analysis), Physics (blood spatter analysis, ballistics), and other disciplines such as Anthropology and Criminal Justice.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of biology and chemistry and completion of or concurrent enrollment in third year of lab science.

INTEGRATING PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY 163 (SCJ16300N)
GRADE: 10, 11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Integrating Physics and Chemistry  is a unique and rigorous hands-on course with the goal of preparing students to explore topics in both physics and chemistry. Throughout the course, the student will have the ability to investigate the science behind scientific theory in both physics and chemistry through a series of hands-on activities and projects. Problem solving is utilized to design methods of experimentation and prototype testing. In addition to laboratory experiences, students will engage in both individual and group projects.  
PREREQUISITE: One credit of science

PLANT SCIENCE 161 (SCI16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A one-semester laboratory science course designed to meet the needs and interests of a wide range of students. This fall semester course allows students the use of the GBN greenhouse to produce a variety of flowering and foliage crops. Topics may include: overview of plant kingdom, basic plant morphology, environmental requirements for plant growth, plant propagation, production of seasonal greenhouse crops, landscaping ideas, floral arts and student selection. Emphasis is placed upon scientific design and production. Students may enroll in Plant Science 161 and/or Plant Science 162 in any sequence.
PREREQUISITE: One credit of biology

PLANT SCIENCE 162 (SCI16200N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A one-semester laboratory science course designed to meet the needs and interests of a wide range of students. This spring semester course offers students the use of the GBN greenhouse for production of flowering and foliage crops. Topics may include: seed germination and plant propagation by seed, plant growth chemicals, soil analysis, composting requirements, hydroponic plans, sustainable living and crop production, landscaping ideas, floral arts and student selection. Emphasis is placed upon scientific design and production. Students may enroll in Plant Science 161 and/or Plant Science 162 in anysequence. 
PREREQUISITE: One credit of biology

PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 163 (SCT16300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: .50 Applied Technology/.50 Science GPA: All Subject & Academic
A project-based course designed to have students learn the science behind a series of hands-on activities. Problem solving is utilized to overcome problems of design, development, production, and testing of a product. Topics are from both applied technology and science that may include: robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, computer design, computer controlled machining, optics (including laser technology), mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. Students work in design teams and present achievements to the class. A team of staff is selected for this course from science and applied tech. Students withdrawing from the course after only completing one semester will receive .50 credit in applied technology. 
PREREQUISITE: One credit of laboratory science

Team/ Introduction

Regular

Honors

Elective Offerings

Please review prerequisites in the course descriptions