Science

In Science, students are not just memorizing the periodic table. They learn to take far more responsibility for their own learning, organization, and success. They experiment with different ways to organize information and to study it, in order to find the methods that work best for them. They become familiar with lab safety and other lab techniques. They develop skills of questioning, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and respectful discussion based on facts rather than on preconceived notions, biases, or popular opinion. They learn to think scientifically.

Science and Life Issues (Middle School)
Science and Life Issues lays the groundwork for future biology and life science classes. The course exposes students to basic concepts of cell theory and germ theory, the design of a clinical trial and public health issues, form and function of body systems, ecology, genetics, and evolution including units on weather and astronomy.

Introduction to Physical Science (Middle School)
Intro to Physical Science lays the groundwork for physics and chemistry. The course exposes students to basic concepts such as mass, volume, density, boiling and melting points, solubility and concentration, atoms and radioactive decay, and the periodic table of the elements. They learn key lab techniques including fractional distillation and fractional crystallization and practice using scientific notation in their calculations.

Physics (High School)
Physics prepares those students who want to learn the basics of physics and those who are preparing for a more rigorous course of study at the college level. In addition to basic principles, the six major areas of study (mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound and light, electricity, and atomic and nuclear physics) are explored. Hands on laboratory experiences which relate to specific concepts are provided to allow the student to observe relationships, identify variables, and to develop explanations.

Chemistry (High School)
Chemistry prepares those students who want to learn the basics of chemistry and those who are preparing for a more rigorous course of study at the college level. In addition to basic chemical principles, the five major areas of study (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry) are covered. Hands-on laboratory experiences which relate to specific concepts are provided to allow the student to observe relationships, identify variables, and to develop explanations.

Biology (High School)
Biology requires students to apply concepts learned in physics and chemistry to understanding physiology of organisms from the five kingdoms, genetics and evolutionary processes, and environmental processes.

Environmental Science (High School)
Environmental Science an advanced twelfth grade science, requires students to apply concepts learned in physics, chemistry, and biology to develop an understanding of the planet and its resources and the interactions among organisms and the environment. The course includes field study techniques and GIS applications.

Experimental Science (High School)
Experimental Science, an advanced twelfth grade science, is a laboratory-based course that integrates all the natural sciences presenting them as a single area of study. Chemistry, physics, biology and earth science are linked together through the use of real world applications. Challenging laboratory activities connect one area of science to another, and help students discover the science behind things they see every day. An individual Science Fair project provides flexibility in the selection of topics and content which allows all students an opportunity to learn by doing.