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Sequence and Course Descriptions
Lower School Sequence:
7th Grade
Earth Science: History of the Earth
This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge about the beginning of the universe, rocks and minerals, and the formation and evolution of the earth. The course culminates with a series of rock and fossil gathering field trips, followed by identification, classification and categorization of retrieved materials.
8th Grade
Physical Science: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
This course is designed to provide the student with the tools necessary for success in high school Physics and Chemistry. Designed with an investigative approach, units of study include matter, motion, force, electricity, waves, sound, light and technology.
Upper School Sequence:
9th Grade
Biology
This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of biological principles and applications. Studies of topics from nearly every branch of life science are included: cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, zoology, botany, ecology, anatomy and microbiology. This course will help to prepare students for the rigors of college work in science.
10th Grade
Chemistry
This course is designed to provide the student a fundamental knowledge of chemistry. Studies and laboratory experience in an array of topics is included: measurement, matter and change, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, organic chemistry, ions, and stoichiometry, and others. This course will help to prepare students for the rigors of college work in science.
11th Grade
Physics, Honors Physics
These courses are designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of principals and applications in Physics, including motion, mechanics, sound, light, heat, and electricity. The standard Physics class emphasizes a more conceptual understanding of topics. In Honors Physics, emphasis will be placed on the mathematical understanding of the same topics. Both classes will help to prepare students for the rigors of college work in science.
12th Grade
AP Biology
This course is a college level course designed to challenge students who are interested in the sciences or related fields. It is a lecture and lab-based class that is paced to prepare the students for the AP Biology exam.
AP Physics
AP physics emphasizes development of problem solving skills. New material includes a much more rigorous treatment of modern physics, including special relativity and quantum mechanics. AP testing requires precise but rapid problem solving. We practice by working many problems. The goal of the class is to acquire physics AP status which will be acceptable to most universities.
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