Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LRC   8416L

-Course is offered in a FULL YEAR format
-Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of a Biology Course.

Environmental science is an activity-based course designed to help students understand the interactions between living things and the impact humans have on the environment. This essentialized course will also make the students aware of environmental problems on both local and global levels. The activities will include conventional and outdoor laboratory exercises and projects. Several activities will be performed outdoors on the school grounds. The course will incorporate various scientific disciplines along with environmental history, science systems, biodiversity, biogeography, ecology, population dynamics, use of resources, types of pollution and the disposal of waste along with sustainable alternatives. Students will be evaluated in the following areas: summative assessments, lab work, lab behavior, written lab reports, and projects. 
 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE   4208 (4208 C) 

-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-Course available in a VIRTUAL format
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of a Biology Course with a “C” (or better)

Environmental science is an activity-based course designed to help students understand the interactions between living things and the impact humans have on the environment. The course will also make the students aware of environmental problems on both local and global levels. The activities will include conventional and outdoor laboratory exercises and projects. Several activities will be performed outdoors on the school grounds.

The course will incorporate various scientific disciplines along with environmental history, science systems, biodiversity, biogeography, ecology, population dynamics, use of resources, types of pollution and the disposal of waste along with sustainable alternatives.

Students are more successful in this course if they are simultaneously enrolled in a chemistry course.  Students will be evaluated in the following areas: summative assessments, lab work, lab behavior, written lab reports, and projects. Students must be able to work independently and be able to work well with others to be successful in the class. To select this course, the student should have some knowledge of chemistry and solid presentation skills since presentation is a major means of assessment in this course.
 

ACCELERATED BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE & EXPERIMENTAL PSYCH  4210

-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of a Biology Course and a Basic Understanding of Chemistry

This is a laboratory course dealing with the study of human and animal behavior. Its focus is to acquaint the student with the concepts and methods of laboratory science as they apply to psychology. The topics covered are animal behavior, sensory processes, human behavior and the human nervous system.

This course is concerned with the study of perception, sensation, learning, memory, problem solving and physiological aspects of the nervous system. The anatomy and function of the nervous system will be covered in detail, and sensitive topics relating to reproductive behavior will be explored. Dissection of the eye and brain of a sheep is included, as well as several research assignments. Because of the use of living materials and topics covered, students should be mature and be able to work effectively in a group or independently.

ACCELERATED STEM CONCEPTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY       4214

-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Biology (or higher) and Successful Completion of (or Concurrent Enrollment in) Accelerated Chemistry (or higher) 

Accelerated STEM Concepts in Biotechnology is designed as a course for students interested in health, medicine and biotechnology careers. The course focuses on STEM-based lab work, projects and skills. The content of the course centers on the culturing and observing of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, protozoans, fungi, and viruses and how they impact the world. DNA analysis, gene manipulation, and gene transfer will be part of the laboratory work. Students will study aspects of molecular genetics, cancer, public health, bioengineering, environmental issues, and food production and safety. Career paths for biotechnology will also be explored. 

HONORS HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY     4212

-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Biology (or higher) and Successful Completion of Accelerated Chemistry (or higher) 

This rigorous course is designed to provide students with an in-depth background in human anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). It is strongly recommended for students who have an interest in medicine, nursing, physical therapy or other health careers. Emphasis is placed on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary and immune systems.

Laboratory work includes studies of tissue, bone, muscles, senses, and blood. Dissections, which are a critical aspect of the course, include sheep organs (brain, eye, heart); a rat and a cat for comparative anatomy studies. Reports, model building, presentations, and speakers are also important parts of this course. The course requires outside reading that necessitates the student’s ability to comprehend a high-level informational text. Students must be able to work well in a supervised lab. 
 

ASTRONOMY        4702
      
-Course available in a SEMESTER format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Prior Chemistry Knowledge

This semester course uses NASA resources to explore the history of worldwide space programs, the International Space Station, and space exploration. Topics will also include information you need to identify obvious stars and constellations. Students will learn how stars “live and die,” unusual astronomical events (variable stars, quasars, black holes, etc.), formation of stars, the solar system and galaxies, movements of and distances to stars and galaxies, and some of the tools and techniques astronomers use to learn about the universe. There will be a variety of computer and project-based exercises. To select this course, the student should have some knowledge of chemistry and solid presentation skills since presentation is a major means of assessment in this course.

METEOROLOGY    4704

-Course available in a SEMESTER format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 10-12

Prerequisite: Prior Chemistry Knowledge

This semester course introduces the basic concepts of meteorology in a hands-on, interactive format. The nature of the physical processes responsible for changes in daily weather will be discussed. Computer-based and project- based exercises during classes will use current and recent weather data to investigate phenomena. Students will be provided with a first look at various aspects of meteorology, including solar radiation, global circulation, winds, stability, precipitation processes, weather systems, and severe weather. Basic physical principles behind the weather, terminology and weather analysis and prediction will be explored. To select this course, the student should have some knowledge of chemistry and solid presentation skills since presentation is a major means of assessment in this course.

ANIMAL SCIENCE    4207 

-Course available in a SEMESTER format (Fall only)
-NCAA approved core course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of a Biology Course

Animal Science is a semester course which focuses on animal studies. Independent study, projects, and small group activity are essential parts of the course. Therefore, students are expected to exercise a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. All students must be willing to raise and care for the animals that are part of the course. Animal Science will cover care, management, breeding, behavior, disease, reproduction and daily data collection of common household pets/laboratory animals. The course will cover the purpose of laboratory animals and how they relate to the benefit of humans. Students will learn about the indigenous animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) in Pennsylvania which include identification, characteristics, adaptations and life cycles. The student should have solid presentation skills since presentation is a major means of assessment in this course.

PLANT SCIENCE     4206

-Course available in a SEMESTER format (Spring only)
-NCAA approved core course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of a Biology Course

Plant Science is a semester course which focuses on the methods of greenhouse gardening. Independent study and small group activity are essential parts of this course. Therefore, students are expected to exercise a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. All students must be willing to maintain and care for the plants in the greenhouse. Greenhouse gardening will cover growing plants from seed, propagation of plants, watering, fertilizing, potting, pruning, lighting, soil mixtures, plant pests and diseases. Laboratory work involved with the topics mentioned is also part of this course. The student should have solid presentation skills since presentation is a major means of assessment in this course.

ACCELERATED FORENSIC SCIENCE I and II   4602, 4604

-Course available in a SEMESTER format (both courses taken together equals a YEAR LONG course)
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Biology and Accelerated Chemistry with a “C” (or higher) in both classes or Successful Completion of Biology and Chemistry with an “A” in both classes

Forensics is a semester-based course. Each semester is independent. Students have the option of taking one or both semesters. Each semester is an interdisciplinary class involving biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science, with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students must incorporate use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, mathematics, and social studies. 

A large percentage of class time is spent in the lab. Students will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time on reading and writing assignments outside of class. 

Forensic Science I (S) topics include introduction to forensics (observations, forensic history, careers, crime scene investigations), trace evidence (hair, fiber, glass, sand, soil), DNA (biotechnology analysis and processes), and forensic anthropology (osteology, odontology, archeology, botany, and entomology).

Forensic Science II (S) topics include introduction to forensics, forensic pathology, fingerprints, toxicology (drugs, alcohol, and poisons), documentation (handwriting, paper and ink analysis, fraud), and serology (blood typing, genetics, characteristics and differentiations, spatter patterns). 

HONORS EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN STEM     4710

-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite 1: Successful Completion of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a “B” (or better) or Successful Completion of Accelerated Biology and Accelerated Chemistry with an “A”
Prerequisite 2: Successful Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in Honors Physics.
Prerequisite 3: Concurrent Enrollment in another Honors or AP science course AND an AP math course 

The goal of this course is to provide students an opportunity to develop 21st Century Skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through the investigation of a student-selected scientific topic. This will be an intensive scientific research project designed and implemented by the student. This course covers topics such as how to formulate a problem for scientific research, lab safety, laboratory techniques, experimental design/planning, statistical analysis, technical reading and writing along with scientific communication. Students may choose a research topic in areas such as: Biochemistry, Physics, Behavioral Science or Earth and Space Science. Efforts will be made to partner with a mentor from the scientific community. 

Students will be required to communicate the results of their research, whether an in-class presentation, a research paper, a journal article or participation in a science fair. Due to the individual nature of this course, students must be able to work independently and be highly motivated.
 

HONORS STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN IN STEM     4710
 
-Course available in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grade 11-12

Prerequisite 1: GIEP
Prerequisite 2: Successful Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a B
Prerequisite 3: Successful Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in Physics.

The goal of this course is to provide students an opportunity to develop 21st Century Skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through multiple investigations of topics in STEM. This course covers topics such as how to formulate a problem for scientific research, lab safety, laboratory techniques, experimental design/planning, statistical analysis, technical reading and writing along with scientific communication. Investigations will be selected from areas such as: Biochemistry, Physics, Behavioral Science or Earth and Space Science. Efforts will be made to partner with mentors from the scientific community.  

Students will choose a mini research project and show their understanding through a choice of options such as an in-class presentation or multimedia presentation, writing, a journal article or participation in a science fair. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY     4216

-Course offered in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grades 11-12 

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Biology (or higher) and Accelerated Chemistry (or higher)

The Advanced Placement Biology course includes topics regularly covered in a college biology course for science majors. Advanced Placement Biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by the students, and the time and effort required of students.

Advanced Placement Biology is structured around the four Big Ideas of: Evolution and Diversity amongst living organisms, Cellular Processes and Energy transfer; Genetics and Information Transfer and the interactions of biological systems.  Student proficiency is assessed through the required laboratory work and examinations constructed according to the College Board guidelines.

• Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.  
• Summer assignments are required.
   

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY         4310

-Course offered in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grades 11-12 

Prerequisite 1: Successful Completion of Accelerated Chemistry with an “A” average OR Successful Completion of Honors Chemistry with an “B” average (or higher) 
Prerequisite 2: Successful Completion of Honors Geometry and Successful Completion or concurrent enrollment in Honors Analysis

In this course the topics covered in Honors Chemistry are reviewed and expanded upon, particularly in the areas of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Major emphasis is placed on more complex problem solving, critical thinking, and development of laboratory skills. Student proficiency is assessed through the required laboratory work and examinations constructed according to the College Board guidelines.

• Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.  
• Summer assignments are required.
   

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: MECHANICS     4408

-Course offered in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grades 12 

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Physics (or higher) 

This course is a university-level first-semester physics course taught with calculus. The necessary calculus will be taught as part of the course; therefore, students do not need calculus as a prerequisite to elect this course. However, they should also elect calculus in order to satisfy university prerequisites for advanced placement in physics. The topics covered include statistics, kinematics, and dynamics at the university-level. Major emphasis is placed on more complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and further development of laboratory skills. Student proficiency is assessed through the required laboratory work and examinations constructed according to the College Board guidelines.

• Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS & ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM  4410

-Course offered in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grades 12   

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Physics (or higher). 

This course is a university-level first-year (two semesters) physics course taught with calculus. The necessary calculus will be taught as part of the course; therefore, students do not need calculus as a prerequisite to elect this course. However, they should also elect calculus in order to satisfy university prerequisites for advanced placement in physics. The topics covered are mechanics (statics, kinematics, and dynamics), electricity, and magnetism at the university level. Major emphasis is placed on more complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and further development of laboratory skills. Student proficiency is assessed through the required laboratory work and examinations constructed according to the College Board guidelines.

• Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE    4209

-Course offered in a FULL YEAR format
-NCAA approved core course
-STEM course
-Grades 11-12   

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Accelerated Chemistry, Accelerated Biology and Accelerated Algebra I with a “B” (or higher)

The Advanced Placement Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, and to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems. Student proficiency is assessed through the required laboratory work and examinations constructed according to the College Board guidelines.

• Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. 
• Summer assignments are required.