With the current changes in global climate, rising sea levels, and warming oceans, it is important for students to discover the state of Earth’s systems and the consequences of human activities. AP Environmental Science provides students with a global view of their world and their role in it. It examines the scientific principles and concepts required to understand the interrelationships between ocean, land, and atmosphere that guide the natural world and allow Earth to be a planet suitable for life. Laboratory activities within the course support learning of these relationships through reflective, hands-on, or virtual experiences. In addition, students identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made. Students evaluate the relative risks associated with environmental problems and examine alternative solutions including clean energy, sustainable practices, and conservation, for resolving or preventing future environmental problems.
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Algebra I and two years of High School Science with Labs.

Environmental Science discusses the environmental challenges that impact our future, such as land use, pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. This course is centered around achieving global sustainability to meet the needs of a growing human population, while also maintaining natural resources and protecting Earth’s various systems. The short- and long-term consequences of our actions onto human health and the environment are also a course focus. In addition, this course creates a call to action for students by teaching them how to protect the world’s biodiversity and resources by adjusting the way they live, work, play, and govern in the future.
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Algebra I and two years of High School Science with Labs.

Delve deeply into Earth’s bodies of water and study geologic structures and how they impact the oceans. Investigate characteristics of various populations of aquatic life, patterns of distribution, and ongoing changes occurring in our ecosystem. In the marine science course, students explore the watery depths of our own planet in order to understand just how vital the ocean is to our existence. Throughout the course, students meet marine animals and learn about their interactions with each other and their environment. Students tour the evolving seafloor, where they encounter trenches, volcanoes, and ridges. Finally, students study the impacts of chemical processes on our blue planet and how they affect the water, the atmosphere, and our climate.

In Anatomy and Physiology, students investigate the structure and function of the human body and how it works. They will acquire the knowledge necessary to understand what the body is doing and how they can help the body cope with many different situations. Topics covered include the basic anatomical terminology, organization of the body, biochemical composition, and major body systems, along with the impact of diseases on certain systems.

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory physics course that will guide students through a college-level learning experience. Students will explore concepts such as analyzing motion, force interactions, energy, rotational motion, fluids, and periodic motion. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and fluids. Students who take the AP Physics 1 course will have access to AP Classroom and should sign up to take the AP Physics 1 exam at their local high school. A graphing calculator and a ruler are required. Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II.

In Physics, students learn how to describe and predict the motion of objects using kinematics, Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy, and conservation of momentum. In addition, students explore electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics. Students participate in interactive online laboratory activities using video footage of physics events with online measurement tools. A graphing calculator is recommended. Prerequisite: Algebra I.

The high school chemistry course is a study of the foundations of chemistry, building on the concepts and scientific thinking laid in middle school science. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem solving as they explore the composition, properties, and changes of matter and their applications through interactive simulations, engineering solutions, and virtual and hands-on experiences. Chemistry includes a study of atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding stoichiometry, states of matter and kinetic theory, solutions, acids, bases, and equilibrium, as well as simple chemical and nuclear reactions. The course includes laboratory experiments designed to reinforce course content. Through phenomenon- based learning, students will be able to demonstrate a vast understanding of the importance of chemistry in the world, enabling them to apply these principles to their everyday lives and our global society.

This course is designed to provide a college-level experience and prepare students for the AP exam in early May. Students will develop a foundation for understanding biological concepts through scientific inquiry, investigations, interactive experiences, higher-order thinking, real-world applications, writing analytical essays, statistical analysis, and interpreting and collecting data. AP Biology ‘big ideas’ include system interactions, evolution, energetics, information storage, and transmission. This challenging two-semester course engages you in a wide variety of activities. There is substantial emphasis on interpreting and collecting data in virtual labs, writing analytical essays, and mastering biology concepts.
Prerequisite: Minimum of B+ in Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra I.

The Biology course guides students through the world they live in by posing questions and seeking answers through scientific inquiry. Discovery takes place through observation and data collection. This course encourages curiosity and provides opportunities for students to work on lab activities. Engaging in the study of biological science broadens the picture of the world around us.

Students will discover the properties of matter, changes in matter, and energy flow. They will explore the universe and the interactions between the Earth, the sun, and the moon in our solar system. This course prepares students for high school science courses with the introduction of new topics and a review of science basics. Students will learn more about the nature of science, Earth and space science, properties of matter, changes in matter, matter and energy, and energy flow.

Middle School Comprehensive Science II is an integrated science that includes the disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth space science in addition to technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts. The lessons provide real- world connections through the application of STEM problem-solving, science knowledge and engineering practices. Students will explore the foundations of science, including energy, Earth’s changing features and structures, Earth’s history, genetics, heredity, and the organization and interaction of living organisms.

Middle School Comprehensive Science I is the first in a series of three consecutive science classes. It introduces middle school students to the disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth-space science. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course. The lessons make real-world connections and require students to apply STEM skills like analysis, problem solving, science knowledge, and engineering practices. Students will investigate energy, force, weather, climate, Earth’s systems, and living organisms. This in-depth exploration will build a foundation for concepts covered in Comprehensive Science II and III.