Introductory Physical Science, a full-year course required for studxents in 8th/9th grade, is devoted to the study of matter. The curriculum follows the Introductory Physical Science (IPS) text for most of the year. The course is designed to have each class section act as a research team. Through an extensive series of laboratory exercises, the class investigates characteristic properties of substances. The course begins with wood distillation that yields charcoal and a variety of “smelly liquids and gasses.” To investigate such substances further, boys learn techniques for measuring mass and volume in metric units. After a series of exercises to develop the idea of mass conservation in physical and chemical changes, they examine densities, boiling points, and solubilities of substances. The mathematics of power-of-ten notation, ratios, and proportions is reviewed as needed here. Students use differences in characteristic properties to separate substances from mixtures. 

Biology is a survey course for students without a background in chemistry. The course is based on Campbell, et al., Biology: Concepts and Connections. The course begins with introductions to chemical and biochemical reactions and biological evolution. Within the context provided by these micro- and macro-perspectives, the course examines cell structure and function, reproduction and development, Mendelian and chromosomal genetics, and plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Particular attention is given to human anatomy, physiology, and genetics. The course also examines current interest topics such as genetic and reproductive technologies, the evolution-creationism debate, and global climate change. Frequent laboratory exercises advance and illustrate the conceptual material.

Students in Physics explore the structure and animating forces of the natural world. The course texts are Dower, Inventing Physics and Principles of Physics published by Kinetic Books. The course begins with a historical survey of time, space, and motion measurements in the heavens and on Earth. Students use simple algebra and geometry to summarize Kepler’s descriptions of planetary motion and Galileo’s description of projectile motion. To explain changes in motion, students investigate collisions and examine weight, elastic forces, and fluid resistance forces. Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation provide one framework for explaining motion. Another framework is built from the concepts of energy and heat. Vibrations and wave motion are studied and applied to understand sound and light. Students examine the electric and magnetic forces fundamental to the structure of matter. Then they see how Maxwell and Hertz related electric and magnetic fields to light and radio waves. Finally, models of atomic structure are advanced to explain phenomena such as crystal structure, gas behavior, characteristic spectral colors of elements, and radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. These studies are initiated in laboratory exercises and demonstrations and developed in class discussions, lectures, and homework problems. As an underlying theme, the course examines how we know what we know and presents examples of early and current models built to approximate a “true” description of the world.

AP Physics B
This course involves the study of the full spectrum of topics presented in college-level physics. The content includes 
mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, and nuclear 
physics. It features problem-solving in both the theoretical and practical, with emphasis on laboratory experience. The 
course requires knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Students taking this course are prepared to take the AP 
Physics B exam in May. Prerequisites: Physics, concurrently enrolled in Calculus. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism
The AP Physics C course is designed with the future scientist in mind. Classical and relativistic mechanics are studied in the first half of the year, followed by electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism in the second half. The workload demands that only students interested in a career in science or engineering sign up for the course. Since mathematics is the language of science, the AP Physics C course speaks most fluently in calculus. Therefore, not only is previous success in physics a must, but the student also must have a strong mathematics background. By the end of the School year, a diligent student will do very well on the AP Physics C exam and have a firm foundation of understanding of the physical world around him. Prerequisites: Physics and concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC, or concurrent enrollment.

Chemistry and Honors Chemistry examine patterns of structure and change in the world of matter and energy around us. Texts are Wilbraham, Staley, and Matta, Chemistry for Chemistry and Brown, LeMay, and Bursten, Chemistry, the Central Science for Honors Chemistry. The courses incorporate introductory lab exercises and a thorough study of chemical stoichiometry, gas laws and kinetic theory, qualitative advanced views of electronic structure in atoms and chemical bonds between atoms, colligative properties, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, equilibrium, properties of acids and bases, and some organic chemistry. Honors Chemistry considers these topics in more depth than does Chemistry. Frequent laboratory exercises and classroom demonstrations develop and illustrate the critical connection between theoretical hypotheses and direct observation. In the laboratory, students practice safe techniques of working chemistry, the mechanics of measurement, solution preparation, and safe disposal of chemical wastes.

Honors Biology/AP Biology It is offered to 11/12th graders who have completed Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. The course text is Campbell, et al., Biology: Concepts and Connections. Readings and discussions assume a working knowledge of physical science. A solid understanding of the physical basis of biological processes allows students to appreciate the mechanisms that govern life forms from viruses to homo sapiens. Evolution is the ordering theory of biology that provides the context in which all other topics are developed. Major topics include cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, Mendelian and modern genetics, anatomy, and physiology. Molecular mechanisms are emphasized. For all topics, plant and animal systems are examined in the laboratory and in class discussion. Frequent laboratory exercises enhance and illustrate the conceptual material.

This course will thoroughly explore the fundamentals of environmental science including population dynamics, ecosystem inter-dependence, and renewable energy sources. Students will investigate various topics through lab experiments, problem-solving exercises, lectures, and field trips. Skills will be developed in specific techniques and procedures (such as collecting and analyzing water sample data from a real study). Experience with a local field study will help students gain awareness of the importance of confounding variables that exist in the “real world.” Recent historical case studies of ecologically significant phenomena will also be examined. Special emphasis will be put on the role of human encroachment into threatened ecosystems. Students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. The text is Living in the Environment by G. Tyler Miller. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Physics may be taken concurrently.