Science

Grade Level: 9

This course focuses on the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crustal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth’s system. Oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and geology are included.

Grade Level: 9

Honors Earth/Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In Honors Earth/Environmental Science students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry

This course is a college level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.

Grade Level: 10 -11

Biology involves the study of living organisms and their relationship to their environment. The topics covered include: an in-depth study of the molecular building blocks of life, biological processes, evolution, bio-diversity, fundamentals of energy dynamics in living things, genetics, and ecological systems. Laboratory work includes a study of a select group of plants, animals and microorganisms. The final exam for this course is the North Carolina End-of-Course Test.

Grade Level: 11-12

Honors Biology is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. In Honors Biology, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In addition to the SCS goals and objectives, students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry recommended

Biology Honors and AP is a two-semester, college-level course. Students will take the required EOC at the end of the spring semester. They will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The topics covered include: an in-depth study of the molecular building blocks of life, biological processes, evolution, bio-diversity, fundamentals of energy dynamics in living things, genetics, and ecological systems. The course will also include intense lab work.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Math III recommended

This course is a study of the properties and structure of matter and relationship between energy and matter. Topics include atomic energy, chemical reactions, stoichiometry solu­tions, and nuclear chemistry. Students will per­form lab activities and solve mathematical calculations.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Math III Honors

Chemistry Honors is a two-semester course. Students study a variety of chemistry topics including chemical equations and reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, atomic theory, molecular chemistry, kinetic theory, gas laws, solutions, and acid-base behavior. Students will use their mathematics and problem solving skills to complete laboratory activities.

Grade Level: 11-12

(Offered at FHS)

Prerequisite: Math III Honors

AP is a two-semester course. They will be prepared to take the AP Exam. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students will participate in comprehensive laboratory experiences and will need to spend extensive time outside the classroom for individual study.

Grade Level: 9-11

Prerequisite: Math I

Introductory course to the concepts of Physics and Chemistry. Topics of study include the structure of the atom, structure and properties of matter, motions and forces, and the conservation of energy, matter, and charge. Students use their mathematical skills in the applications of science.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

Honors Physics uses the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Physics as a foundation for more challenging and advanced study that enriches key topics and broadens the student's view of the larger physics community including current research. Increased depth of each topic as well as student-directed exploration and experimentation is a vital part of this course. At least two of the following enrichment topics will be included in course objectives: optics, nuclear physics, modern physics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and engineering.

Grade Level: 11-12

(Offered at LHS)

Prerequisite: B in Physics Honors recommended.

AP Physics continues the study of the physical phenomena studies in Honors Physics in more depth and at a more advanced mathematical level. Students are prepared for the AP exam through problem-solving and use of questions from the AP exam.

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Designed as a hands-on, laboratory based science, guiding students through a series of structured exercises involving actual medical case histories. Students will study all of the major systems of the body (both anatomically and functionally), health and nutrition, disease processes, health implications of various life styles, and the major elements of the healthcare system.

Grade Level: 11

(Offered at FHS)

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

In this course students will be examining the role of the forensic scientist. Students will experience the application of the pure sciences as they examine the evidence of various forensic situations. The activities will include traditional methods in addition to modern biotechnological techniques.

Grade Level: 10-12

(Offered at LHS & FHS)

Prerequisite: Earth Science

The underlying principles of life, earth, and physical science will be integrated in this study of the universe. Historical astronomy, the solar system, comets, constellations, extraterrestrial life, and the evolution of stars will be the major topics of study. Observational astronomy skills and critical thinking will be fostered through the use of laboratory and field activities.