Program of Studies | Page 29

on a cell and molecular level, both conceptually and experimentally. Students will further develop their strong skills in critical reading and writing, and scientific thinking. Students will consistently ask their own research questions and design their own experiments. Students will read and write formal laboratory research papers, as well as present their research to an authentic audience. Considerable reading and writing will accompany the study of biochemistry, cell biology, respiration, photosynthesis, classical genetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics, evolution and a survey of the kingdoms. Projects include determining the effects of the environment on the rate of photosynthesis, exploring the growth of bacteria under various conditions, and predicting genetic traits in breeding fruit flies. This course requires strong algebra skills and is a prerequisite for AP Biology. Honors Chemistry 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Teacher placement and Algebra II (or concurrently) This course will foster an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to the world outside the classroom. Students will gain a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry through lecture, laboratory work and problemsolving activities. Critical thinking skills are necessary for success in this course, and there is a strong emphasis on further developing this skill. Students will study structure and phases of matter, atomic and quantum theory, periodicity and periodic table, chemical bonding and molecular structure, stoichiometry, types of chemical reactions, kinetic theory, gas laws, and acids and bases. This course requires very strong algebra skills and is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. Honors Forensics in Chemistry 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry Explore advanced concepts in chemistry through the use of forensics in this advanced chemistry course. Over the course of the semester students will solve a murder by solving one piece of the forensics case at a time. This inquirybased laboratory class builds upon concepts learned in Honors Chemistry and introduces students to nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Honors Physics 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Teacher placement and Algebra II (or concurrently) Through the use of introductory exploratory activities, debriefing and concept development secessions, and forma