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