Department Members
Richard Graves
Therese Kosten
Lynn Millikan
Tim Russell
Belinda Stanley, Dept. Head
Courses Offered
Freshman Year
Biology
A detailed and intensive study of biology is required
of all ninth grade students. The first semester includes the fundamentals
of ecology, biochemistry, cellular structure, and microbiology. Botany, zoology,
and human anatomy and physiology are studied in the second semester.
Text: Biology: The Dynamics of Life
Biggs, Kapicka, and Lundgren
Sophomore Year
Chemistry
Chemistry is studied from both the theoretical and mathematical perspectives.
Much attention is given to acquiring a thorough background in the language
of chemistry: learning symbols, writing formulas, and writing and balancing
chemicals equations. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on mastering
the concepts required to solve various types of chemistry problems.
Text: Basic Chemistry, Daub and Seese
Junior Year
Physics
Physics is the study of the principles that are observed in the physical world.
The purpose of this course is for the students to develop a conceptual understanding
of the major topics of physics (mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and
magnetism) and to investigate these topics in experimentation and problem
solving.
Text: Physics: Principles and Problems, Zitzewitz
Science Electives
Geology
This course is an introduction to physical geology. Topics that are covered
include: matter and minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks;
weathering; ground water; glaciers; plate tectonics and mountain building;
energy; and mineral resources. Field trips visit sites of various geological
processes in the local area.
Text: Earth, Tarbuck, et. al.
AP Biology
The course covers three main topics: molecules and cells; genetics and evolution;
and organisms and populations. Taking the advanced placement exam at the end
of the year may earn the student up to eight college hours in biology.
Prerequisite: Biology
Text: Life: The Science of Biology, Purves
AP Physics
The subject matter for this course is mechanics, electricity, and magnetism
at a college level. The advanced placement exam is taken at the end of the
year and students may earn college credit.
Prerequisite: Physics and AP Calculus (or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus)
Text: Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Serway
AP Psychology
The AP Psychology course will introduce students to psychology, the
systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Students will learn about the various sub-fields of psychology, the major
experimental findings, principles, and phenomena, and the leading
psychologists of these fields. The course will emphasize experimental
procedures and include discussion of the ethics involved in research with
humans and animals and in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: None
Text: Psychology: An Introduction, Morris & Maisto
Forty Studies that Changed Psychology, Hock
2008 - 2009 Additional Courses
AP Chemistry
The purpose of this course is for the students to understand the fundamental
models of chemistry, to learn how chemistry is involved in the real world,
and to develop skills as a problem solver. The major topics are chemical reactions,
stoichiometry, states of matter, bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
Each student is required to complete fourteen laboratory sessions and write
formal lab reports. The students are required to take the AP College Board
exam and may earn college credit.
Prerequisite: Chemistry
Text: Chemistry, Zumdahl