Suggested co-requisite: Honors Geometry   

Freshmen, transfer students 

This course is recommended for those students who intend to follow the pre-Advanced Placement sequence of courses and take college level courses in their junior and senior years. This is an introductory course in biology that covers the topics of cell biology, structures and processes of organisms, genetics, and ecological interactions. Encountered in the study of these topics are the themes of homeostasis, flow of energy, the levels of organization, the structure and function of living things, and evolution. An emphasis is placed on the bio-chemical aspects of the topics covered. Lab skills are required, and some dissections are performed. A basic understanding of chemistry is recommended. 

Prerequisite: Biology  

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors   

This course is an interdisciplinary science, involving the study of ecology, chemistry, , botany, , and some social sciences. The major focuses of study are environmental problems and their solutions, the use of natural resources, and human interaction with the environment. Laboratory and fieldwork will be emphasized, along with discussion of current events. Students enrolling in this class should have a genuine interest in environmental topics. 

Prerequisite: Algebra I  

This course will deal with the nature, composition, and changes of matter that are encountered in everyday life. Laboratory work and classroom demonstrations will reinforce the material presented in the lectures. Students are expected to be able to construct and interpret graphs and solve simple algebraic problems.  

Co-requisite: Honors Algebra II or permission of the department  

This course covers the material of the regular chemistry course, but in greater depth and with greater emphasis on theoretical foundations and mathematical techniques. The course will also include some additional topics from the Advanced Placement Chemistry curriculum. Homework for this course is conducted over the internet; home access to the internet is required. 

Prerequisite:  Algebra I  

Conceptual physics introduces students to the fundamental concepts and laws that govern the world in which they live. Through hands-on laboratory work, students learn valuable skills in planning and carrying out investigations as well as taking and analyzing data. Most of the math needed is developed in the course, but a basic understanding of Algebra I is helpful. Topics such as mechanics, forces, waves (sound and light), and electricity give the students a broad grasp of the physics at work in the world around them. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II or approval of the department. 

Honors Physics is an algebra-based, introductory-level physics course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts and laws that govern the world in which they live. Students explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Through discussions about faith and reason, students come to an understanding of the complementary roles that faith, philosophy, and the scientific method have in the search for Truth. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisite:  Honors Physics or approval of the department 

Recommended co-requisite:  AP Calculus  

The AP Physics-Mechanics course is equivalent to one semester of a calculus-based, college-level Mechanics course and adheres to the standards outlined in the College Board course description. It is especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course includes topics in kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout this course. Lab work comprises approximately one quarter of the course work. Students who elect this course will be expected to take the College Board AP Physics C – Mechanics test in the spring. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisite: Biology  

This course is a year-long introductory study of human anatomy and physiology. The study of each body system’s structure and function will focus on how its cells, tissues, and organs are interconnected and work together. 

Students actively apply their knowledge through engaging in inquiry-based activities and hands-on laboratory investigations. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or permission of the instructor 

This year-long course provides an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the structure and function of each body system and their interrelationships at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. A central focus is on how body systems maintain homeostasis and work together to ensure overall health and proper function. 

Students will engage in inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations to apply their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. This course is designed to prepare students for college-level studies, particularly for those pursuing health science or pre-medical fields. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or permission of the instructor  

Enrollment in AP Biology Laboratory required. 

The AP Biology course is equivalent to a full year introductory college-level lecture and lab course and adheres to the standards outlined in the College Board course description. 

This course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Emphasis will be focused in four major areas:  1.The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. 2. Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis. 3. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes. 4. Biological systems interact and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. Class time will involve lecture and discussion.  

Students who elect this course will be expected to take the College Board AP Biology test in the spring. 

Prerequisite: Enrollment in AP Biology 

Must be taken concurrently in semester 1 or 2. 

This one semester laboratory course is a required component of the AP Biology class. It is to be taken concurrently with the AP Biology class, either in semester one or semester two. This hands-on lab class will cover eight required AP Biology labs, emphasizing the application of concepts learned in the AP class. In addition to learning laboratory techniques, students will learn how to understand problems, develop hypotheses, design and implement controlled experiments, identify dependent and independent variables, analyze data, draw conclusions, think analytically, and communicate results with appropriate data tables and graphs. In addition, students will have the opportunity to use bioinformatics in modeling population dynamics. 

Textbook purchase required. 

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and honors math concurrent or approval of the department 

Enrollment in AP Chemistry Laboratory is required.  

The AP Chemistry course is equivalent to a full year introductory college-level lecture and lab course and adheres to the standards outlined in the College Board course description. This course will build on the basic material covered in Honors Chemistry with expanded depth and breadth of coverage. There will be a greater emphasis on theory and on a mathematical quantitative approach. Enrollment in AP Chemistry Laboratory is also required to satisfy the syllabus requirements imposed by the College Board. During one semester the class and lab will be blocked together.  

Students who elect this course will be expected to take the College Board AP Chemistry test in the spring. 

Co-requisite: Enrollment in AP Chemistry  

Must be taken concurrently in fall semester.  

This hands-on laboratory course will cover the essential elements of the 22 recommended experiments in the AP Chemistry course description. In addition to learning laboratory techniques, students will practice the art of making careful observations and of recording accurately what they observe. They will develop and practice written communication skills to properly describe their work.  

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or permission of the instructor 

The AP Environmental Science course is equivalent to a full year introductory college-level course and adheres to the standards outlined in the College Board course description. This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies necessary to explore the interrelationships within the natural world. The course’s interdisciplinary approach encompasses topics from geology, biology, chemistry, geography, environmental studies, and environmental science. 

By providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, fostering critical thinking skills, and emphasizing the application of scientific knowledge to real-world problems, this course prepares students to become informed and active participants in addressing the challenges facing our planet. Additionally, it encourages students to embrace their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation, inspiring them to care for the environment with wisdom, respect, and compassion. 

College credit may be awarded for qualifying AP Environmental Science scores. AP course students are expected to take the AP examination, for which they will be prepared throughout the year.  

Prerequisite: Biology 

Juniors and seniors only  

Forensic science presents itself as a natural medium for students to practice the science of inquiry. It is a tool that uses the methods of science to help solve crimes, determining who committed them and how. Forensic science appeals to the detective in people. The first semester will include topics related to law and the courtroom, crime scene analysis, as well as body, blood, and DNA evidence. The second semester will include topics related to forgery and fingerprints, hair, fiber, and glass evidence, arson, and anthropology. Students may elect the semester that aligns with interest or take both semesters. This course will be limited to one section per semester with a maximum enrollment of 24 students. 

Pre-requisite:  Chemistry or Honors Chemistry 

The class will build on the basic chemistry to develop a deeper understanding of how chemistry plays a role in the world around us. Topics would include learning about food molecules and how chemical reactions can affect food texture and flavor. In addition, students gain an understanding of chemistry in pharmaceuticals and the cosmetic industry. This class will have a heavy lab and application component.  

NOTE: The kitchen used for this class is NOT allergen free. Students with allergies should exercise caution when determining if this course works with their particular allergy. Please discuss allergies with counselors and instructor before registering for this class.  

If the instructor’s schedule allows, this course will be offered both semesters. If not, this will only be offered in the spring. Maximum enrollment is 12 students per semester.