SCIENCE CORE COURSES
(3 Units required for graduation)

BIOLOGY I
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

Biology I presents the basic biological concepts that contribute to the unity and diversity of all living things. Areas of study include, but are not limited to: structure; function; growth; development; biological organization; classification; interaction and interdependence. These areas of study offer students insights into problem solving in the biological sciences as well as practical applications of biological principles to their own lives.

LABORATORY BIOLOGY I
6 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

Laboratory Biology I presents the basic biological concepts that contribute to the unity and diversity of all living things. Areas of study include, but are not limited to: structure; function; growth; development; biological organization; classification; interaction and interdependence. Laboratory investigations play a major role in the course and offer students insights into problem solving in the biological sciences as well as practical applications of biological principles to their own lives.

*BIOLOGY I - HONORS
6 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

Biology I Honors is an enriched first-year biology course designed to meet the needs of students who are seriously interested in furthering their education after high school. The course introduces and builds upon the basic biological principles of unity, diversity, structure, function, growth, development, biological organization, classification, interaction and interdependence. Certain basic principles of biochemistry are incorporated in order to deal with the molecular and cellular concepts presented. Laboratory investigations play a major role in the course, offer students insights into problem-solving in the biological sciences as well as practical applications of biological principles to their own lives.

LABORATORY SURVEY OF SCIENCE
6 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10

Laboratory Survey of Science explores areas such as chemistry, physics, astronomy, and ecology. An emphasis is placed on involving students in laboratory investigations. The course provides sufficient background information and experience for those students who wish to elect future laboratory-oriented science courses.

SURVEY OF SCIENCE***
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10

Survey of Science is designed for students who desire to select courses that reflect their interests and needs. This course presents the student with an overview of the areas of Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy and Ecology. Class activities and demonstrations serve to illustrate and clarify concepts in these areas of science. The course provides background information and experience to assist students in selecting other science courses.

*BIOLOGY II - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Prerequisite: Chemistry I and Physics I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 12

Biology II Advanced Placement is an enriched biology course conducted on the college freshman level. The course includes the study of the essential unity of all living things, the interdependence of organism and environment, functional morphology, evolution, biochemistry, and genetics. Laboratory work is utilized to amplify lectures and discussions, and also to help students develop a scientific attitude for problem solving. Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.

*ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - HONORS
Prerequisite: Chemistry I or Lab. Survey of Science 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11, 12

Anatomy and Physiology Honors is a laboratory-oriented course offered to students interested in human biology. It is a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Laboratory activities in support of the above include dissection of a cat and relevant laboratory experiments in physiology.

CHEMISTRY I
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra IB 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Chemistry I is designed to give students an understanding of the major concepts and principles in the field of chemistry. Concepts such as the classification of matter, systems of units and measurement, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, nomenclature and stoichiometry, gas laws, kinetics and equilibrium, and solution chemistry are considered. Lecture and discussion work is strongly supplemented by cooperative learning activities such as laboratories and projects.

*CHEMISTRY I - HONORS
Prerequisite: Algebra I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Chemistry I Honors is an enriched first-year chemistry course designed to meet the needs of students who are seriously interested in furthering their education after high school. Concepts such as the classification of matter, systems of units and measurement, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, nomenclature and stoichiometry, gas laws, kinetics and equilibrium, and solution chemistry are considered. Lecture and discussion work is strongly supplemented by cooperative learning activities such as laboratories and projects.

*CHEMISTRY II - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Prerequisite: Chemistry I and Physics I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 12

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-year Chemistry course conducted on the college freshman level. Fundamental chemical concepts are studied, including, but not limited to the structure and states of matter; the nature of reactions, including basic thermodynamics and kinetics; descriptive features of classes of elements and compounds; and associated chemical calculations. The course contributes to the development of the students' ability to think clearly and to express their ideas orally and in writing. Laboratory experiments of both qualitative and quantitative nature are an integral part of the course. Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE***
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11, 12

Physical Science is designed for students who desire to select courses that reflect their interests and needs. The aim of this course is to make the student aware of basic chemical and physical concepts and principles through involvement in lectures, demonstrations, films, guided readings, and laboratory experiments. An emphasis is placed on the practical application of these science concepts to solving everyday problems.

PHYSICS I
Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra IB, Chemistry I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11,12

Physics I presents content covering classical mechanics, heat, light, electricity and magnetism, fluids, wave theory, sound, and selected topics in modern physics. Lectures, demonstrations, class discussions, laboratory experiments and problem solving are the methods used to develop a clear understanding of course content. Proficiency in algebra is essential.

*PHYSICS I – HONORS
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11

Physics I Honors is an enriched first-year physics course designed to meet the needs of students who are seriously interested in preparing for post-secondary education. The content includes the study of classical mechanics, heat, light, electricity and magnetism, fluids, wave theory, sound, and selected topics in modern physics. Carefully planned experiments involving the collection and interpretation of data are emphasized, along with a focus on problem solving. Proficiency in algebra is essential.

*PHYSICS I – ADVANCED PLACEMENT (B)
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11, 12

Advanced Placement Physics I B provides a systematic introduction to the principles of physics and emphasizes problem-solving skills. Methods of algebra and trigonometry are used as tools in formulating physical principals and in applying them to problem-solving. This course will focus on a broad range of topics in physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, and modern physics. This is a college-level course that provides a foundation in physics for students planning to pursue studies in life sciences, pre-medicine, applied sciences, and other fields not related to science, as well as those planning to take AP Physics II C. Laboratory activities are an integral part of this course, and will provide students the opportunity to complete a laboratory portfolio. Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics B.

*PHYSICS II – ADVANCED PLACEMENT (C)
Prerequisite: Chemistry I and Physics I 7 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 12

Advanced Placement Physics II C is a second-year physics course providing the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. Methods of calculus are used as a tool in formulating physical principles and in applying them to problem solving. This course focuses on topics related to mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Laboratory activities are an integral part of this course, and will provide students with the opportunity to complete a laboratory portfolio. Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics C.

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

For electives that have limited enrollment, priority will be given to upper classmen who need the course to meet graduation, academy or pathway requirements.

ASTRONOMY
5 periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 11, 12

Astronomy students will study archeoastronomy, the earth-moon system, and comparative planetology. Other focus topics may include stellar evolution, as well as the form and structure of our universe. The Allentown School District Planetarium (at LED) and the Internet are used as essential learning tools. Proficiency in mathematical concepts is essential.

 

***These courses are not intended to be taken by students who have completed Chemistry I, Physics I and/or Laboratory Survey of Science.
Asterisk (*) before a course indicates weighting of grade.