BIOLOGY I 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: None
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12 (Required in 9th Grade)
Credit: 2

Biology I provides, through regular laboratory and field investigations, a study of the structures and functions of living organisms and their interactions with their environment. At a minimum, this study explores the functions and processes of cells, tissues, organs, and systems within various species of living organisms and the roles and interdependencies of organisms within populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Students have opportunities to: (1) gain an understanding of the history of the development of biological knowledge, (2) explore the uses of biology in various careers, and (3) cope with biological questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues.
The instructional approach will include lecture/discussion, small group activity and frequent laboratory investigations.

BIOLOGY I 1-2, Honors (L) - Top

Classification: Honors
Prerequisite: Application process required
Open to: 9
Credit: 2

Biology I, Honors provides, through regular laboratory and field investigations, a study of the structures and functions of living organisms and their interactions with their environment. At a minimum, this study explores the functions and processes of cells, tissues, organs, and systems within various species of living organisms and the roles and interdependencies of organisms within populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Students have opportunities to: (1) gain an understanding of the history of the development of biological knowledge, (2) explore the uses of biology in various careers, and (3) cope with biological questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues.
The instructional approach will include lecture/discussion, laboratory activities for skill building and inquiry development, and independent research. Each student will be required to complete independent research projects and participate in group activities.

BOTANY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Biology I
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1

This course is a survey of the Plant Kingdom. Topics will include the study of plant anatomy at the cellular level, tissue and structural levels, plant physiology, taxonomy, and horticulture in an indoor environment and ecology. The instructional approach will include lecture/discussion and laboratory activity. Much emphasis will be placed on hands-on experiences with plant material.

ZOOLOGY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Biology I
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1

This one-semester course is designed to study the structure and physiology of the major invertebrate animals and the five major groups of vertebrate animals. It is centered around extensive laboratory work in microscopy, detailed dissection and observation. Also included will be studies of how these animals affect humans in the areas of food, disease, ecology and economy. The course will be offered in both fall and spring semesters.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Biology I 2 and Chemistry I 2
Open to: 11, 12
Credits: 2

This course is intended for students interested in pursuing health and applied health-related fields, sports training, dietetics, and occupational safety. The main concept will be that the human body functions as an integrated unit. This integration exists at all structural levels from cell through system. The basic concepts of structure and function and homeostasis will be studied. Discussion of disease, sports injuries, dieting, and health care issues will integrate with the discussion of human anatomy and physiology.
The instructional approach will include lecture/discussion, small group discussions, laboratory activities including dissection and independent research.

HUMAN GENETICS (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Biology I
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 1

This one-semester course will emphasize relevant and current discoveries and issues in the field of human genetics. Topics will include a review of basic genetics, embryology, human traits and variations, causes and prevention of birth defects, karyotyping, pedigrees, blood groups, cloning, DNA fingerprinting, telomeres and aging, the Human Genome Project, chromosome syndromes, and bioethics. Frequent laboratory activities and research via the Internet will compliment the course content.

BIOLOGY, Advanced Placement 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Biology I 2 and Chemistry I 2
Open to: 12
Credit: 1

A course designed for college-bound seniors who desire a more in-depth study of biological concepts. Students should have an active interest in biology and/or plan to enter into biologically related careers such as nursing, medicine, biological research, veterinary medicine, dentistry, medical or lab technology.

CHEMISTRY I 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Algebra I 2
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 2

Chemistry I will introduce students to matter in all of it's various combinations, such as elements, compounds and mixtures, and how matter can be physically or chemically changed. Topics explored will include the atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, inorganic and organic nomenclature, and types of chemical reations, balanced chemical equations and the mole concept. Students will develop laboratory techniques and prolem solving skills while conducting a variety of experiments.
Emphasis on the mathematical basis of chemical theories will be stressed during the second semester. Topics included in this semester are the kinetic theory of matter, properties of solutions, acid/base theories, chemical equilibrium, reaction rates, thermodynamic forces, oxidation/reduction reactions, electrochemical systems and nuclear reactions. Students have oppuortunites to: (1) gain an understanding of the history of chemisty, (2) explore the uses of chemsitry in various careers, (3) cope with chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and social isusues, and (4) learn and practice laboratory safety.

CHEMISTRY I 1-2, Honors (L) - Top

Classification: Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I 2 and Application Process
Open to: 10
Credit: 2

A course designed for science-oriented students and/or students who are planning to pursue a career in science. In addition to the concepts covered in Chemistry I, Chemistry I, Honors will cover reaction tendencies, chromatography, bonding complexes, molecular orbital theory, scientific notation, and crystalline structure. Related lab activities and the problem-solving approach will be emphasized.
In addition to the fundamental concepts covered during the second semester of Chemistry I, Chemistry I, Honors will cover equilibrium systems, Gibbs concepts, electrochemistry, and equilibrium mathematics.
Students have opportunities to: (1) gain an understanding of the history of chemistry, (2) explore the used of chemistry in various careers, (3) cope with chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues, and (4) learn and practice laboratory safety.

ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Biology I 2 and Chemistry I 2
Open to: 11,12
Credit: 1

This course is designed for students who have expressed an interest in a medical, pharmacy or chemical engineering career. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds and their chemical and physical properties. The organic portion of this course will study hydrocarbon nomenclature, functional groups, substituted hydrocarbons and polymers. This course will also explore biochemistry, which is a branch of organic chemistry that studies compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and the chemical reactions that are involved in the synthesis, maintenance and reproduction of living organisms.

CHEMISTRY, Advanced Placement 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Chemistry I 2 or Honors Chemistry I 2
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 2

Designed for the student going into applied fields of science such as medical technology, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and any branch of physics or engineering. The course emphasizes problem solving to strengthen the student's preparation for college science and introduces a wide variety of laboratory experiences including writing of formal lab reports. Topics covered are atomic theory, bonding, heat, gas laws, the liquid and solid states and solutions.
The second semester covers kinetics and equilibrium systems, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and solubility. The course emphasizes problem solving for the serious student of the pure and applied sciences.
This course follows College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement Chemistry and postsecondary chemistry offered for dual credit under the provisions of 511 IAC 22-10.1-22.2-1-2.6.

PHYSICS I 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Geometry 2
Open to: 11, 12 (Students planning a career in engineering should consider Physics I, Honors)
Credit: 2

Physics I aids students in synthesizing the fundamental concepts and principles concerning matter and energy through the laboratory study of mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and atomic and nuclear physics. Students have opportunities to: (1) acquire an awareness of the history of physic sand its role in the birth of technology, (2) explore the uses of its models, theories, and laws in various careers, and (3) cope with physics questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues.

PHYSICS I 1-2, Honors (L) - Top

Classification: Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra II 2 and Application Process
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 2

This course is a study of mechanics (velocity, force, momentum, energy, etc.) and thermal effects. This course is intended for those students who plan to major in a technical area such as science or engineering in college or for those who plan to take the AP Physics II course. Honors Physics I will emphasize problem solving using higher levels of mathematics than required in Physics I. Trigonometry will be taught to the extent it is needed.
The second semester is a study of electricity, magnetism, sound, light, nuclear reactions and relativity.
Students have opportunities to: (1) acquire an awareness of the history of physic sand its role in the birth of technology, (2) explore the uses of its models, theories, and laws in various careers, and (3) cope with physics questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues.

PHYSICS, Advanced Placement 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 2 and Physics I 2 Honors with concurrent enrollment in Calculus strongly recommended
Open to: 12
Credit: 2

This course is designed for students who plan to major in a technical field, such as science or engineering in college. The first semester of this course covers advanced topics in mechanics as well as further development of the topics covered in Physics I. A basic working knowledge of calculus will be taught and applied to physics problems and concepts. The second semester of this course covers advanced topics such as quantum physics, special relativity and particle physics. Each student will work on a research project. Students enrolled are strongly encouraged to take the Mechanics portion of the AP-C test.
This course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement Physics.

PHYSICS I 1-2, Tech Prep (L) - Top

Classification: Tech Prep
Prerequisite: Geometry 2 May be taken concurrently with permission.
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 2

Physics I, TP aids students in synthesizing the fundamental concepts and principles concerning matter and energy through the laboratory study of mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism and atomic and nuclear physics. Students have opportunities to: (1) acquire an awareness of the history of physic sand its role in the birth of technology, (2) explore the uses of its models, theories, and laws in various careers, and (3) cope with physics questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues.
This course is modified for the tech prep program and is designed for those students who feel they would like to attend a vocational-technical school, pursue a two-year degree, or attend an open-admission college after high school graduation. An average math aptitude is required. Enrollment is restricted to students that meet tech prep program and departmental criteria.

EARTH and SPACE SCIENCE I 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
rerequisite: None
Open to: 9, 10
Credit: 2

Earth and Space Science begins with an overview of Earth's place in the universe and modern science's beliefs about the origin and his-tory of the universe and Earth. A short overview of astronomy, includeing a look at stellar evolution and various celestial phenomena is included in this overview. The Earth's geologic structure, its composition, and the motions of the earth that are responsible for the changing of day to night and the changing of the seasons through the year are studied. This semester also includes an extensive unit on weather, including an examination of the differential distribution of heat on the Earth's surface that is responsible for all weather phemonena. A close look will be taken at weather fronts, air masses, and the severe weather that occurs due to their interaction.
Earth and Space Science 2 begins with a study of rocks and minerals, which is a basis for this semester. The rest of the semester concentrates on the processes that have shaped and changed the Earth's surface since its beginning. Plate tectonics and mountain-building processes are examined, as well as the forces of weathering and erosion that join to wear down the continents and mountains produced by those processes. Earthquakes, volcanoes and other associated events are discussed, as well as the effects that human activities have had on the Earth's water, soil and other resources.

ASTRONOMY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Algebra I 2 and 2 credits of Core-40 science
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 1

A study of the structure of the universe, our solar system, our planet, and space exploration. The study is based on simple physical laws, historical persepctive, and future NASA projects. Students shall complete work in the planetarium as part of the course.
Students wishing to enroll in Astronomy must successfully complete a full year of Core 40/AHD science prerequisite.

METEOROLOGY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Two semesters of Core-40 science
Open to: 11,12
Credit: 1

Meteorology begins with an overview of the components making up the atmospheric environment. The main emphasis of the course will cover basic weather topics which directly relate to one's everyday experiences, andstresses the understanding and application of principles in Meteorology. Students will develop an understanding of physical processes responsible for daily weather changes through laboratory and field studies. A close look is taken at weather fronts, air masses, and severe weather. A goal is to incorporate daily use of computers to monitor weather patterns and changes. Guest speakers will be invited to show how professional services develop daily forecasts. Throughout the semester, students will be responsible for a number of individual and group projects. This course is designed for students interested in a possible career in meteorology.

PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (L) - Top

Classification: Regular
Prerequisite: Two credits of Core-40 science
Open to: 11,12
Credit: 1

This course is an overview of concepts studied in physical geology. Students will study the structure and dynamics of Planet Earth and their impact on human beings. Plate tectonics and its relationship to landforms and catastrophic events, weathering and erosion, and earth resources are some topics that will be studied. Special emphasis will be on the study of seismic events. Students will be utilizing our digital seismometer, keeping track of earthquake data, reporting the data to Princeton University via the internet, and interpreting the data. At least one Saturday field trip will be taken in a study of Indiana's unique geology. This course is designed for students who are interested in a possible geoscience career.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, Advanced Placement 1-2 (L) - Top

Classification: Advanced Placement
Prerequisites: Biology I 2 and Chemistry I 2
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 2

Environmental Science, AP concentrates on the background information necessary to un-derstand the interactions of organisms with their environment. Included in this semester are close looks at the ecological principles that govern that interaction: ecosystems and how they work, nutrient cycles, climate and biomes, population and community dynamics, biodiversity and food resources. Discussions on the environmental issues surrounding these topics, and the politics and economics of use, preservation and management of our biological and earth resources will be emphasized.
The second semester of this course takes a close look at energy and other resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, including our planet's water, air and soil resources, and the effects of human activities on them. Issues surrounding land use, hazardous waste disposal, and water, soil and air pollution, will be emphasized.
Both semesters of this course will rely heavily on lab and field experiences to illustrate the concepts and provide real-life experience in various aspects of environmental research. Developing an understanding of the societal roles of science and technology, including current issues in environmental science and the relevance of environmental science to the "real world" is a primary goal of the course.
This course follows the College Board guidelines for Advanced Placement Environmental Science.