The Living Earth

The Living Earth is a college preparatory, lab science class. In this class, students deepen their understanding of biological core ideas and study the influence of current and past Earth systems on organisms. The course covers six major units: Ecosystems, History of Earth, Evolution, Inheritance, Structure Function and Growth, and Ecosystem Stability and Climate Change. Inquirydriven laboratory exercises are an integral part of the curriculum.

Chemistry in the Earth System

Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1, Living Earth

Students will investigate the formation of the first elements and their transformation to heavier elements in the context of stars as nuclear element factories. They will use this knowledge to explore the structure of an atom and patterns in the periodic table. Students will investigate the forces that hold matter together and how society uses its understanding of elements and molecules to develop useful materials. Students will explore the interactions of atoms and molecules as illustrated by chemical reactions. Students will investigate Earth’s atmosphere and climate system. Students will explore the factors that drive chemical and physical changes based on their understanding of elements and materials science. They will examine connections between matter and energy into and out of chemical systems, extending the concept to the movement of energy through Earth’s systems and ways humans may control these moments. Students will investigate these concepts in the context of greenhouse gases, their effect on the atmosphere, and the stability and changes of the chemistry of the ocean and other bodies of water on Earth.

Physics

This course is a standards‐based study of fundamental physics concepts. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, graphical, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on hands‐on laboratory experiences and the integration of other branches of science.

AP Environmental Science

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one‐ semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENT: Although there are no specific AP Environmental Science labs or field investigations required for the course, it is expected that students perform as many labs/field investigations as possible. All students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science examination. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

 

AP Biology

AP Biology is an introductory college‐level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry‐based investigations.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENT: This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands‐on laboratory work. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

 

AP Physics

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry‐based investigations.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENT: This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands‐on laboratory work. All students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Physics 1 examination. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.