Grade 9-12 Science Course Descriptions
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Grades 9-12 Core Courses
Physics
Grade 9 6 Credits
This is an introductory, conceptual physics course that exposes students to the fundamental principles of a variety of topics including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum and waves. Students participate in a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to discovering the natural phenomena of the physical world.
Physics Honors
Grade 9 6 Credits
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
This is an introductory, algebra-based physics course that includes the same topics as the general physics course. The pace is accelerated to allow for enrichment and more in-depth discovery of topics, including the mathematical analysis of physics topics.
Chemistry
Grades 10 – 11 6 Credits
This course applies physics concepts to explain natural phenomena and the physical world. Topics include the atom and periodic table of elements, bonding, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and acids and bases. Students combine scientific and mathematical concepts to solve problems on all topics.
Chemistry Honors
Grades 10 – 11 6 Credits
Prerequisite: Physics with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
The honors course includes the same topics as the general chemistry course, with additional topics of moles, stoichiometry, and solutions. The pace is accelerated to allow for the enrichment and more in-depth discovery of topics, including the mathematical analysis of chemistry topics.
Biology
Grades 10–12 6 Credits
In this course, students build an understanding of modern biology on the foundation of their prior science learning. Students learn about the origins of life and the process of evolution through natural selection. They then progress to learn about molecular biology, cellular biology and processes, genetics, and ecology. This course serves as a strong foundation for Anatomy and Physiology and Marine Science.
Biology Honors
Grades 10 – 11 6 Credits
Prerequisites: Prior science course with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
Honors Biology provides a rigorous study of biology and is designed for students who have done excellent work in previous science classes. Topics include the structure of the cell and its development into complex organisms, evolution, genetic studies of trait inheritance and variation, and ecology studies examining the relationship of organisms and their environment. Students develop analytical and critical-thinking skills through lab activities.
Environmental Science
Grades 9 – 12 6 Credits
The goal of this course is to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Grade 9-12: Elective Courses
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Earth-Space Science
Grades 10 – 12 5 Credits
This course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of astronomy, the solar system, and the universe beyond. Students increase their awareness of the scope and scale of our universe by gaining an understanding of Earth’s place in this system. Students then study the Earth’s hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
Marine Science
Grades 11 – 12 6 Credits
Prerequisites: Biology
Marine Science is a laboratory course that introduces students to the study of marine environments. This is accomplished through the application of theory to the marine ecosystem available at the Perth Amboy waterfront.
Forensic Science
Grades 9 – 12 5 Credits
Forensic Science is the application of scientific techniques and technology to the investigation of a crime and the presentation of evidence in a court of law. The study includes the applications of concepts from the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to analyze and investigate evidence that may be discovered in a criminal investigation. Classroom activities include experiments, projects, and case studies.
AP Electives:
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AP Physics
Grades 10-12 7 Credits
Prerequisites: Physics with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
AP Physics I is an algebra-based, college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.
AP Environmental Science
Grades 11-12 7 Credits
Prerequisites: Biology with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
This course provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. It is a rigorous course that prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam.
AP Biology
Grades 11 – 12 7 Credits
Prerequisites: Biology Honors with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
This course is the equivalent of a college-level, introductory biology course. This course includes the rigorous study of biology topics and applications. Topics include the chemistry of life, cells, cells use of energy, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, the diversity of organisms, the structure and function of both plants and animals, and ecology.
AP Chemistry
Grades 11 -12 7 Credits
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors with a grade of 85% or higher & teacher recommendation
This course is the equivalent of a general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. It is structured around the big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. An emphasis is placed on science practices performed during hands-on laboratory activities, which capture important aspects of the work of scientists. Each topic includes rigorous mathematical problem solving.
Science Electives:
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Earth-Space Science
Grades 10 – 12 5 Credits
This course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of astronomy, the solar system, and the universe beyond. Students increase their awareness of the scope and scale of our universe by gaining an understanding of Earth’s place in this system. Students then study the Earth’s hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
Marine Science
Grades 11 – 12 6 Credits
Prerequisites: Biology
Marine Science is a laboratory course that introduces students to the study of marine environments. This is accomplished through the application of theory to the marine ecosystem available at the Perth Amboy waterfront.
Forensic Science
Grades 9 – 12 5 Credits
Forensic Science is the application of scientific techniques and technology to the investigation of a crime and the presentation of evidence in a court of law. The study includes the applications of concepts from the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to analyze and investigate evidence that may be discovered in a criminal investigation. Classroom activities include experiments, projects, and case studies.
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