Chemistry

  • CHEMISTRY

    The study of chemistry includes but is not limited to topics such as matter and energy, atomic structure, the periodic table, gases, bonding, thermodynamics, chemical reactions, acids and bases. Students who select chemistry should note that it requires active, laboratory based learning, problem solving skills, and the ability to successfully communicate results verbally and in written form.

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra 1; Concurrent enrollment in Geometry suggested.

  • HONORS CHEMISTRY

    In this enriched and rigorous chemistry course, students will utilize the problem-solving skills of logic and deductive reasoning. Student participation in ongoing discussion and experimentation is required, with an emphasis on data analysis and understanding of the chemical principles that explain the behavior of matter. This course is appropriate for 10th grade (and up) students above average skills in mathematics, English/Language Arts reading and writing, and for students who are considering taking AP Chemistry.

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology/completion of Honors Biology preferred. 

  • CHEM/PHYS

    In this laboratory based course, students will be presented with a fundamental introduction to chemistry and physics. Students will experiment with, discuss and study the basic chemical and physical interactions that drive the world around them. Students in this course will utilize a problem-solving approach in which they will be required to identify a problem or hypothesis, devise an experimental method to solve the problem, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusion(s) from the data.

    Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 1 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 and successful completion of Biology. 

  • AP CHEMISTRY

    Students enrolling in AP Chemistry will cover topics equivalent to a first-year college general chemistry course. Students will be encouraged, though not required, to take the AP Chemistry exam. Scoring well on this test will usually allow students to take secondyear chemistry courses as a college freshman, as well as preparing them for medical and science related careers. Taking the AP Chemistry exam is strongly encouraged. 

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistryand Algebra 2 with a preference of Honors. 

  • FORENSICS

    This course involves components from all of the sciences including content from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math and ELA Writing Skills. Forensic students will use critical thinking, deductive reasoning, advanced chemical laboratory techniques and problem-solving skills. Reality and research-based activities are used to investigate criminal scenarios; the scientific method is used for solving such problems. Students will address the application of science to the processes of law, and be involved the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. This course is designed to familiarize those individuals interested in criminalistics and/or related fields with the methods and techniques currently employed by forensic scientists.

    Please note: Photos of crime scenes are an essential aspect of the curriculum and may be graphic. These may be used throughout the course.

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry