A precursor to all sciences. After finishing this class, students will understand the scientific method and the importance of science and have a basic introduction to most sciences.

This is a mandatory 2-semester course and is a requirement for graduation. The curriculum progresses from the micro to the macro, starting from cell biology through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, heredity, and evolution, ending with the features that make humans unique from all other organisms on Earth. We will explore major themes of biological diversity as an experimental science, using interactive labs and a variety of computer and web-based activities, movies, videos, and other resources to supplement the hands-on curriculum.

This is a year-long science class with labs that study the properties, structure, and composition of physical matter. Throughout this course, students will develop an understanding of how matter interacts with itself to form new materials through a process of calculations, critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students will apply their critical thinking and calculations through hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory activities. Topics explored throughout this course include the Periodic Table of the Elements, subatomic particles, naming compounds, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, aqueous and organic solutions, and chemical reactions. Due to the emphasis and frequent integration of mathematical calculations in this course, students must have a strong foundation in math. 

*Must be enrolled in Algebra II or higher.

A hands-on introduction to the fundamental laws of physics. This course emphasizes understanding through guided, notes, demonstrations and experiments. Students will explore core topics such as mechanics, light, and the basics of electricity and magnetism, while also building a strong conceptual foundation through observation, deep conversations, and real-world application.

*Must have completed Alg 1.

Introduces basic principles of plant structure, function, and reproduction, including the diversity of plants and environmental influences on plant growth and survival. Applied topics include human uses of plants in agriculture, commerce, medicine, and ecology. Lecture and laboratory.

This course will combine traditional classroom lectures and exercise “lab” activities. The curriculum will cover the major organ systems of the human body, such as the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. We will explore a variety of different modes of physical activity, including traditional exercise, guided meditation, and games such as dodgeball.

The year-long curriculum is equivalent to a first-year college course usually taken by biology majors. The course expands the “regular” (10th-grade level) high school Biology course. Topics covered include the biochemistry of life; cells and cell energetics; heredity; molecular genetics in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes; evolution and natural selection; diversity of organisms and populations; structure and function of plants and animals; and ecology. Students will conduct suggested College Board AP Biology laboratories and hands-on activities on- and off-campus. The primary emphasis is to develop an advanced understanding of biological concepts and their applications, a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts, personal experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns worldwide. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May.  Suggested academic preparation could include Biology and Chemistry. 

AP Chemistry is a year-long elective class that follows the curriculum for inorganic chemistry provided by the College Board for the equivalent of a year of introductory college chemistry. Broad topic descriptions include a review of chemical principles and stoichiometry; thermochemistry and thermodynamics; solution chemistry; atomic models and structure; the periodic table; solids, liquids, and gases; kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. The year-long curriculum is equivalent to a first-year college course usually taken by biology majors. The course expands the “regular” (10th-grade level) high school Biology course. Topics covered include the biochemistry of life; cells and cell energetics; heredity; molecular genetics in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes; evolution and natural selection; diversity of organisms and populations; structure and function of plants and animals; and ecology. Students will conduct suggested College Board AP Biology laboratories and hands-on activities on- and off-campus. The primary emphasis is to develop an advanced understanding of biological concepts and their applications, a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts, personal experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns worldwide. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. Suggested academic preparation could include Biology and Chemistry.

* The prerequisite is a year of high school chemistry and proficiency in math, pre-calculus, or higher. 

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires students to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with them, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May.  Pre-requisites: Physical Science and/or Biology.

AP Physics (C, “Mechanics”) is a year-long elective class that follows the curriculum the College Board provides for the equivalent of a year of introductory college Physics. AP calculus will expand on the “regular” physics course, delving deeper into the mathematical aspects of physics, complex problem solving, and conceptual understanding of the material covered. Major topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, and simple harmonic motion. Hands-on labs exploring all the major physics topics will be performed while learning about measurement, data collection, and statistics with data display and discussion. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. This course would be an excellent option for those students considering a college major in Physical Science or Engineering. * The prerequisites are a year of high school Physics and a year of Calculus. A co-requisite of Calculus may be an option pending approval from the instructor. 

Duration: 1 semester

Every rock-climbing venue presents new challenges to climbers because of its unique rock texture, composition, and environment. All rock climbers are empirical geologists because of their direct personal experience with various rock types. This class is designed to expand the climber's knowledge of the rock to include the geologic processes involved in its creation and sculpting. We will climb several areas that have experienced various geologic histories and that are composed of diverse rock types.