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9
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Chemistry
comprises a study of the basic topics of general chemistry,
focusing most carefully on applications necessary to understand
modern biology. Units of study include atomic theory and atomic
structure, mole concept, chemical nomenclature and formulas,
chemical bonding, intermolecular forces and molecular geometry,
phases of matter (gas, liquid and solid), types of reactions and
stoichiometry, solution stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry.
The course is lab-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing the
process of science over the acquisition of facts.
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11
12
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A student must take either year-long
Honors Physics or
Mechanics 1 and two
other trimesters of Physics. All physics courses are
lab-centered and inquiry-based, using modeling techniques.
Honors Physics
has a broad view of classical physics and excursions into areas
of modern physics. Topics include motion & forces, momentum,
energy, heat, waves and sound, electricity & magnetism, and
light. The course has a strong laboratory component.
Mechanics 1
introduces students to the concepts of mechanics and techniques
used to study physics. Topics will include motion, forces, and
mechanical energy.
Thermal Physics
gives students an initial understanding of the science of heat
movement. Topics include heat and temperature, thermal
equilibrium, thermodynamics and internal energy, system states
and statistics, entropy, and behavior of gases. Applications
important to human interaction with the environment are
emphasized.
Mechanics 2
introduces students to further topics in mechanics, including
momentum, collisions, motion in two dimensions, rotation, and
orbital motion.
Waves
studies the application of physics to wave phenomena. Topics
include oscillating systems, harmonic motion, waves in springs,
water, air and space, acoustics, physics of music, and optics.
Physics of Sports
visits specific examples of force, motion, and energy found in
sports. The students will learn to make use of tools such as
graphical analysis, qualitative reasoning based on the laws of
physics, reasoning by analogy, dimensional analysis, numerical
estimation, computer simulation, and the use of published
resources.
Electricity
is a study of electric phenomena. Students will model the forces
between electric charges, the behavior of electric circuits, and
magnetic phenomena.
Concepts of Modern Physics
examines limitations of classical physics, new ideas replacing
“common sense,” structure on the smallest scales, recent
theories, and technological outgrowths of modern physics, such
as transistors and lasers.
Human Physics
includes physical models of the human body, physical
measurements of anatomy and physiology, fluid dynamics within
the body, physics of sight and hearing.
Other upper level science electives include:
AP Biology,
AP Chemistry,
AP Physics B,
AP Physics C,
Biotechnology,
Organic Chemistry,
Botany,
Astronomy,
Ecology and Evolution,
and others.
All science courses emphasize lab and/or field work and the
scientific process.
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