Science
General Studies
Earth Science
SWAp (2 semesters, 1.0 credit, prerequisite none)
Earth Science offers a focused curriculum that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Topics include an exploration of the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Earth's environment, sustainability, and energy resources. Optional teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Physicial Science
SWAp (2 semesters, 1.0 credit, prerequisite none)
Physical Science offers a focused curriculum designed around the understanding of critical physical science concepts, including the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the mastery of critical scientific skills. Topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; atoms; the Periodic Table of Elements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an introduction to nuclear energy. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Biology
SWAp (2 semesters, 1.0 credit, prerequisite none)
Biology focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment. The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.