Upper School Courses
Below is a list of courses offered at the University School of Jackson. Each course is accompanied with the academic year students may take the course, whether it is a year-long or one-semester course, prerequisites, and an overview of the course content.
(1 unit required for graduation)
AP Music Theory (10-12 grades, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This college level course develops a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or represented in a score. Students will master the rudiments and terminology of music, including notation, intervals, scales and keys, chords, metric organization, and rhythmic patterns, along with more advanced material.
Band – Upper School (9-12 grades, YR- 1.0)
The course is designed to expose students to advanced level music skills, with the intent to foster and develop goal setting, time management, rehearsal etiquette, performance practices, personal and group responsibility, and to instill a desire for life-long learning. Students may choose to perform with the concert band, pep band, guitar ensemble, string orchestra, pit orchestra, percussion ensemble, and/or woodwind and brass ensemble.
Chorus (9th grade, YR-1.0, Non-Audition and Performance)
This course is recommended as a prerequisite for USJ Singers and USJ Select Choir. Students learn the basics of music theory and prepare for auditioned ensembles.
Concert Choir (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: USJ Singers, Audition or Departmental Recommendation)
This course is designed for experienced vocal students interested in serious choral studies. Students qualify for this group after completing at least one year of USJ singers. This choir is the premier performance group at USJ. Students participate in all regional and state vocal events for which they qualify.
USJ Singers (10-12 grades, YR-1.0, Non-Audition and Performance)
This class is designed for students interested in performance and is a prerequisite to USJ Select Choir. Students learn a variety of choral literature as they increase their vocal skills. Students participate in regional and state vocal events for which they qualify.
Acting (10-12 grades, YR-1.0, Audition or Departmental Recommendation)
This course is designed to provide students, with a sincere interest in acting, instruction involving technical skills and expertise for college auditions and performances.
Introduction to Theater (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course provides students with an overview of theater techniques and gives them an understanding and appreciation of theater as an art form. Acting, stagecraft, and theatrical history are emphasized.
Speech (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course is designed to teach and develop a student’s public speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the importance of public speaking and the fundamentals of speech, speech preparation, and presentation.
Art I-Beginning Art (9-12 grades, YR-1.0)
This course is an entry-level art course in visual art. The course is intended to offer the student an introduction to a variety of art techniques, styles, media and materials. In addition to art production, students will be introduced to art history and aesthetics. Some of the history will be incorporated into studio art lessons, and some of the studio art will be incorporated into a lesson or unit focusing on a historical concept. This class is for the student wanting a diverse art experience at a beginning competency level.
Art II & Art III-Intermediate Art & Advanced Art (10-12 grades, YR-1.0 Prerequisite-Art I)
These courses are specifically designed for those students who wish to continue into AP Studio Art their junior or senior year. Both courses intend to offer the student an opportunity to advance their art skills in a variety of art techniques, styles, media and materials. The courses will guide students as they begin to develop a portfolio that they can submit at the conclusion of AP Studio Art. Though assignments will by the very nature of art repeat many basic concepts from Art I, they will be completed at a more advanced level and require prior knowledge of the basics of drawing, design, and sculpture.
AP Studio Art I, II, and III (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Art II or Art III, Departmental Recommendation)
The AP studio Art Course is a college level course in the visual arts. The AP Program offers three portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, and 3-D Design. The portfolios share a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods). The course is intended to offer the student a college level curriculum in a high school environment. Students who successfully complete the course can request credit from the college or university they will attend. The awarding of college credit for AP scores is at the discretion of individual schools. Students in this course will be expected to work diligently in class to complete AT LEAST six pieces each quarter in addition to six pieces completed over the summer. The final portfolio will include 3 total sections: the breadth section which includes 12 pieces demonstrating a competency in a variety of media and styles, the concentration section which includes 12 pieces demonstrating and understanding of the development of a theme using a common style and media, and the quality section which includes 5 actual works of high artistic quality illustrating skill in handling media and an understanding of the elements and principles of art through strong composition.
Exploratory Art (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5, Prerequisite: Art I or Studio Art)
This course allows students to explore many different media including pottery, collage, jewelry making, photography, painting, and graphic design. Students taking this class should have a working knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design.
International Art (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5, Prerequisite: Studio Art or Art I, teacher recommendation)
In this course students learn about the wonders of art around the world through a variety of hands-on projects. They study different cultures and pieces of art produced in various countries and develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures and their art.
Studio Art (9-12 grades, SEM 0.5)
This course introduces students to a variety of art techniques, styles, media, materials, as well as art history.
Photography (9-12 grades, SEM 0.5)
Students in this course learn the basics of both film and digital photography, as well as the skill of electronic photo editing. Students also learn the basics of hand tinting a black and white photograph. Finally, students explore some experimental photography techniques including, but not limited to Poloroid Image Transfer & Emulsion Lift, Cyanotype Printing and Photo Montage. In all areas of this class, students work independently to print pictures illustrating camera steadiness, emphasis on texture, emphasis on form, emphasis on geometric lines, emphasis on organic lines, emphasis on space, a level horizon, moving in close, framing, front lighting, side lighting, back lighting, high angle, and low angle. Their subject matter varies, but will include still-life, figurative, landscape and abstract.
(0.5 units required for graduation)
Accounting (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course introduces the students to the basics of accounting by focusing on the business perspectives of real businesses. Students will learn about accounting concepts and procedures by exploring the real world of business and learn to complete a variety of business forms. Students will develop critical-thinking skills in order to process, analyze, prepare, and communicate financial information. Throughout this course, students will use common computer applications (Microsoft Office) to work with financial information and business publications.
Computer Literacy (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course introduces the students to the basics of computing and the PC platform. It is designed exclusively for students who are new to the Upper School and have not had a computer class prior to entering USJ.
Computer Applications (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course will provide students with an understanding of the components of Microsoft Office 2007. Students will use this information to prepare MLA research papers, resumes, business letters, personal letters, and applications. Students will also take a brief look at podcasting using Apple’s GarageBand. This course is not intended to be a comprehensive course covering the PC platform.
Broadcast Journalism (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course introduces the beginning journalist to the basic tools, techniques and vocabulary of broadcast journalism. Ethical issues will also be reviewed and analyzed. Students will examine, analyze and critique broadcast news productions and video tape and produce their own broadcast productions, including athletics, fine arts, performing arts, and other school activities. Students will use common computer applications (Microsoft Office) and multimedia technology in addition to learning the function and use computer and video hardware. Students will be expected to work outside of class time to produce and film broadcast productions.
(4 units required for graduation)
English I-Literature and Composition (9th grade, YR-1.0)
This course is the introductory component to the study of language and literature. It is designed to prepare each student for the requirements of college and university writing and study. Students will study a variety of literature from various genres, writing techniques, research, vocabulary and grammar. Classes will consist of lecture, note taking, projects (both oral and written), in addition to quizzes and tests.
English I Honors -Literature and Composition (9th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is the introductory component for the study of language and literature. It is geared toward students with a high interest level and a love of literature and reading. Students will study a variety of literature from various genres, writing techniques, research, vocabulary, and grammar. The class is designed to develop critical thinking skills in order to prepare students for a more in-depth study of literature offered in the Honors English courses in 10th – 12th grade. Classes will consist of lecture, note taking, projects (both oral and written), in addition to quizzes and tests.
English II-Survey of British Literature (10th grade, YR-1.0)
This course concentrates on critical, expository, and research writing, offered through a chronological study of British literature. Grammar is studied as deficiencies surface in the writing. Students explore the research process, particularly the use and application of online scholarly databases. The research project is an annotated bibliography.
English II Honors-Survey of British Literature (10th grade, YR-1.0)
English II Honors is a survey of British Literature from the Anglo Saxon Period to the modern era. Students focus on the historical and social context of textbook literature, the novel, and drama. Students interpret, analyze, and synthesize the literature. Writing assignments include reflective responses, persuasive writing, and analytical essays. Grammar skills are reviewed as well as vocabulary. Major projects include a poetry project and an analytical research paper.
English III - Survey of American Literature (11th grade, YR-1.0)
English III is a survey of American Literature from colonization to the modern era. Students will focus on the historical and social context of textbook literature as well as comprehension, interpretation, and analysis of material presented. Writing assignments include reflective responses and academic essays. Grammar skills are reviewed via daily assignments. Major projects include a poetry project, a literary research paper, and a visual interpretation of a character/literary element of choice. An independent vocabulary program is required.
AP English Language (11th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This honors course is designed to prepare students for the AP English Language exam. Students read British literature written from a variety of rhetorical contexts and analyze the writer’s purposes, the audience’s expectations, and how the language of the writing contributes to the overall effectiveness. An emphasis is placed on the ability to synthesize when writing. Student enrolled in AP English Language are expected to begin work on an annotated bibliography as preparation for writing a thesis their senior year.
English IV - Modern Literature (Romantic-Post Modern) (12th grade, YR-1.0)
This course is designed to prepare students for college freshman composition with emphasis on expository, critical, and research writing; studies in reading comprehension; and review of grammar skills. Writing assignments are based on studies of thematic ideas and conflict in literature written during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
AP English Literature (12th grade, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: AP English Language, Departmental Recommendation)
This college-level honors course prepares students for the AP Literature exam. Students study literary style intensively-including the study of tone, narrative technique, literary devices, and irony- with an emphasis on titles that have appeared frequently on past AP exams. Students will also complete a thirty-page, research-based thesis paper.
Journalism (10-12 grades, YR-1.0)
This course primary purpose is to develop and publish two yearbooks. One book presents the Lower School, and the other presents the Middle and Upper Schools. Students will produce the books with an online program that will require and enhance computer skills. Other areas such as design, publishing, journalism, sales, photography, organization, time management, and teamwork are an integral part of the curriculum.
Research and Library Operations (11-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
Research and Library Operations is an English elective with an emphasis on research techniques. In addition to learning about research, the student is responsible the organization and purveyance of library research materials. Students will gain a greater understanding of information retrieval and applications. Students will produce a portfolio of notes taken in lecture, assignments, mini-research projects, and detailed final project.
Book Study Seminar (11-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
Students and teachers study three to five books per semester. This discussion and presentation based course exposes students to a diverse set of books/plays in terms of setting, mood, style, popularity, timeliness, etc... This course is designed to improve students’ reading and writing skills and to foster a love of literature.
(3 units of the same language required for graduation)
French I (9-10 grades, YR-1.0)
This course is designed for those students who have had no experience in French or who have had previous exposure but have insufficient knowledge of vocabulary and skills to proceed to Level 2. The course introduces basic survival, topic-oriented vocabulary, elementary grammar and tense usage. A student should master listening, speaking, reading and writing skills associated with chapter presentations. An appreciation of French culture is acquired through enrichment activities, realia, film, and selected readings.
French I Honors (9-10 grades, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This first-year French course is designed for the USJ student who has successfully acquired knowledge and skills in our Middle School Curriculum and for the incoming, new student to USJ, who has had prior experience in the French language. This course assumes prior exposure to French and will move at a collegiate pace, allowing students to acquire the foundation needed to succeed in subsequent honors classes. The course is taught communicatively in the target language.
French II Honors (10-11 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: French I)
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed French I. While continuing to develop aural and oral skills, this course increases the amount of reading and writing required. Emphasis is placed on expanding written and communication skills through further study of verb usage, basic sentence structure, written composition and oral presentations. There is continued emphasis on French culture.
French III (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: French II)
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed French 2. This course continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing with a thorough review of regular and irregular verbs, intermediate grammar concepts, and vocabulary expansion. Teacher approval is needed to continue French studies by enrolling in the French III Honors.
French III Honors (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish II, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is designed for those students who have successfully finished French II Honors and receive teacher recommendation. This course continues the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a study of cultural and literary selections from a variety of sources. There is particular emphasis placed on the mastery of new tenses, grammar concepts and idiomatic expressions. Students regularly proceed to French IV Honors.
French IV Honors (12th grade, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: French III Honors, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed French III Honors. This course takes an in-depth look at the study of syntax with particular emphasis on the application of sequence of tenses and mastery of idiomatic expression. This course includes the study of French history, literature, art and architecture from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Spanish I (9-10 grades, YR-1.0)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and vocabulary through the study of the basic skills of listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Students will explore the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world.
Spanish I Honors (9th grade, YR- 1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This first-year Spanish course is designed for the USJ student who has successfully acquired knowledge and skills in our Middle School Curriculum and for the incoming, new student to USJ, who has had prior experience in the Spanish language. This course assumes prior exposure to Spanish and will move at a collegiate pace, allowing students to acquire the foundation needed to succeed in subsequent honors classes. The course is taught communicatively in the target language.
Spanish II (10-11 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish I)
This course will allow students to communicate in the past, present and future about daily life in the target language while providing a linguistic foundation for further study. The emphasis will be placed on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and recognizing a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will learn to understand basic Spanish in normal conversational contexts, to speak and write in culturally acceptable forms, and to appreciate differences of the Spanish-speaking world. The basic format is an interactive lecture with some group and independent work. Students are expected to read and complete practice activities outside of class. We will practice in class using dialogs, homework review, and students will take quizzes and tests, as well as some written practice.
Spanish II Honors (10-11 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish I, Departmental Recommendation)
This course will allow students to communicate in the past, present, and future about daily life in the target language while providing a linguistics foundation for further study. The emphasis will be placed on listening, speaking, reading, writing and recognizing a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structure. Students will earn to understand basic Spanish in normal conversational contexts, to speak and write in culturally acceptable forms, and to appreciate the cultural differences of the Spanish-speaking world. The basic format is an interactive lecture with some group and independent work. Students are expected to read and complete practice activities outside of class. We will practice in class using dialogs, homework review. Students will take quizzes and tests, keep a journal, make presentations, as well as other written practice.
Spanish III (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish II)
This course seeks to develop a greater appreciation for the culture and heritage of the Spanish-speaking countries. The knowledge of grammar is reviewed and expanded.
Spanish III Honors (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish II, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is similar to the college-prep course, in that emphasis is placed on advancing fluency in both the spoken and written language. Selected literary works are read and analyzed.
Spanish IV Honors (12th grade, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish III)
Honors Spanish IV allows seniors, who have completed Spanish III or Honors Spanish III, but who are not ready for the challenge of AP Spanish Language, the opportunity to avoid a gap in their language learning before entering college while mastering to a higher degree of proficiency the knowledge and skills expected in a 3rd-year intermediate conversation course.
Honors Spanish IV students will be issued and additional packet of content, consisting of 4 units of grammar, at the beginning of the year. In addition to the regular quizzes and tests from content covered in class, Honors Spanish IV students will complete one unit of grammar each quarter from the packet provided, and a test will subsequently be given over the material at a convenient time for the student and the teacher. Required lunch meetings will be carried out routinely throughout the quarter to ensure the instruction and clarification of this additional material. Honors Spanish IV students will also compose one additional journal entry each quarter beyond what is required in class, and students are required to attend the Conversation Club.
AP Spanish Language (12th grade, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Spanish III Honors, Departmental Recommendation)
This course continues with further study of language structure and vocabulary, with a strong emphasis upon oral work and composition. The understanding of advanced structure of the language is a primary goal. Selected literary works, essays, and discussions help prepare students to take the AP exam in the spring.
(3 units required for graduation)
US and World Issues (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course examines the forces that shape the modern world. Students will cover major current events at the local, state, and national level. Political, social, and cultural topics will be included. Students will be required to write essays and to make presentations to the class.
Economics (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course will survey principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics including such topics as basic economic concepts, globalization, free enterprise, supply and demand, and the theory of the firm, the function of markets, economic cycles, fiscal policy and monetary policy. The overall goal of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the functions of the United Sates economy and world economies. The basic structure will be a discussion format supplemented by lectures that require daily student reading and participation. We will analyze documents, write essays, make presentations, participate in simulation activities, and take quizzes and tests.
Government (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
Students complete an in-depth examination of the American political system from local to national levels. This course is concerned with the nature of the American political system, its development over the past two hundred years, and how it continues to function at present. Students will examine in detail the principal processes and institutions through which the political system functions, as well as some of the public policies which these institutions implement.
Psychology I (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course is a survey of the basic principles and problems in psychological science. The biological, cognitive, and social perspectives of human thought and behavior are addressed. Units include: History of Psychology; Psychology as a Profession; Psychological Research; Physical, Perceptual, Social and Language Development; Motivation; and Learning Theory.
Psychology II (10-12 grades, SEM-0.5, Prerequisite: Psychology I)
This course is a continuation of topics covered in Psychology I. It will include Learning and Cognitive processes, Psychological Research; Personality and Individuality, the Nervous and Endocrine System, Hypnosis and Feedback, and Adjustment and Breakdown.
World Religions (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
This course examines the six major religions in the world today-Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and Jainism. Additionally, other religions that shaped the current world situation are discussed including Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, and Sikhism. Students will be asked to examine their own religious beliefs in light of other religious traditions. Students will research religious practices, make presentations, and participate in classroom discussions designed to help them better understand their own religious practices.
World History (9th grade, YR-1.0)
Believing that an understanding of the past is fundamental to understanding the present, World History is designed to help students understand their place in the modern world as well as the forces that have shaped their own and other societies. A critical study of history promotes not only knowledge but also clear analytical thinking and writing skills. This course examines the growth of modern civilization, emphasizing the interrelationship of political, economic, social, and intellectual factors. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on developing reading skills and preparation for essay examinations.
AP European History (10-12 grades, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
Advanced Placement European History is a survey course dating from approximately 1450 to the present that concentrates on major political, social economic, intellectual, and cultural themes throughout this period. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop an understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and an ability to express historical understanding in writing.
United States History (11-12 grades, YR-1.0)
US History is a survey course dating from the earliest times in United States history to the present. It concentrates on major political, social economic, intellectual and cultural themes throughout the history of the United States. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of United States history are to gain an understanding of some of the principal themes in United States history and to strengthen one’s ability to analyze historical evidence.
AP United States History (10-12 grades, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This college-level course covers American history from discovery to the present and includes a chronological presentation with emphasis on political, economic, cultural, and social influences. Extra readings and the study of historical documents are included to prepare for the AP exam.
(4 units requires for graduation)
Algebra I (9th grade, YR-1.0)
Fundamental algebraic skills are taught in this course, including solutions of elementary equations, inequalities, and functions.
Algebra I Honors (9th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
All of the topics of Algebra I are covered in more depth. In addition, functions, graphing, quadratic equations, probability, logarithms, binomial expansion, and trigonometry are taught.
Geometry (10th grade, YR-1.0)
Students are taught a Euclidean plane and solid geometry course, with more emphasis on application than found in a traditional course.
Geometry Honors (10th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
Besides the standard Euclidean course, students are taught formal logic and abstract deductive thinking. Students are also taught a full quarter of analytic geometry, including families of curves, conic section, rotation of axes, and transformations.
Algebra II (11th grade, YR-1.0)
This course involves a thorough study of the algebra and geometry of first and second degree equations, followed by an introduction to exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and trigonometric functions.
Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors (11th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is an intense study of elementary functions and their properties. In addition, theory of equations, transcendental functions, sequences, matrix algebra, circular functions, polar coordinates, and probability are covered.
Algebra III and Trigonometry (12th grade, YR-1.0)
This course is a continuation of topics begun in Algebra II, plus an introduction of topics in college algebra and trigonometry.
Pre-Calculus Honors (12th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This is the terminal course for the non-AP student. It covers trigonometry, sequences, probability, fundamental statistics, exponential functions, and an introduction to calculus.
AP Calculus (12th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This AP course covers all of the topics of two semesters of college Calculus, including differentiation, related rates, curve sketching, finding extrema, integration, infinite sequences, elementary differential equations, areas, and volumes.
Fitness (9-12 grades, SEM-0.5)
Physical activity is critical to the development and maintenance of good health. This course is designed to provide each student with an individual exercise evaluation and prescription and to develop the knowledge and skills essential for maintaining a fitness lifestyle. Students will monitor their progress in the areas of strength, flexibility, and physical endurance.
(3 units required for graduation, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Anatomy and Physiology- (11-12 grades, YR-1.0)
This course explores the structure and function of all systems and stresses the interaction of systems to support and maintain a complex individual. Current research and community resources are used to enhance learning.
Biology (9th grade, YR-1.0)
Biology, required for graduation, is the study of life at various levels of organization. The course examines the processes and structures found within individual organisms, the diversities and similarities among the Earth’s life forms, the interaction of these life forms with one another and with the environments, and man’s role as the dominant life form in the biosphere.
Biology Honors (9th grade, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
The course examines life at all levels. Students first become aware of and begin to understand the biochemistry occurring in living cells, such as the chemiosmotic theory and the role of photosystems in photosynthesis. A major emphasis is placed on the genetic material of living cells-DNA. Students will not only be able to understand its importance in heredity, but will also gain an understanding of how it controls cellular function. Structure as it relates to function will be studied at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. In addition, an emphasis on ecology helps students prepare to become knowledgeable world citizens. Major laboratories will include cell membranes and permeability, enzyme function, effect of temperature on respiration, DNA model building, DNA gel electrophoresis, Hardy-Weinberg simulation, use of biological key, frog dissection, computer guided study of the voyage of the Beagle and biomes of the world, and experimental design. Written lab reports are required.
AP Biology (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Chemistry Departmental Recommendation)
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Primary emphasis will be on developing and understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: 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 application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. Major themes include: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, relationship of structure to function, regulation, and interdependence in nature, science, technology and society.
Chemistry (10-11 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Biology)
Required for graduation, this laboratory-oriented course will include: laboratory safety and apparatus, measurement, problem solving, matter, energy, structure of the atom, electron configurations, chemical formulas and their mathematics, periodic table, chemical equations and their mathematics, phases of matter, gas laws, solutions, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases oxidation and reduction, and electrochemistry. Written lab reports will be required as well as daily quizzes.
Chemistry Honors (10-11 grade, YR 1.0, Prerequisite: Biology, Departmental Recommendation)
This course, which uses a college textbook, covers laboratory safety and apparatus, lab procedures, measurement, atomic structure, periodic table, types of chemical reactions and reaction prediction, stoichiometry, solution stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, acids and bases, organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and chemical reactions that include precipitation, acid-base, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Students will write reports.
AP Chemistry (10-11 grades, YR 1.0, Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, Departmental Recommendation)
This college-level course is for students who have demonstrated outstanding ability in Honors Chemistry. The course, based on the expectation of the College Board, will include atomic structure and periodicity, bonding, liquids and solids, solution chemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, applications of aqueous equilibria, spontaneity, entropy, free energy, electrochemistry, and coordination chemistry. The course will be lab-intensive and college textbooks will be utilized.
Ecology (11-12 grades, YR-1.0)
The students in this course study the fundamentals of ecology. Individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems are discussed. Students explore contemporary ecological problems and evaluate possible solutions. Current events and research are incorporated to help students become better world citizens.
AP Environmental Science (11-12, YR-1.0, Departmental Recommendation)
This AP course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. It provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the natural world. Students are taught to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students conduct labs to explore the concepts being studied.
Physics (11-12 grades, YR-1.0)
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of physics with an emphasis on the application of these concepts to situations students encounter every day outside the classroom. Topics covered include: motion, forces, projectiles, momentum, energy, satellites, waves, sound, light, color, mirrors and lenses, lasers, holograms, electricity, magnetism, and relativity. Class time is divided between lecture, demonstrations, question/answer sessions, and laboratory work. Computer interfacing and other lab equipment are used to investigate topics such as: where projectiles will land, how seat belts and air bags reduce injuries, how speed affects stopping distance, the types of images produced by mirrors and lenses, how electric circuits work, and how motors’ generators work. The goal of this course is to help student apply what they learn to the world they see around them and to understand how that world works.
Physics Honors (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Algebra II or Honors Geometry, Departmental Recommendation)
This course is an introduction to the main principles of physics. Topics covered include: Newtonian mechanics, waves, optics, electricity, and magnetism, with some time spent on modern topics, such as, lasers, holography, and relativity. These topics are covered at a faster pace and with a stronger emphasis on problem solving than in the college prep course. Class time is divided between lecture, demonstrations, question/answer sessions, problem solving session, and laboratory work. Laboratory exercises utilize computer interfacing to investigate motion, forces, energy, momentum, circular motion, heat transfer, sound waves, reflection/refraction, and direct current circuits. Lab reports are required which emphasize collecting and analyzing data, drawing appropriate conclusions and communicating these results with others.
AP Physics (11-12 grades, YR-1.0, Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II Departmental Recommendation)
This course is equivalent to a first year algebra based college physics class. The emphasis is on understanding the fundamental concepts in physics and utilizing those concepts and related formulas to solve problems. Topics covered are: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, atomic, and nuclear physics. Class time is divided between lecture, demonstrations, question/answer sessions, problem solving sessions, and laboratory work. The emphasis in the laboratory is on understanding how to analyze data through calculations, fitting lines and curves to data points in graphs, and making extrapolations and interpolations from data. Students should be able to analyze lab error appropriately and draw inferences and conclusions from experimental data.
Forensic Science (11-12 grades, SEM-0.5, Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry; Co-requisite: Physics; Departmental Recommendation)
This course will integrate the student’s prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics into a problem-solving learning environment in which the student can investigate the world of forensic science. The topics for this course include: an introduction to forensic science and the law, types of evidence, the crime scene, fingerprints, hair, fibers, drugs, toxicology (poisons and alcohol), trace evidence, soil and glass analysis, blood, DNA analysis, forensic entomology, human remains, firearms, tool marks and impressions, and document and handwriting analysis.
