This course uses laboratory exercises, demonstrations,

and other classroom experiences to help students

learn about the physical world. It is designed for students

whose scientific aptitude, motivation level, and basic academic

skills are average to low average. Instructional

modifications are made to help students deal with the

scientific concepts.

This course is reserved for students in the IMPACT

program.

Students will use laboratory exercises, demonstrations

and other classroom experiences to learn about the

non-living physical world. Physical Science is a study of

the nature and behavior of matter and energy. Scientific

models are developed and used to explore and explain

physical and chemical phenomena.

Criteria for Selection - None.

Academic Physical Science is designed for the student

with higher mathematical ability than those who opt for

the Physical Science course. In this course, students will

observe, analyze and solve physical and chemical problems

in nature by using the scientific method and through

the development and application of mathematical formulas.

Students should be capable of learning by inquiry and

working cooperatively in small group and large group

laboratory situations. In addition, students are required to

complete several self-directed research activities throughout

the year. This class meets five periods per week.

Students must meet three of the following four criteria:

1. 'A' in 8th grade Earth/Space Science.

percentile.

3. 80% or above in Advanced Algebra 1 OR 90% or above

in Academic Algebra 1.

This course is an in-depth approach to life science,

with emphasis on cellular, molecular and enviornmental

concepts. This phase requires a high level of reading and

math computation skills, independence and maturity.

Students will frequently work cooperatively in small

group lab situations. Students will perform hands-on

experiments and activities in areas such as biochemistry,

genetics, evolution, microbiology and cell functions. This

class meets seven/eight periods each week. Students

should expect a higher degree of peer competition and an

increase in work load commensurate with the level of the

class.

Students must meet three of the following four criteria:

1. 'A' average in 8th grade science.

percentile.

in Academic Algebra 1.

This course includes the processes, structures, and

functions of living organisms. Students will use an ecological

approach to study the relationships of living

things in their environment. Laboratory experiments

and demonstrations will supplement classroom discussion.

This course is reserved for students in the IMPACT

program.

This course includes the basic information needed for

students to become biologically literate. Classroom discussions

and demonstrations plus laboratory activities

and use of various media will enhance the students'

learning. Topics include living organisms, cell functions,

heredity, microbes, plants, animals, and ecology with

practical applications of each.

Criteria for Selection - None.

This course is a traditional approach to life Science

with labs and demonstrations supplementing text, lecture,

and audio-visual materials. It provides a dual microscopic/

macroscopic approach that covers life at all levels

of biological organization. This class meets seven/eight

periods each week.

1. 85% or higher in Physical Science (4409) or

Academic Physical Science (4509).

2. Successful completion of Academic Geometry (3201) or Academic Algebra 1 (3101).

3. Recommendation of science teacher.

Students will be introduced to a problem-oriented

approach to chemistry that will prepare them for future

academic challenges. This course explores the theoretical

periods per week. It is geared toward the student who is

math/science oriented.

For grade 10

85% or higher in Honors Biology (4609) and

80% or higher in Honors Geometry (3201) (or a higher level math course) or 95% or higher in Academic Geometry (3102) and

recommendation of Science Teacher.

For grade 11

85% or higher in Honors Biology (4609) and

80% or higher in Academic Physical Science (4509) and

80% or higher in Integrated Math 2 (3622) and

recommendation of Science Teacher.

Or

90% or higher in Academic Biology (4510) and

90% or higher in Integrated Math 2 (3622) and

This course is a part of a two year course sequence in

which the student will study the four major branches of

science. Basic concepts of general science as it applies to

everyday living are offered. Units will cover physics,

geological sciences, chemistry and biology on a semester

basis. This course is designed with the intent to have the

student learn about a topic in science and then apply it to

an every day situation. The topics for Applied Science I

will always be different from the topics in Applied Science

II so that the student can earn two credits of science if

desired (or need for graduation) at the Senior High.

Recommendation of Guidance Counselor or

previous science teacher is required.

This course is part of a two year course sequence in

which the student will study the four major branches of

science. Basic concepts of general science as it applies to

everyday living are offered. Units will cover physics,

geological sciences, chemistry and biology on a semester

basis. This course is designed with the intent to have the

student learn about a topic in science and then apply it to

an every day situation. The topics for Applied Science I

will always be different from the topics in Applied Science

II so that the student can earn two credits of science if

desired (or need for graduation) at the Senior High.

Recommendation of Guidance Counselor or

previous science teacher is required.

The goal of this course is to provide students with the

scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required

to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.

This course concentrates on Pennsylvania environment

and ecology, and is designed to meet the Pennsylvania

standards in these areas. It is a hands on class in which

students will learn through doing. Bird and frog calls, scat

identification, soil sampling and analysis will be taught.

The behaviors of various animals in the Integrated Pest

Management section will be studied. Animals, including

the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and mice will be used

and the students will handle and observe them in various

activities. Agriculture, recycling, and sanitary landfills

will be examined. The year will end with the building and

ingestion of an edible landfill.

Successful completion of Physical Science (4409 or

4509) and Biology (4410 or 4510).

The Honors Environmental Science class is similar to

the standard course, but is taught with more rigor and in

more depth. Using a hands on approach, the students will

examine the principals of agriculture, soils, bird and frog

calls, scat identification, recycling and sanitary landfills.

The use of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and mice,

in various activities, will show how similar "pests" in the

home, field, school and workplace can be handled without

the use of toxic pesticides. The principles of IPM (Integrated

Pest Management) will be dealt with in depth. The

students will have the opportunity to participate in activities

like finding out the types of materials thrown out in

a day at the school that could be recycled, participating in

Maple tree tapping to obtain Maple syrup, identifying

winter trees, looking for life in a pond and in small plots

of land on school premises. A project will also be required

on such topics as the population census of a cemetery.

Members of this course will be asked to participate in

Creek Connections, and the Envriothon. The year will

end with the study of landfills and the building and

ingestion of an edible landfill.

1. Successful completion of Physical Science (4409 or

4509) and Biology (4410 or 4510).

2. It is recommended, but not necessary, that the

student be enrolled in a Physics course.

As the name of this course implies, students will be

exposed to two major scientific disciplines during the

school year. The astronomy portion of this course will

explore our universe starting on earth with the celestial

sphere, seasons, models of the universe and the governing

laws; then space explorations and colonization; an overview

of the solar system; and finally on to the stars,

including their features and evolution. The earth science

portion of this course will study the earth's geological

processes, structure, surface features, geologic hazards

and weather. Laboratory experiments, worksheets, field

work, videos and class discussion will enhance the

student's understanding and appreciation of our precious

planet and our amazing universe!

1. Successful completion of Integrated Math 1 (3621)

or Essentials of Integrated Math (Part 1) (3331,3531).

2. Successful completion of Physical Science (4409).

Do you like looking up at the stars and planets? Do you

wonder if there is anybody out there? Would you like to

know when we will get to Mars and how we will survive

there for 2 years? Do you stay up night worrying about

asteroid collisions? Have you wondered about those tsunamis,

earthquakes and volcanoes? Do you know just how

hazardous the hillside housing developments and old mine

tunnels in Wexford are? Then, this is the course for YOU!

In this course, students have the opportunity to apply

laws and principles learned in the core sciences to understand

how Earth's systems and the cosmos operate.

Among the fascinating aspects of our universe studied will

be stars and constellations; the solar system; space exploration

and colonization. Some units discussed in the geological

portion will include volcanoes and earthquakes;

weathering and erosion; the weather; environmental and

geological hazards and how to survive them. There will

also be investigations into new technologies for studying

space and for management of earth's resources. The analysis

of some topics is more in-depth than in the regular

Earth Science and Astronomy course (4461).

To accomplish all of this, you will see videos and slides,

do computer research utilizing Global Information Systems,

satellite imagery, NOAA and NASA websites; make

power point presentations, do laboratory experiments, go

on field trips, and perform hands-on data gathering and

analysis outdoors - all of which will enhance the learning

1. Current enrollment in, or completion of Concepts of

Physics (4412), Honors Physics (4512), AP Physics B

(4082), or AP Physics C (4092).

Academic Chemistry is a college preparatory course

that explores the fundamental principles of chemistry

through classroom lecture, laboratory experimentation,

and discussion. Solving various mathematical problems

related to chemical concepts is an integral part of the

course. Academic Chemistry meets 7/8 periods per week.

1. Successful completion of Integrated Math 1 (3621)

or Essentials of Integrated Math Part 2 (3532, 3332).

2. Recommendation of Science Teacher.

3. Recommendation of Mathematics Teacher.

This is a demanding lecture-oriented course that deals

with the chemistry of carbon compounds, their structure,

nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and syntheses. It is

roughly equivalent to one semester of college level organic

chemistry. Students who intend to pursue a career in

chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, biology, nursing, or veterinary

medicine will find this course extremely beneficial.

1. 'A' or 'B' in Honors Chemistry (4610) or 'A' in

Chemistry (4911).

2. Completion of Integrated Math 2 (3622).

3. Recommendation of teacher.

This course is designed to meet the demands of the AP

Chemistry syllabus as published by the College Board.

The topics covered in detail include, but are not limited to,

atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding and geometry,

classes of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium

(acid/base, solubility, and complex ion), kinetics,

thermodynamics, states of matter (solids, liquids, and

gases), and buffers. The large number of objectives for the

course and the highly analytical nature make it demanding.

The course is the equivalent of two semesters of

chemistry at the college level. With success in the class, the

student has the opportunity to earn college credit by

taking the AP Chemistry test at the end of the year. As

with any AP class, the experience of having a college-level

science class in high school will be invaluable, developing

time-management and organization skills. AP Chemistry

can be taken as either a junior or senior, but taking it as

a junior will prepare the student for other advanced

science courses as a senior.

1. 'A' or 'B' in Honors Chemistry (4610).

2. Successful completion of Integrated Math 3 or

Honors Integrated Math 3 or higher math course.

3. Recommendation of teacher.

Students who take this course investigate the

structure of severe storm systems including super cell

thunderstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards. They also explore

and discuss ways to handle the dangers associated

with them. Additionally, they become proficient in knowledge

regarding weather basics including the layers of the

atmosphere, energy exchanges, formation of clouds, types

of precipitation, weather instruments, atmospheric optics,

and forecasting techniques. Current topics such as

climate change, global warming, the thinning of the ozone

layer, and alternative energy sources will also be studied.

This course is conceptually based, and uses only minimal

mathematical skills.

1. Current enrollment in, or completion of,

Concepts of Physics (4412), Honors Physics (4512),

AP Physics B (4082), or AP Physics C (4092).

This course is intended for college bound students

who are interested in a non-science career. Students will

study the following topics: classical mechanics, waves,

sound, optics, and electrostatics, and magnetism. Although

this class stresses concepts over computations, a

basic knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry

is required.

1. Successful completion of Chemistry (4911)

or Honors Chemistry (4610) or permission of teacher.

2. Successful completion of Integrated Math 2 (3622)

or Essentials of Integrated Math (Part 3) (3533) or

permission of the physics teacher.

This course stresses the mathematical and conceptual

development of the following topics: mechanics, electricity,

magnetism, waves, sound and optics. Mathematical

problem solving, including algebraic manipulation, systems

of equations, trigonometric functions, logarithms,

and graphical analysis are used extensively. Laboratory

exercises are included to enhance the development of

concepts and data analysis techniques. Honors physics is

designed for the college bound student and for the student

preparing for the Advanced Placement B and C level

course. This course meets 7 1/2 periods each week.

1. Successful completion of Honors Chemistry (4610).

2. Co-requisites: Mathematics course at the level of

Trigonometry (3612), Math 4/Trigonometry (3911),

Pre-Calculus (3421) or above.

This course is designed to meet the demands of the AP

Physics B syllabus as published by the College Board. The

topics covered include Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics,

Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Sound, and

Modern Physics (including Quantum Theory and Relativity).

The large number of objectives for the course and the

highly analytical nature of the problem solving make it

very demanding. This course is equivalent to a one-year

terminal physics course at the college level. This course is

valuable to the student in two ways. The experience of

having taken a college-level science class in high school

will be a tremendous help when the student is in college.

Secondly, the student can earn college credit by taking the

AP Physics test at the end of the year. This of course

depends upon how well the student does on the test, and

the college and major in which the student enrolls. Please

contact the specific college or university you are interested

in to find out its policy in this matter.

Mathematics, including trigonometry, geometry, and

algebra will be used extensively in this course to solve

problems and develop relationships between physical

quantities. Although it is beneficial to have had Honors

Physics or Concepts of Physics prior to AP Physics B, it is

not required. In fact, highly talented juniors should consider

this course so that other science electives can be

scheduled during the senior year with increased flexibility.

1. Co-requisite: Math 5 (3912) or Pre-Calculus Mathematics

(3421) or A.P. Calculus (3012 or 3022) or Honors

Calculus(3422).

2. 'A' or 'B' in Honors Chemistry (4610).

3. Recommendation of prior year's science teacher.

This course is designed to meet the objectives of the AP

Physics C syllabus as published by the College Board.

Students will be prepared to take both the Mechanics and

Electricity/Magnetism AP Physics C exams. Mechanics is

that part of physics dealing with motion and energy and the

way objects behave when acted on by forces. The electricity

and magnetism section of the course starts with electrostatics

and the use of Gauss’s Law to determine electric fields,

moves through electrodynamics and finishes with a complete

description of electromagnetic induction (including

LRC circuits). Completing both sections of the course can be

quite demanding. Fewer topics are covered than in AP

Physics B, but topics are treated in greater depth. High-level

mathematics, including calculus, is used to model relationships

among physical quantities and to solve problems.

Since physics is approached in a limited scope, it is highly

recommended, although not required, that students successfully

complete another physics course before taking this

one, with AP Physics B as the recommended prerequisite.

This course will provide an outstanding preparation

base for rigorous college science majors such as engineering,

computer science, astrophysics, and pure sciences such as

physics or chemistry. Please note that each college or university

has its own policy about granting credit based on AP

exam scores. Each student should investigate the requirements

of the college program in which he or she is interested.

Regardless of whether or not the student takes the AP exam

(most do), the experience of taking this academically demanding,

yet highly interesting class, is valuable as a

stepping stone to higher levels of accomplishment at the

university level.

1. 'A' or 'B' in AP Chemistry (4012) or Honors Chemistry

(4610).

2. 'A' or 'B' in another physics course (4412, 4512).

3. Co-requisite: AP Calculus (3012 or 3022) or

Honors Calculus (3422).

4. Recommendation of prior year's science teacher.

Biology 2 (Human Biology) is intended for students who

are interested in the structure, function, and disorders

pertaining to the human body. This course will place emphasis

on the body systems, and genetics as well as disorders

affecting those systems. A considerable amount of time will

be devoted to lab work (dissection), lectures, cooperative

group learning, hands on activities and demonstrations.

This course is recommended for any student interested in

furthering the understanding of the human body.

1. Successful completion or current enrollment in

Chemistry (4610, 4911).

This course is intended for college bound students

who are interested in the structure and function of the

human body. Considerable time is devoted to lecture,

clinical, practical and laboratory applications. Students

will explore areas such as An Introduction to Anatomy

and Physiology, the Integumentary System, the Skeletal

System, Articulations, the Muscular System, the

Nervous System, the Senses and the Cardiovascular

System. Dissection, anatomy lab and cadaver lab field

trips are also provided in the course. Honors Anatomy

and Physiology is recommended for any college bound

student, especially those interested in a medical or

science related field.

1. Successful completion of Honors Biology (4609) or

Academic Biology (4510) or a 'B' or better in General

Biology (4410).

2. Successful completion of Chemistry with a 'C'

or better.

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent

of a college introductory biology course usually

taken by biology majors during their first year of college.

Textbooks and laboratory sessions are designed to cover

the range and depths of college level biology and will

provide students with the conceptual framework, factual

knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal

critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

1. Successful Completion of Honors Biology (4609).

2. Successful completion of Chemistry (4610) or

Academic Chemistry (4911).

3. Recommendation of teacher.

SCIENCE PHASE SEQUENCE CHART

PHASE GRADE COURSE OPTIONS/ELECTIVES

PHASE I

9 - - - Physical Science Impact (4209) Physical Science (4409)

10 - - - General Biology Impact (4210) General Biology (4410)

11 OR 12 - - - Applied Science 1 (4411) or Applied Science 2 (4414)

PHASE II

9 - - - Physical Science (4409)

10 - - - General Biology (4410)

11 OR 12 - - - Environmental Science (4451) OR Earth Science and Astronomy (4461)

PHASE III

9 - - - Physical Science (4409)

10 - - - Academic Biology (4510)

11 - - - Academic Chemistry (4911)

12 - - - Concepts of Physics (4412)

OR

9 - - - Academic Physical Science (4509)

10 - - - Academic Biology (4510)

11 - - - Academic Chemistry (4911) or Honors Chemistry (4610)

12 - - - Concepts of Physics (4412) or Honors Physics (4512)

OR

9 - - - Honors Biology (4609)

10 - - - Honors Chemistry (4610)

11 - - - Honors Physics (4512) Environmental Science (4451)

and/or Science Elective Honors Environmental Science (4115)

12 - - - Science Elective Earth Science and Astronomy (4461)

PHASE IV

9 - - - Academic Physical Science (4509)

10 - - - Academic Biology (4510)

11 - - - Honors Chemistry (4610) or Academic Chemistry (4911)

12 - - - Honors Physics (4512) or Concepts of Physics (4412)

OR

9 - - - Honors Biology (4609)

10 - - - Honors Chemistry (4610)

11 - - - Honors Physics (4512) and/or Science Elective

12- - - AP Physics B (4082) or AP Physics C (4092) and/or AP Biology (4011) and/or AP Chemistry (4012) and/or Science Elective

NASH Science Electives:

Honors Anatomy & Physiology (4721)

Honors Environmental Science (4115)

Honors Earth Science and Astronomy (4462)

Honors Meteorology (4111)

Honors Organic Chemistry (4811)

Honors Chemistry 2 (4421)

Honors Physics (4512)

AP Biology (4011)

AP Chemistry (4012)

AP Physics B (4082)

AP Physics C (4092)