Science
AP Biology
Instructor: Emily Betts
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be equivalent to a two semester college introductory biology course. The class is conducted at the college level and students are expected to work accordingly. AP Biology differs significantly from traditional high school biology course due to the type of textbook, the range and depth of material covered, the type of lab work, and time and effort required of students. This course is designed to be taken by students after successful completion of high school biology and high school chemistry. Students who are successful on the AP exam will have fulfilled a basic laboratory science requirement for college.
The AP Biology course will cover the following three general areas:
I. Molecules and Cells, 25%
II. Heredity and Evolution, 25%
III. Organisms and Populations, 50%
The course will meet on regular class days. Additional time will be required, as needed, before class, during lunch, and on Friday afternoons in order to complete necessary labs and tutorials. In order to be successful, students must keep up with reading assignments from the textbook.
Evaluation and Expectations: Assignments in this course will primarily include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports and individual projects. Students must have at least 95% attendance.
Materials:
3 ring binder (at least 1.5 inch)
Dividers
Index Cards (lined or unlined)
Pens and pencils and highlighters
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebook (hard cover)
Flash Drive
Active email account
Biology
Instructor: Emily Betts
This course is a rigorous study of biological principles that provide a foundation for further study in the life sciences. The topics that will be covered for throughout the two semesters include: Nature of Science, Experimental Design, Biochemistry, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, the Cell Cycle, DNA and Protein Synthesis, Human Systems, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, the History of Life, Evolution and Natural Selection, Classification and Ecology. Labs will be done in class during the week.
Evaluation and Expectations: Assignments in this course will include laboratory activities, group work, individual projects, homework, and assessments in the form of tests, quizzes and a final exam. The success of the student depends on attendance, completion of all work and participation in group work and class discussions. Students will also be expected to maintain an organized notebook.
Students must have at least 95% attendance. If days are missed, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor and to make arrangements to obtain missed assignments.
Materials:
3 ring binder (at least 1.5 inch)
Dividers
Index Cards (lined or unlined)
Pens and pencils and highlighters
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebook (hard cover)
Flash Drive
Active email account
Science Intern
Instructor: Emily Betts
Description:
One or two students are needed to work on a variety of projects for Biology and AP Biology classes. Students must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work independently. Students must be proficient in using microscopes. Projects might include setting up labs, cleaning glassware, running trial labs, providing technology support, grading, organizing, and planning of events or field trips. Responsibilities must be fully completed in order for credit to be awarded. Interested students must see Emily before registration.
Requirements:
Must be a student in good academic standing.
Must have approval from family head and Emily.
General Chemistry
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
What does salsa, meringue, samba, and hip hop have to do with Chemistry? You will learn how drumming, dance, and drama are related to the Periodic Table, Atoms, and Compounds. In addition to this exploration of The Rhythm of Chemical Bonding, you will engage in various activities to enhance your analytical and creative problem solving skills. Some topics included in our study of Chemistry are: Scientific Investigation, Atomic Structure, Nomenclature, Molar Relationships. Student performance will be primarily based on unit tests, lab reports, group projects, and a final exam.
Evaluation and Expectations: Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of essential concepts and skills. They will be required to maintain an organized notebook, Lab Notebook, and 3D Journal. Also, students will be expected to submit high quality assignments. In the case of an absence, students must provide a note in order to complete any missed assignments.
Prerequisites:
Students must have completed or currently be enrolled in Algebra II. In addition to this math requirement, students must have completed at least one SOL high school science course (e.g. Earth Science or Biology preferably both).
General Chemistry Lab (THURSDAY)
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
THIS IS A REQUIRED THURSDAY CLASS FOR ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CHEMISTRY.
Lab activities will be designed to compliment topics covered in the lecture course. Students will be provided with an opportunity to learn a variety of laboratory techniques. Because of our partnership with J. Sargeant Reynolds, students have the privilege of taking Chemistry lab in a college setting. Lab safety and responsible behavior will be expected from all students at all times. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes travel time between classes.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to maintain a lab notebook for class. Since Chem. Lab only meets on a weekly basis, substitute assignments will only be provided tomake up excused absences on lab days.
Science Intern
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description: Former Chemistry or APES students are needed to work on a variety of projects for MTWF classes. Students must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work independently. Some of the projects will include grading assignments, organizing materials, setting up equipment, and providing technical
support. Interested students please see Ram before registration.
Requirements:
Student must be in good academic standing. Students must haveapproval from family head and Ram.
AP Environmental Science
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
AP Environmental Science is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory level college science course. This course appeals to a wide variety of students who have interests in the environment and nature, science, engineering, social sciences, law, economics, computers, literature, and drama. The following themes provide the structure of the APES course: Scientific Process, Ecological Processes, Earth Systems,Population Dynamics, and Environmental Issues.
Evaluations and Expectations: APES is a rigorous interdisciplinary course that stresses scientific principles, processes, and perspectives. Student performance for the first semester will be measured by unit tests, lab
reports, case studies, projects, and a science project. Students are expected to maintain an organized notebook, lab book, and APES Journal. Students are also expected to submit college level work. In
the case of an absence, students must provide a note in order to complete any missed assignments.
Prerequisites:
Students must have completed Earth Science.
Physics
Instructor: Lucian Goode
Description:
Has man really gone to the moon?? why hasnt the world come to an end? What would happen in the earth suddenly stopped? Demand the opportunity to find out--TAKE PHYSICS!! Sign up for your chance to explore the world as a Physicist would. This course will give you an avenue to explore some of those questios in science you always wondered about such as HOW?...WHY?... and most importantly IF?... Through experimental design we will focus on intriguing investigations desigend to provide an activity-oriented approach to learning. Race-cars, remote controlled vehicles, computers, videos and an amusement park are among the ways we will illuminate the principles and concepts of Physics.
Evaluation and Expections: Students in Physics are expected to have completed at least 1 year of Algebra and Chemistry. 100% class attendance is expected. Students will maintain a notebook and complete research projects throughout the year. Additional specifics will be provided on the course syllabus.
Instructor: Emily Betts
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be equivalent to a two semester college introductory biology course. The class is conducted at the college level and students are expected to work accordingly. AP Biology differs significantly from traditional high school biology course due to the type of textbook, the range and depth of material covered, the type of lab work, and time and effort required of students. This course is designed to be taken by students after successful completion of high school biology and high school chemistry. Students who are successful on the AP exam will have fulfilled a basic laboratory science requirement for college.
The AP Biology course will cover the following three general areas:
I. Molecules and Cells, 25%
II. Heredity and Evolution, 25%
III. Organisms and Populations, 50%
The course will meet on regular class days. Additional time will be required, as needed, before class, during lunch, and on Friday afternoons in order to complete necessary labs and tutorials. In order to be successful, students must keep up with reading assignments from the textbook.
Evaluation and Expectations: Assignments in this course will primarily include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports and individual projects. Students must have at least 95% attendance.
Materials:
3 ring binder (at least 1.5 inch)
Dividers
Index Cards (lined or unlined)
Pens and pencils and highlighters
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebook (hard cover)
Flash Drive
Active email account
Biology
Instructor: Emily Betts
This course is a rigorous study of biological principles that provide a foundation for further study in the life sciences. The topics that will be covered for throughout the two semesters include: Nature of Science, Experimental Design, Biochemistry, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, the Cell Cycle, DNA and Protein Synthesis, Human Systems, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, the History of Life, Evolution and Natural Selection, Classification and Ecology. Labs will be done in class during the week.
Evaluation and Expectations: Assignments in this course will include laboratory activities, group work, individual projects, homework, and assessments in the form of tests, quizzes and a final exam. The success of the student depends on attendance, completion of all work and participation in group work and class discussions. Students will also be expected to maintain an organized notebook.
Students must have at least 95% attendance. If days are missed, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor and to make arrangements to obtain missed assignments.
Materials:
3 ring binder (at least 1.5 inch)
Dividers
Index Cards (lined or unlined)
Pens and pencils and highlighters
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebook (hard cover)
Flash Drive
Active email account
Science Intern
Instructor: Emily Betts
Description:
One or two students are needed to work on a variety of projects for Biology and AP Biology classes. Students must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work independently. Students must be proficient in using microscopes. Projects might include setting up labs, cleaning glassware, running trial labs, providing technology support, grading, organizing, and planning of events or field trips. Responsibilities must be fully completed in order for credit to be awarded. Interested students must see Emily before registration.
Requirements:
Must be a student in good academic standing.
Must have approval from family head and Emily.
General Chemistry
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
What does salsa, meringue, samba, and hip hop have to do with Chemistry? You will learn how drumming, dance, and drama are related to the Periodic Table, Atoms, and Compounds. In addition to this exploration of The Rhythm of Chemical Bonding, you will engage in various activities to enhance your analytical and creative problem solving skills. Some topics included in our study of Chemistry are: Scientific Investigation, Atomic Structure, Nomenclature, Molar Relationships. Student performance will be primarily based on unit tests, lab reports, group projects, and a final exam.
Evaluation and Expectations: Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of essential concepts and skills. They will be required to maintain an organized notebook, Lab Notebook, and 3D Journal. Also, students will be expected to submit high quality assignments. In the case of an absence, students must provide a note in order to complete any missed assignments.
Prerequisites:
Students must have completed or currently be enrolled in Algebra II. In addition to this math requirement, students must have completed at least one SOL high school science course (e.g. Earth Science or Biology preferably both).
General Chemistry Lab (THURSDAY)
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
THIS IS A REQUIRED THURSDAY CLASS FOR ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN CHEMISTRY.
Lab activities will be designed to compliment topics covered in the lecture course. Students will be provided with an opportunity to learn a variety of laboratory techniques. Because of our partnership with J. Sargeant Reynolds, students have the privilege of taking Chemistry lab in a college setting. Lab safety and responsible behavior will be expected from all students at all times. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes travel time between classes.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to maintain a lab notebook for class. Since Chem. Lab only meets on a weekly basis, substitute assignments will only be provided tomake up excused absences on lab days.
Science Intern
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description: Former Chemistry or APES students are needed to work on a variety of projects for MTWF classes. Students must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work independently. Some of the projects will include grading assignments, organizing materials, setting up equipment, and providing technical
support. Interested students please see Ram before registration.
Requirements:
Student must be in good academic standing. Students must haveapproval from family head and Ram.
AP Environmental Science
Instructor: Ram Bhagat
Description:
AP Environmental Science is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory level college science course. This course appeals to a wide variety of students who have interests in the environment and nature, science, engineering, social sciences, law, economics, computers, literature, and drama. The following themes provide the structure of the APES course: Scientific Process, Ecological Processes, Earth Systems,Population Dynamics, and Environmental Issues.
Evaluations and Expectations: APES is a rigorous interdisciplinary course that stresses scientific principles, processes, and perspectives. Student performance for the first semester will be measured by unit tests, lab
reports, case studies, projects, and a science project. Students are expected to maintain an organized notebook, lab book, and APES Journal. Students are also expected to submit college level work. In
the case of an absence, students must provide a note in order to complete any missed assignments.
Prerequisites:
Students must have completed Earth Science.
Physics
Instructor: Lucian Goode
Description:
Has man really gone to the moon?? why hasnt the world come to an end? What would happen in the earth suddenly stopped? Demand the opportunity to find out--TAKE PHYSICS!! Sign up for your chance to explore the world as a Physicist would. This course will give you an avenue to explore some of those questios in science you always wondered about such as HOW?...WHY?... and most importantly IF?... Through experimental design we will focus on intriguing investigations desigend to provide an activity-oriented approach to learning. Race-cars, remote controlled vehicles, computers, videos and an amusement park are among the ways we will illuminate the principles and concepts of Physics.
Evaluation and Expections: Students in Physics are expected to have completed at least 1 year of Algebra and Chemistry. 100% class attendance is expected. Students will maintain a notebook and complete research projects throughout the year. Additional specifics will be provided on the course syllabus.