Science

Course Overview:

This is a lab-based physics course designed for freshmen. Using the processes of scientific inquiry, engineering design, and critical thinking students will discover and apply patterns in such major physics topics as motion, forces and momentum, energy, waves, and electromagnetism. An important aim of the course is to develop and build students’ math abilities, performance in problem solving, scientific literacy, and technical communication skills that will be useful in later science courses. This course will address all ODE physics, inquiry, and engineering standards.

Course Overview:

Emphasis is on using lab data to develop an understanding of the atomic and molecular structure of matter. An overall foundational understanding of the interactions of atoms and compounds will be explored with real world examples being the primary focus of inquiry by students.  This course will address all ODE chemistry, inquiry, and engineering standards.

Course Overview:

AP Chemistry is a rigorous college level course and a Math level of at least Integrated 3 is recommended.  This course is geared towards highly motivated students with an interest in chemical and physical sciences.  It builds on concepts covered in first year Chemistry and goes into much greater detail in concept exploration and laboratory investigation.  Topics include atomic theory, chemical bonding, phases of matter, solutions, types of reactions. equilibrium , reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.  The exam in May offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potentially earn college level credit.  AP Chemistry is a college level course and success requires a substantial amount of time outside of class. When taking this AP course, it is expected you will participate in the AP Exam.

Special Requirements: AP Exam fee, Sophomores interested in entering into AP Chemistry must complete the required summer homework to be prepared for the course

Course Overview:

Forensics is a hands-on Science course exploring the skills and concepts behind the physical and psychological aspects of crimes.  Through case studies, crime scenes, and investigative labs, students will expand their skills in the realms of fingerprinting, blood spatter analysis, forensic anthropology and more.  Students will apply the core sciences (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics), building their critical thinking skills through inquiry into real world scenarios, as well as the realm of abnormal psychology.  This course addresses multiple NGSS standards related to Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.

Course Overview:

Forensics II continues a hands-on science approach exploring the skills and concepts behind the physical and psychological aspects of crimes.  In Forensics II, students will review past forensics concepts, and will explore units on Forensic Anthropology, delve into deeper analysis on decomposition, and will do an in depth study on conducting an autopsy.  Special Requirements: Successful completion of Forensics I.

Course Overview:

Physics is a course that builds students’ understanding of physical science concepts through exploration and experimentation.  These concepts will be applied to understanding how the universe works, from stars and galaxies to projectiles and roller coasters. Students will also have an opportunity to investigate the latest theories, discoveries, and applications in astronomy and physics. Physics is recommended for students entering a 4-year college.

Special Requirements for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors: Successful completion of Physical Science, Integrated Math 1, or teacher recommendation.  

Course Overview:

Zoology is an in-depth study of the structure and function of animals, how they are classified, and their interaction with the environment.  The course is designed to study all the major phyla (types) of animals from simple to complex.  This is a lab based, hands-on class that includes research, dissection, observation of live organisms, field trip to the zoo and even cooking and eating, among many other activities.  If you have an interest in animals or going into the medical field this is the class for you.

Course Overview:

Biology is structured around a series of major themes including science such as investigation and inquiry, the chemistry of life, cells, genetic inheritance, ecology, and natural selection. Students will have opportunities to do experiments, perform research, take notes, and complete many hands-on activities in an inquiry based learning environment.  This course will address all ODE biology, inquiry, and engineering standards.

Course Overview:

AP Chemistry is a rigorous college level course and a Math level of at least Integrated 3 is recommended.  This course is geared towards highly motivated students with an interest in chemical and physical sciences.  It builds on concepts covered in first year Chemistry and goes into much greater detail in concept exploration and laboratory investigation.  Topics include atomic theory, chemical bonding, phases of matter, solutions, types of reactions. equilibrium , reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.  The exam in May offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potentially earn college level credit.  AP Chemistry is a college level course and success requires a substantial amount of time outside of class. When taking this AP course, it is expected you will participate in the AP Exam.

Special Requirements: AP Exam fee, Sophomores interested in entering into AP Chemistry must complete the required summer homework to be prepared for the course

Course Overview:

Forensics is a hands-on Science course exploring the skills and concepts behind the physical and psychological aspects of crimes.  Through case studies, crime scenes, and investigative labs, students will expand their skills in the realms of fingerprinting, blood spatter analysis, forensic anthropology and more.  Students will apply the core sciences (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics), building their critical thinking skills through inquiry into real world scenarios, as well as the realm of abnormal psychology.  This course addresses multiple NGSS standards related to Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.

Course Overview:

Forensics II continues a hands-on science approach exploring the skills and concepts behind the physical and psychological aspects of crimes.  In Forensics II, students will review past forensics concepts, and will explore units on Forensic Anthropology, delve into deeper analysis on decomposition, and will do an in depth study on conducting an autopsy.  Special Requirements: Successful completion of Forensics I.

Course Overview:

Physics is a course that builds students’ understanding of physical science concepts through exploration and experimentation.  These concepts will be applied to understanding how the universe works, from stars and galaxies to projectiles and roller coasters. Students will also have an opportunity to investigate the latest theories, discoveries, and applications in astronomy and physics. Physics is recommended for students entering a 4-year college.

Special Requirements for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors: Successful completion of Physical Science, Integrated Math 1, or teacher recommendation.  

Course Overview:

Zoology is an in-depth study of the structure and function of animals, how they are classified, and their interaction with the environment.  The course is designed to study all the major phyla (types) of animals from simple to complex.  This is a lab based, hands-on class that includes research, dissection, observation of live organisms, field trip to the zoo and even cooking and eating, among many other activities.  If you have an interest in animals or going into the medical field this is the class for you.