ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
This course takes the student on a journey through the human body. Each System and its relationship to other systems is discussed. Hands-on activities allow students to explore the functions of several systems. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
Anatomy and Physiology Syllabus
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
This course takes the student on a journey through the human body. Each System and its relationship to other systems is discussed. Hands-on activities allow students to explore the functions of several systems. This is an honors level course that includes research and projects and activities focused on critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of the scientific process. Activities are rigorous, yet designed to be done at home with minimal specialized equipment. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
Anatomy and Physiology Honors Syllabus
BIOLOGY (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Biology is the study of life – the basic characteristics and functions of living organisms and their place in our environment. Laboratory and field investigations are the primary means for developing problem-solving skills and for developing knowledge and understanding of biological concepts. Topics include the history of biology; the cell and cell processes; genetics and heredity; cycles in nature; photosynthesis and respiration; ecology; plants, animals, and microorganisms; continuity of life; and the interaction of science, technology, and society. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
As we explore important and thought-provoking scientific topics in this course, some texts may include themes or ideas that challenge different perspectives or touch on sensitive topics. The course presents these topics based on findings from scientific inquiry and testing and are meant to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.
BIOLOGY HONORS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
Biology Honors begins with the smallest components of life, the biochemical functions, and progresses through increasingly larger components: cell parts, cell functions, genetics and inheritance, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. This is a lab course that includes labs and projects focused on critical thinking, creativity, and understanding the scientific process. Labs are rigorous, yet designed to be done at home with minimal specialized equipment. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
As we explore important and thought-provoking scientific topics in this course, some texts may include themes or ideas that challenge different perspectives or touch on sensitive topics. The course presents these topics based on findings from scientific inquiry and testing and are meant to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.
AP BIOLOGY (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Biology and at least 1st semester of Algebra 2 with a grade of B or better
GPA Weighting: 1.0
*Deadlines: Must enroll and begin the course by October 1, and complete the course by May 1 if taking the AP Exam, or June 31, if not taking the AP Exam.
Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course that provides students with a deep understanding of biological concepts through inquiry-based learning and hands-on investigations. The course emphasizes the connections between biological systems and processes, focusing on topics such as the chemistry of life, cellular processes, heredity, evolution, and ecology.
Students will spend 45-60 minutes daily on developing scientific thinking skills by collecting and analyzing data, constructing explanations, and communicating their findings. Instruction includes interactive labs, virtual simulations, engaging media, and Advanced Placement-style assessments. This course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement Biology Exam and future studies in the life sciences. Students earning an exam score of 3, 4, or 5 may earn Dual Credit for this course (1.0 credit toward their Whitmore School graduation requirements and 3.0 college credits).
As we explore important and thought-provoking scientific topics in this course, some texts may include themes or ideas that challenge different perspectives or touch on sensitive topics. The course presents these topics based on findings from scientific inquiry and testing, and is meant to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.
CHEMISTRY CP (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, and at least 1st semester of Algebra 2
Chemistry uses an atoms-first approach, and coverage includes the parts of the atom and the basics of nuclear chemistry; electronic configurations of atoms including orbitals, covalent and ionic bonding, Lewis structures, and VSEPR theory; intermolecular forces; periodic properties, nomenclature, and descriptive chemistry; chemical reactions, including balancing, the mole concept, stoichiometry (including limiting reagents), equilibrium; thermodynamics, solutions and electrolytes, concentration; gas laws, including static and non-static conditions; acids, bases, pH, and equilibrium; and organic functional groups. Students must show proficiency in dimensional analysis, provide cogent short answers to various concept questions, demonstrate the ability to research information not directly provided in the lessons, cite sources correctly, and perform completely safe, home-based experiments that include full laboratory reports. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
CHEMISTRY HONORS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, at least 1st semester of Algebra 2
GPA Weighting: 1.0
Chemistry Honors uses an atoms-first approach, and coverage includes the parts of the atom and the basics of nuclear chemistry; electronic configurations of atoms including orbitals, covalent and ionic bonding, Lewis structures, and VSEPR theory; intermolecular forces; periodic properties, nomenclature, and descriptive chemistry; chemical reactions, including balancing, the mole concept, stoichiometry (including limiting reagents), equilibrium; thermodynamics, solutions and electrolytes, concentration; gas laws, including static and non-static conditions; acids, bases, pH, and equilibrium; and organic functional groups, and an introduction to biochemistry. Students must show proficiency in dimensional analysis, provide cogent short answers to various concept questions, demonstrate the ability to research information not directly provided in the lessons and cite sources correctly, and completely safe, home-based experiments that include full laboratory reports. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
AP CHEMISTRY HONORS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Chemistry with a grade of B or higher
GPA Weighting: 1.0
*Deadlines: Must enroll and begin the course by October 1, and complete the course by May 1 if taking the AP Exam, or June 31, if not taking the AP Exam.
AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics.
Students will spend 45-60 minutes daily developing scientific thinking skills by collecting and analyzing data, constructing explanations, and communicating their findings. Instruction includes interactive labs, virtual simulations, engaging media, and Advanced Placement-style assessments. This course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam and future studies in the physical sciences. Students earning an exam score of 3, 4, or 5 may earn Dual Credit for this course (1.0 credit toward their Whitmore School graduation requirements and 3.0 college credits).
CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
In this course, cooking is used to study introductory chemistry concepts. Topics include atoms, molecules, the periodic table, chemical reactions, balancing simple chemical equations, acids and bases, types of mixtures, and freezing points. The concepts are also applied in a final research project. Online research is a regular part of this course. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course uses science fiction and current research to study introductory physics concepts and touch on ideas in theoretical physics. Topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, Doppler effect, star evolution, the solar system and universe, distance and time relationships, the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and the many-worlds theory. The concepts are applied in a final research project. Online research is a regular part of this course. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
Earth Science introduces students to a broad study of the Earth with topics including astronomy, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and ecology. Students explore the Earth’s dynamic systems from its position in the universe to the ecology of its soil. Hands-on activities reinforce students’ scientific exploration, and the scientific method is emphasized in the process of critical thinking about challenges facing the planet. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Environmental Science provides an overview of basic environmental issues, including climate change, sustainability, pollution, depletion of natural resources, renewable energy, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, soil fertility and erosion, and waste disposal. It also explores the history of the environmental movement, the politics and ethics involved in environmental issues, and the regulations that help limit environmental damage. Students will complete a project to explore their own impact on the environment and ways to mitigate that impact. These five labs are designed to give students hands-on experience in observing and assessing natural systems and how they function. The topics include backyard ecology, invasive species, energy audits, soil erosion, and acid rain. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
Environmental Science CP Syllabus
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HONORS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
Environmental Science provides an overview of basic environmental issues, including climate change, sustainability, pollution, depletion of natural resources, renewable energy, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, soil fertility and erosion, and waste disposal. It also explores the history of the environmental movement, the politics and ethics involved in environmental issues, and the regulations that help limit environmental damage.
This is an honors-level lab course that includes labs and projects focused on critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of the scientific process. Labs are rigorous, yet designed to be done at home with minimal specialized equipment. Students complete 5 projects that are designed to help them assess the environmental damage in their own ecosystems and determine their own environmental footprint. Students will complete 5 of 9 labs. Labs are designed to give students hands-on experience in observing and assessing natural systems and how they function. The topics include the recycling of wastes, soil erosion, stream health, invasive species, backyard ecology, energy audits, and acid rain. This course meets the Natural Science credit requirement for graduation.
Environmental Science Honors Syllabus
PHYSICS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra I, first Semester Algebra II
The course focuses on the core concepts of algebra-based physics, preparing the student for future college-level Physics courses. The key concepts of the course have a focus on mechanical physics with introductory-level electromagnetics and wave mechanics.
PHYSICS HONORS (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra I, first Semester Algebra II
GPA Weighting: 1.0
This is an honors-level lab course that includes labs and projects focused on critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of the scientific process. The course emphasizes core concepts of Algebra-based Physics, preparing the student for future college-level Physics courses. The key concepts of the course focus on mechanical physics and introductory-level electromagnetics and wave mechanics. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE (LAB SCIENCE) (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: None
This course is the foundation course for all high school science courses. Students will study basic chemistry with topics in properties of matter, atomic structure, and chemical reactions, and basic physics with topics in energy, force, motion, machines, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. This course meets the Physical Science credit requirement for graduation.
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