Chemistry

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Grades 11-12   6 Credits

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Chemistry; Pre-calculus or higher math course (concurrent)

Students work with chemical formulas and equations, chemical bonding and kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. College level material covered in this course prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination given by the College Entrance Examination Board. This course will follow the syllabus of the College Board.  Students enrolled in Advanced Placement Chemistry are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

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Grades 10-12 6 Credits

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology (or concurrent with department approval)

FALL: Students are introduced to methods of measurement in chemistry. Matter and its changes, atomic structure, periodic law, electron configuration, chemical bonds and equations, the mole concept, and the kinetic-molecular theory are all studied.  Mathematical and reasoning skills are utilized.  Weekly laboratory experiments enable students to gain first-hand understanding of chemical reactions and analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific problem-solving. Computers are used for some labs and write-ups.
SPRING: Building on knowledge acquired in the first semester, students investigate topics such as acids, bases, salts, titrations, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, man's impact on natural equilibrium, oxidation-reduction reactions, organic reactions, and radioactivity.  Laboratory experiments reinforce concepts studied in class.

UNIT CALENDAR | TEXTBOOK

Grades 10-12 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology, plus Department recommendation.

FALL: Students are introduced to methods of measurement in chemistry and study the nature of matter and its changes, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic law, electron configuration, chemical bonds, formula writing, and equations. This course involves greater emphasis on descriptive chemistry and qualitative relationships than Chemistry.  Laboratory experiments each week enable students to gain first-hand understanding of chemical reactions, analysis, and laboratory techniques. Organizational and communication skills are emphasized.
SPRING: Building on the knowledge acquired in the first semester, students investigate topics of acids, bases, salts, kinetic-molecular theory, organic chemistry and man's impact on natural equilibrium, oxidation-reduction. Additional units focus on water, air, and fundamentals of environmental science and technological developments.  Laboratory experiments reinforce concepts studied in class.

UNIT CALENDAR | TEXTBOOK

Grades 10-12 6 Credits

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology; Algebra 2 or higher math course concurrent

FALL: Students are introduced to the methods of measurement in chemistry. They will study the nature of matter and its changes, atomic structure, periodic law, electron configuration, chemical bonds, molecular orbitals, equations, the mole concept, and the kinetic-molecular theory. The course involves mathematical and reasoning skills. Laboratory experiments each week will enable students to gain a first-hand understanding of chemical reactions and analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific problem solving. Computers will be used for some labs and write-ups.
SPRING: Building on the knowledge they acquired in the first semester, students will investigate topics such as acids, bases, salts, titrations, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, man's impact on natural equilibrium, oxidation -reduction reactions, organic reactions, radioactivity, and qualitative analysis. Laboratory experiments will reinforce concepts studied in class.

UNIT CALENDAR 

Grades 11-12 5 credits

Prerequisite: Two years of high school science, three years recommended

Forensic Science offers an experiential approach engaging students in active learning emphasizing the application of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science content as each applies.  Students study simulated crime-scenes, performing their own investigations, observations, and evidence collection drawing informed conclusions. Relevant topics include: study of hairs, fibers, and textiles, fingerprinting, DNA fingerprinting; blood, blood spatter, toxicology, soil, pollen and spore examination, forensic anthropology, glass evidence, casts and impressions, tool marks, and ballistics.