SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
A year-long course introducing some of the fundamental principles and laws of Chemistry and Physics. The course deals with two main themes: (1) the study of the flow and forms of energy including light, sound, laws of motion and heat; and (2) the study of the structure and forms of matter starting with the history of the atom and working up through organic and biochemistry. This course will lay the foundation for all future science courses.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A.P.E.S. is a year long elective which presents an overview of general environmental concepts, theoretical principles and analytical techniques for investigating environmental systems. It integrates tools from both natural and social sciences to analyze contemporary and local environmental challenges such as pollution, resource acquisition, facility and ecosystem design, impact assessments, and the formulation of environmental policy. Concrete experiences in the laboratory will support conceptual learning and emphasis is placed on the Hawaiian environment. Field trips are a necessary component of this course.
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry
BIOLOGY
A year-long laboratory-based course in which a basic understanding of the nature of life is developed through concepts and themes. Classroom and laboratory study in the topics of cell biology, introductory biochemistry, modern genetics, evolution, ecology, human body systems and diversity in form and function in the plant and animal kingdoms are presented. The key concepts for each topic are then placed in a broader context for a more meaningful understanding. Themes which cut across the topics provide the unifying framework for the understanding of science as a process.
Prerequisites: IPS
BIOLOGY HONORS
This year-long, lab-based course is designed to be taken by students who elect to accelerate their science course work in order to allow room in their schedule for an Advanced Placement Science course in the senior year. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the issues facing scientists. Students are encouraged to focus on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and potential extensions and applications of concepts.
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
This is a laboratory based course designed to be the equivalent of a year long college introductory biology. Primary emphasis is on developing an understanding of the scientific method, recognition of unifying themes that integrate major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to social, medical and technological concerns. Major themes include science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, relationship of structure to function, regulation, interdependence in nature and science technololgy and society.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
CHEMISTRY
This is a yearlong course, which emphasizes the impact of chemistry on society by addressing chemistry-related technological issues that are relevant to the community and society in which the student lives. Students learn chemical facts and concepts, as they need them to understand the societal, political, and economic issues that impact our world. Units may include but are not limited to the following: chemistry of the atmosphere and water, conserving resources, fission and fusion energy, and the body's internal chemistry. The laboratory provides hands-on experience with chemical phenomena.
Prerequisite: Biology
CHEMISTRY HONORS
The goal of this laboratory-based course is to provide students a firm foundation in chemical concepts and principles and to instill in students an appreciation of the vital role chemistry plays in their daily lives. It emphasizes the following topics: atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium and reaction rates, thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry. Throughout the course, the "why" of chemistry, is linked to problems, which emphasize the quantitative experimental "how" of chemistry.
Prerequisite: Biology Honors
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
A conceptually-based course with emphasis on comprehension rather than computation. Broad-based coverage includes applications to personal experiences in the everyday world, thinking skills, and concept development. Intended for students with science interest, but who might be planning careers in the arts, social sciences, humanities. Students should have completed biology, chemistry and geometry to enter this class.
Prerequisite: IPS, Biology, Chemistry
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
A traditional, mathematically-based course covering motion, forces, both kinematics and dynamics, momentum, gravity, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity magnetism, relativity and the essentials of college-preparatory physics. Emphasis is on comprehensive mastery of concepts, problem solving, and development of lab skills. This class is intended for students with strong interest and ability in the sciences, or those with career interests in medicine, engineering, or the sciences. Students should have completed biology, chemistry and algebra 2 with good success in order to enroll in this class.
Prerequisite: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry
ASTRONOMY
This semester course, open to juniors and seniors, is an introduction to the facts and theories regarding the contents and development of our universe and our solar system. Included in this course is the study of the evolution of stars and planets and their environments. This course will also explore the history of astronomy and space technology. Students will be required to attend scheduled evening viewings of planets and other heavenly bodies.
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