Academics

Course #622
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Required of: Freshmen
Prerequisite: Previous grade school record and testing results

This course offers a comprehensive study of biological concepts, including cytology, genetics, botany, zoology, and anatomy as well as an understanding of scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, and objective reporting. Students will apply the scientific method, conduct laboratory experiments, and develop the reasoning skills to analyze data and draw conclusions.

This biology course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about information presented, solving problems through innovation, and communicating effectively. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #621
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Selected Freshmen
Prerequisite: Previous grade school record and testing results

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to biological concepts in cytology, genetics, botany, zoology, and anatomy as well as an understanding of scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, and objective reporting.  Students will learn the scientific method, conduct laboratory experiments, develop the reasoning skills to analyze data and draw conclusions, and communicate  their findings clearly and accurately. Students will be challenged to understand topics in more depth and with more detail than in Biology CP-A and will be required to complete more independent work.

This course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about information presented, solving problems through innovation, and communicating effectively. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other student’s ideas. 

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Course #631
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Sophomores
Prerequisite: 80% average in Algebra I Honors; 80% average in Biology Honors; 92% average in Advanced Algebra I; 92% average in Advanced Biology. Recommendation of present Science teacher.

Chemistry is the science that studies the properties of matter and how these properties interact, combine, and change as a result of physical and chemical processes. This course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to chemistry concepts, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills. Chemistry honors students will be challenged to understand topics to a high degree of detail and depth. Topics studied will include: properties of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical formulas, balancing equations, stoichiometry, acid/base chemistry, bonding and reactivity, and the behavior of electrons. This class has a significant laboratory component that encourages students to form and investigate hypotheses related to course content. As a part of the laboratory experience, students practice making precise measurements, following written protocols, making keen observations, analyzing data, interpreting results, and writing scientific papers to describe their experiments.

This course teaches and reinforces dispositions and skills defined in the Portrait of the Crusader. Students learn to approach problems and situations with an open mind, use inquiry and innovation to solve problems, think critically about the information presented before responding with questions or feedback, and show respect for others’ ideas.

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Course #629
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors

This course centers on the study of the Earth’s systems and how these systems interact to support the life of the planet and its inhabitants.  Students will learn the fundamentals of geology, meteorology, oceanography, environmental science, and astronomy. Throughout this course, students will participate in laboratory activities designed to reinforce the concepts studied in each unit and to encourage scientific reasoning. Varied sources have been selected to familiarize students with the network of information that is available for research and lifelong learning. 

The course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader by encouraging students to think both critically and creatively in order to solve problems.  In addition, students are encouraged to work collaboratively, demonstrate respect for others, take responsibility for individual and group work, and demonstrate integrity in all activities.

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Course #642
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors and Seniors
Prerequisite: 80% average in Chemistry CP-A. Recommendation of the present Science teacher

This course is designed to give the student a conceptual understanding of the modern view of the physical world. Topics include mechanics, gravity, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, fluid dynamics and atomic structure. Primary emphasis will be on the fundamental concepts of matter and energy, as learned through hands-on inquiry-based activities. 

This course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically, solving problems through innovation, and communicating effectively.  Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote collaboration and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #641
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors and Seniors
Prerequisite: Minimum of 80% average in Honors Chemistry; 80% average in Algebra I Honors & Geometry Honors. Recommendation of present Science teacher

Physicists formulate and test hypotheses based on their observations of the natural world.  They use their results to formulate scientific laws expressed in the language of mathematics, and they use these laws to make predictions about other phenomena, from the subatomic to the cosmic. The study of physics includes the study of mechanics, motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure and nuclear reactions. In this course, students learn the laws and the mathematical language of physics; they use the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses, analyze data, reason quantitatively, and draw conclusions. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a variety of hands-on laboratory activities, classwork, homework, and written assessments. 

This course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically, solving problems through innovation, and communicating effectively.  Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote collaboration and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #635
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors
Prerequisite: Recommendation of present Science teacher

Science involves the study of the organic and inorganic matter of the earth and the universe. There are three main branches of science: physical science, earth science and life science, and within these three branches are several specialized areas. This course  provides students with the opportunity to explore several areas of specialization to help them plan for future studies and career.  These areas include: environmental science, physics, forensics, epidemiology, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology. Students learn the  important concepts associated with each area, the process of scientific research, and how scientific knowledge translates into real-world applications.

The Advanced Explorations course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader by teaching students to collaborate and solve problems through innovation, effective communication, and productive relationships during laboratory investigations. Class activities focus on critical thinking and the sharing of ideas, all while demonstrating respectful discourse.

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Course #675
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors who have completed Honors Chemistry and Seniors 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry; or minimum 80% average in Biology CP-A; minimum 80% in Chemistry CP-A. Recommendation of present Science teacher

This full year course presents an in-depth survey of the human brain and nervous system. Students will gain a broad understanding of major concepts in Neuroscience and Biopsychology, learn quantitative, analytical, and laboratory skills, and develop the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly. Principles learned will include anatomy & physiology, brain mapping,  eurotransmitter/hormones & drugs, disease & disorders, vision, motor system, sensory system, learning and memory, sleep, emotions, homeostasis, rhythms & drives, and altered states of consciousness.

The CP-A Neuroscience course teaches and  reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about information presented and solving problems through innovation. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #670
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors and Seniors
Prerequisite: Minimum of 80% average in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry. Signature of present Science teacher

This full year course offers an accelerated and in-depth survey of the human brain and nervous system. Students gain a broad understanding of major concepts in Neuroscience and Biopsychology, and they develop quantitative, analytical, and laboratory skills as well as the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly. Principles learned include anatomy & physiology, brain mapping, neurotransmitter/ hormones & drugs, disease & disorders, vision, motor system, sensory system, learning and memory, sleep, emotions, homeostasis, rhythms & drives, and altered states of consciousness. Students will be challenged to understand topics in more depth and will be required to complete independent work and adhere to course deadlines. 

The Honors Neuroscience course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about information presented and solving problems through innovation. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other students’ ideas.

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Course #643
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or a minimum of 80% average in Biology CP-A and a minimum of 80% average in Chemistry CP-A; Recommendation of present Science teacher

In this course, students study the inner workings of the human body, its levels of organization, and the cooperation required between those levels to maintain homeostasis. Students learn precise anatomical and medical terminology and gain experience using a college-level textbook. The knowledge gained through this course will provide students with the important concepts and skills needed to pursue a postsecondary education in a related field. In addition to learning foundational knowledge, students practice laboratory skills and participate in a dissection unit where they observe the anatomical structures of a preserved fetal pig, which are closely analogous to the human body. This dissection provides a visual focus for our primary units of study: histology, blood, the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system, the digestive system, and the reproductive system. 

The Anatomy and Physiology course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about information presented and solving problems through innovation. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #645
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Selected Seniors
Prerequisite: Minimum of 80 averages in Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Neuroscience and signature of present Science teacher

In this course, students study the inner workings of the human body, its levels of organization, and the cooperation required between those levels to maintain homeostasis. Students learn precise anatomical and medical terminology and gain experience using a college-level textbook and resources. The knowledge gained through this course provides students with the important concepts and skills needed to pursue a postsecondary education in a related field. In addition to learning foundational knowledge, students practice laboratory skills and participate in a dissection unit where they observe the anatomical structures of a preserved fetal pig, which are closely analogous to the human body. This dissection provides a visual focus for our primary units of study: histology, blood, the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system, the digestive system, and the reproductive system. Students will be challenged to understand topics in more depth and with more detail than in Anatomy and Physiology CP-A and will be required to complete independent work and adhere to course deadlines.

The Honors Anatomy and Physiology course reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically about  information presented and solving problems through innovation. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote fostering relationships, collaboration, team work, and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #650
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: Selected Seniors
Prerequisite: Biology Honors, Chemistry Honors, Physics Honors/ECE Environmental Science; minimum of 92% average in Neuroscience Honors and the recommendation of that teacher; and consent of the current ECE Biology instructor and Science Department Chairperson
Co-Requisite: Anatomy & Physiology Honors (must be taken concurrently with AP Biology)

Biology is the critical study of living things. It is the foundation for all of the disciplines that study life in more detail, including medicine, physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, bioengineering, neuroscience, etc. An understanding of the basic principles of biology is an invaluable part of any student’s repertoire. This course is an undergraduate introduction to biology, allowing students the opportunity to earn 4 credits from the University of Connecticut. The course of study begins with a basic, working definition of life and moves through the study of molecules, cells, and genetics. Many of the classes offer an inquiry-based approach where students are challenged to think critically about why a problem exists and how to solve it. Throughout the course, students write. And they write. Completion of this course will provide students with a comprehensive and solid foundation for further study in biology which they can use to pursue more advanced subspecialties. Perhaps, through this study of other forms of life, students will gain a greater understanding of their own.

This course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader in that students employ biological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

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Course #640
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors who have successfully completed Honors Physics
Prerequisite: Minimum of 85% in Honors Physics; signature of present science teacher and department chairman

AP® Physics I is an algebra-based course in general physics that meets for 70 minutes on alternating days for the entire school year. General physics topics presented during the course closely follow those outlined by the College Board and also mirror an introductory level university physics course. AP® Physics I is organized around six big ideas that bring together the fundamental science principles and theories of general physics. These big ideas are intended to encourage students to think about physics concepts as interconnected pieces of a puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is how the real world around them actually works. Each unit, students participate in inquiry-based explorations and laboratories to ensure a clear conceptual understanding of key physics topics. Students spend less of their time on traditional formula-based learning and more time on developing critical thinking and reasoning skills. The AP Physics I Course has been designed by the College Board as a course equivalent to the algebra-based college-level physics class. At the end of the course, students will take the AP Physics I Exam, which will test their knowledge of both the concepts taught in the classroom and their use of the correct formulas.

This course teaches and reinforces skills and dispositions aligned with the Portrait of the Crusader, including thinking critically, solving problems through innovation, and communicating effectively. Laboratory investigations and in-class activities promote collaboration and respect for other student’s ideas.

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Course #392
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors

This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. This syllabus is written for both the honors and college preparatory levels of study.  Specific notations are made throughout the document to indicate when content is unique to the honors level. 

This course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader in that students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

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Course #391
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors
Prerequisite: Recommendation of current science teacher.

This course is a comprehensive survey of psychology, concentrating on the theories of Freud, Skinner, Jung, Maslow, Erickson and other major theorists. The areas of study will include Developmental Psychology, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Clinical and Experimental Psychology. Course work will emphasize scientific readings, independent study projects and analytical writings on observations and self. Limited enrollment. 

This course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader in that students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

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Course #390
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors with the recommendation of AP Psychology Teacher and Science Department Chair.
Prerequisite: Honors Neuroscience 

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. 

This course aligns with the Portrait of the Crusader in that students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

View Syllabus