Science

Earth Science
Prerequisites: None
This course is typically offered at the 9th grade level. Earth Science is a detailed look at our planet and the processes that have shaped it. During the course, students will be exposed to important concepts in astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. This is a required course primarily for freshman with an end-of-course SOL. From volcanoes to exploding stars to sea floor life, Earth Science offers new and interesting experiences.
SOL Course

Chemistry
Prerequisites: None
This course is typically offered at the 11th grade level. Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes matter can undergo. An introduction to chemistry includes stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, gases, and chemical reactions. Laboratory exercises emphasize quantitative techniques and complement the lecture material.
SOL Course

Biology
Prerequisites: None
This course is typically offered at the 10th grade level. Biology is the study of living things. The course encompasses a survey of selected biological concepts, including the chemical basis of life, cell structure, genetics, taxonomy, and ecology. Laboratory activities complement the lecture material to allow for hands-on exploration of the topics. Completion of the course will provide students with the knowledge necessary for making informed decisions about health and the environment.
Biology is an SOL Course

Advanced Biology
Prerequisites: Biology
The second year course in Biology is an upper level course designed to give students a more in-depth exposure to the biological concepts covered in General Biology. This course will focus on aspects of cellular and human biology with considerable attention on human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory activities will correlate with the topics and shall include a disection component.

Physical Science
Prerequisites: None
This course is typically offered at the 8th grade level. Physical Science is the study of matter and energy in the Universe. During this course, students will study motion, force, waves, electricity, magnetism, and energy, as well as the theories and composition of the atom. Weekly laboratory activities will complement the lecture material and students will enjoy hands-on exploration of the topics.
SOL Course

Ecology
Prerequisites: None
This course is open to any student in grades 10th through 12th. Ecology is the study of the connections and interactions of the living (biotic) and the non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment. Ecology studies include environmental cycles, natural resources, biomes, and the effect of human interactions on an everchanging ecosystem called Earth.

AP Environmental Science
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
AP Environmental Science provide an investigative approach to the interrelationships of the natural world through the fundamental concepts, principles, and methodologies of environmental science. Topics of study include Earth systems and resources, ecosystems, and energy flow, population biology, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. Laboratory work and field studies are an integral component of the course. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. Successful completion of the course and satisfactory scores on the AP Exam are necessary for college credit.

Governor's School Astronomy**
Prerequisites: Algebra II
This class is offered on-line through the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School. Astronomy continues to enjoy a golden age of discovery and exploration. In this course you will learn of new adventures in the study of the oldest science. Not only will you discover new facts, but you will grow to appreciate the cosmos that surrounds us. You will complete projects such as building your own telescope and star finder to guide your understanding and knowlege of the universe.

Governor's School Physics**
Prerequisites: Algebra II, Geometry (or equivalent)
This class is offered on-line through the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School. The course covers the fundamental principles of physics, including the mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity, and magnetism, and selected topics from modern physics. It is to give you an idea of the way physicists view the world; to have the satisfaction of understanding and even predicting the outcome of activities happening all around you; to know enough about physics to have a rewarding career in a highly technological society; to be able to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world, and perhaps most important of all, to learn to ask questions.

Governor's School Human Anatomy & Physiology**
Prerequisites: Biology and General Chemistry
This class is offered on-line through the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School. The course will present an integrated approach to human anatomy and physiology along with microbiology and pathology. The structure and function of the human body will be investigated. Upon completion of this two semester study students should understand the scope and subdivision of anatomy and physiology as well as the chemistry of the human body as it related to the health sciences. Any student considering any field in the medical sciences can benefit from this course. Human Anatomy Part I and Part II should be taking consecutively. The instructor will introduce terminology as well as applications used in the medical arena. Virtual laboratory activities and simulations will be integrated into this study to aid students in making the information their own.

Governor's School Engineering and Robotics**
Prerequisites: Physics, Algebra I, and Algebra II
This class is offered on-line through the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School. Engineering and Robotics is designed to help you understand what an engineer is and what an engineer does. It will give you a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and help cultivate your problem-solving skills. Industrial robots, educational robots, and personal robots will be explored. You will even build your own robot!