Science

Science I: Physics and Chemistry

This two-year interdisciplinary sequence is designed to build students’ skills in conducting and communicating the scientific process. Students build laboratory techniques, critical inquiry, engineering, and their understanding of the nature of scientific study. Students learn to apply mathematical models, construct explanations based on evidence collected through experimentation and research, and write laboratory and engineering reports. In these courses, students are exposed to a wide range of concepts in physics, chemistry and biology. Major topics include motion and energy, chemical and physical properties of matter, chemical reactions, biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, and climate change. (Full year course)

Science II: Chemistry and Biology

This two-year interdisciplinary sequence is designed to build students’ skills in conducting and communicating the scientific process. Students build laboratory techniques, critical inquiry, engineering, and their understanding of the nature of scientific study. Students learn to apply mathematical models, construct explanations based on evidence collected through experimentation and research, and write laboratory and engineering reports. In these courses, students are exposed to a wide range of concepts in physics, chemistry and biology. Major topics include motion and energy, chemical and physical properties of matter, chemical reactions, biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, and climate change.(Full year course)

Astronomy A: Our Solar System

This course focuses on the solar system, and how we know what we know about all the interestingly varied bodies that comprise it. The historical methods of astronomical scientific discovery are discussed and used, leading to an appreciation of how our knowledge of the solar system has blossomed.In recent decades, interplanetary spacecraft have added greatly to our knowledge of the exotic other worlds in our own solar system. The underlying physical principles governing the makeup and operation of the solar system are investigated in activities, reading, and discussion. Extensive use is made of audiovisual resources in presenting the historical, scientific, and aesthetic aspects of the material covered. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. I(Fall semester course)

Body Systems

This course engages in the study of structures, processes and interactions of a number of systems in mammalian organisms. Systems of focus include the integumentary (skin) system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, excretory system and reproductive system. The course addresses the anatomical structure, the physiological function from a cellular to organ system level, and emphasizes the interconnected nature of these body systems. Communication, physiological function of major body processes and the anatomical structure of these systems will be discussed. This course includes dissection of mammalian systems to review major organs anatomical structures and their relationships with each other. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall semester course)

Climate Change

Climate change may be the most significant environmental threat facing Earth today, but it is also a fascinating and complex scientific phenomenon. In this class, we will explore the causes and effects of that phenomenon, as well as ways to mitigate its consequences. Students will develop understanding of Earth’s atmospheric systems and how those systems change in response to external stimuli. They will also contextualize those changes by drawing comparisons to climatic conditions on Earth in previous geologic eras. In addition, students will identify activities that cause or contribute to those changes, and explain how to modify those activities to mitigate those impacts. The class will cover a wide variety of topics, including the greenhouse effect, the geologic carbon cycle, tipping points and feedback loops, relationships between climate and weather, orbital mechanics, ocean acidification, America’s energy infrastructure, renewable energy technology, and nuclear power. This is a multidisciplinary science course, and students will be expected to show mastery of relevant concepts drawn from physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, and astronomy. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of how living things interact with each other and with their environments. In this course, we will begin at the small scale by studying population ecology and learning the ways in which populations can grow (and be limited). Next, we will study how different populations interact in a community and investigate some aspects of plant and animal responses to their environments. Finally, we will take the most “zoomed out” approach to address how large-scale ecosystems and biomes function. Along the way, we will learn about collecting and recording field data, and processing data to determine patterns or interrelationships.Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring semester course)

Evolutionary Biology

The principles of evolution undergird our understanding of biological diversity, adaptations, and the history of life on Earth. Indeed, biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” We will first delve into the evolution of evolutionary thought in human history, including theorists who influenced Darwin and Wallace. We will utilize principles of microevolution to show mathematically that evolution has occurred by analyzing changes in allele frequencies in populations, and we will closely examine the agents of evolutionary change (of which natural selection is just one). We will then scale up these processes to examine long-term macroevolutionary patterns of speciation and extinction, using paleontological data to support our conclusions. Finally, we will explore human evolution, discussing what our species has in common with our extant primate relatives and what makes us unique. The semester will culminate in a laboratory exercise in which we will extract and amplify our own DNA in order to elucidate patterns of human migration. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Experimental Chemistry

This lab intensive course investigates fundamental chemistry concepts through frequent experimentation. Emphasis is on experimental skills, collaboration, written and mathematical communication, critical inquiry, and problem solving. Topics covered include chemical bonding, reaction stoichiometry, solution chemistry, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and oxidation/reduction. This course is a prerequisite for Honors Inorganic Chemistry. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the study of human mechanics, motion, and the interaction of body systems to create the complex motions that you have seen in everything from sports to day to day walks down the street. In this class, students will investigate and learn about the components of the body structures (cells and tissues) and will focus on the major systems that relate to human motion (skeletal system, and muscle systems, and basic nerve function). Students will identify all the bones and bone features in the human body as well as major muscle group origin, insertion, and actions. Students will learn about major types of motion and practice describing how motions occur in various activities and sports. This class is designed for students with an interest in anatomy and physiology and will involve dissection of mammalian analogs to study biological systems to reinforce content knowledge of structures.Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring semester course)

Neurobiology

How does a single neuron work? How do collections of neurons cooperate with each other? How does an entire nervous system function to sense and interact within an environment? In this class, we will study the molecular and cellular processes that underlie sensation and perception. Then, by exploring the basic structure and function of nervous systems across a wide range of organisms, we will find patterns in how an organism’s sensory and perception abilities are determined by specific features of its nervous system. Finally, we will examine complex behaviors as emergent properties of these neurobiological systems. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring semester course)

Pathogens and Parasites

What makes the virus responsible for COVID-19 so effective? Why are some bacteria good for us while some are pathogenic? How do our bodies fight infection? This course investigates disease prevention, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. We will learn about pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. We will explore how organisms protect against disease and how they recover from infection. We will then apply these scientific principles to the historical and social impact of global disease epidemiology.  Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall semester course)

Physics A: Mechanics

This course will investigate the physics of motion: how and why things move. Kinematics and Newton’s Laws of Motion (Dynamics) will be the main focus. Motion in one dimension will lead to projectiles moving in two dimensions and objects moving in circular motion. Energy transformations and conservation of momentum will also be studied. This study of mechanics will conclude with an investigation of simple machines. This course will include extensive hands-on lab work. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall semester course)

Physics E: Electrical Engineering

In this course we will learn about many types of electrical circuit components: capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, potentiometers, oscillators, and integrated circuits. We will investigate their use in both analog and digital circuits. We will use our new-found theoretical understanding to design, breadboard and construct actual circuits. Examples might include a crystal radio, burglar alarm, stop watch, and binary calculator. This course is oriented towards the practical application of electronics to electrical devices, and will provide lots of hands-on experience working with electronics components and electric circuits. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring semester course)

Honors Inorganic Chemistry

This lab intensive course provides an in-depth look at many chemical concepts introduced in previous courses, as well as explorations of new ideas. Emphasis is on experimental skills, collaboration, written and mathematical communication, critical inquiry, and in-depth problem solving. Topics will include those encountered in a typical college general chemistry class including: molecular structures and bonding theories, properties of solutions, aqueous equilibria, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and environmental/energy chemistry. (See Appendix for Honors Science Course Criteria.)Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor and Experimental Chemistry. (Full year course)

Honors Molecular Biology and Genetics

This course studies biological structures and functions at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. Topics include: the chemical basis of life, structure and function of genes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, genetic editing, and inherited disease. We will frequently read peer-reviewed journal articles and will use these as a vehicle for examining the original data from historically groundbreaking experiments. This course integrates literature research, writing skills, and critical thinking and laboratory work to build experimental design, detailed observation, accurate recording, data interpretation, and analysis skills. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (Full year course)

Honors Physics with Calculus

This course explores further topics in physics using methods of calculus and other specialized and advanced applications of mathematics (which will be presented in class). These topics include kinematics, rotation, equilibrium, gravitation, fluids, Gauss’ Law, electric potential, capacitance, and Kirchoff’s equations. The year will wrap up with a consideration of the theory of special relativity. Corequisite: Calculus.  Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (Full year course)

Honors Science Research 

This course explores science by providing support in the development, implementation and presentation of independent research projects. Students engage in discourse related to the nature of scientific research through extensive review of current primary literature. Students develop a research question to investigate over the year on a topic of interest.Students design and implement experiments to test their questions using a variety of tools and techniques. Data is then analyzed to effectively interpret the material and share that with peers. Students in this course are expected to present their work at the Northwest Science Expo for feedback from scientists. Students then write a journal style paper of their project for submission. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.  (Full year course)

Science Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistants are vital contributors to our science classes. TAs attend class each day and work directly with students. TAs help check daily homework, help students having difficulty with the material, set up and take down labs, and assist in the lab. As the year progresses, TAs may be involved in planning and teaching the class. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Note: This course does not count towards the science requirement. This course is graded Pass / No Pass (Fall or Spring semester course.)

Abnormal Psychology

This Online Abnormal Psychology Course focuses on a variety of atypical psychiatric disorders, helping students understand symptoms, diagnoses & treatments. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Global Health 

What makes people sick? What social and political factors lead to the health disparities we see both within our own community and on a global scale? What are the biggest challenges in global health and how might they be met? Using an interdisciplinary approach to address these questions, this course hopes to improve students' health literacy through an examination of the most significant public-health challenges facing today's global population. (Fall semester course)

Introduction to Psychology

In this Online Psychology Course, students explore three central psychological perspectives: the behavioral, the cognitive & the sociocultural. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Medical Problem Solving I

In this class, students enhance critical thinking skills by collaboratively solving medical mystery cases, similar to the approach used in many medical schools. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Medical Problem Solving II

This course is an extension of the problem-based learning done in Medical Problem Solving I. While collaborative examination of medical case studies will remain the core work of the course, students will tackle more complex cases and explore new topics in medical science. (Spring semester course)

Neuropsychology

This course is an exploration of the neurological basis of behavior. It will cover basic brain anatomy and function as well as cognitive and behavioral disorders from a neurobiological perspective. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Positive Psychology

What is a meaningful, happy, and fulfilling life? In this course, we’ll dive into what positive psychology research tells us about the formula for a meaningful life, the ingredients of fulfilling relationships, and changes that occur in the brain when inspired by music, visual art, physical activity, and more. (Fall or Spring semester course)

Problem Solving w/ Engineering Design

This course investigates various topics in science, technology, computer programing , engineering, and mathematics using a series of projects and problems that are both meaningful and relevant to the students' lives. (Fall semester course)

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. (Fall or Spring semester course)