Chemistry is the study of matter, its structure, properties, and composition, and the changes that matter undergoes. This is an introductory, laboratory-based course designed to allow students to explore various topics in general chemistry. This course is designed to provide instruction while students are immersed in the process of doing science. The laboratory portion of this course reinforces concepts and processes discussed in class and provides a hands-on experience that directly connects with the course material. Students collaborate in planning and conducting experiments. They conduct the investigations and then present and justify their conclusions in oral and/or written form. During the lab, students will use basic chemistry laboratory apparatus and probe ware to collect and analyze various types of data. Students will work in groups during the lab.

AP Chemistry is a rigorous and academically challenging course that moves through the material at an accelerated pace. This course is equivalent to a first-year college general chemistry course. It will build on the chemistry principles studied in a first-year chemistry course and explore new topics. The following topics will be covered: atomic, molecular, and ionic structure and properties, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and acids and bases. There will be greater emphasis on the mathematical formulations associated with these chemical principles than in a first-year chemistry course. Students will conduct and analyze more detailed experiments and develop scientific writing skills.

This is an advanced laboratory-based course designed to give students an opportunity to explore a variety of topics in organic and biochemistry. The first semester will focus on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds. During lab, students will use different techniques to investigate, synthesize, and analyze various organic molecules. In addition to performing lab manipulations, students will learn to organize data, calculations, and analyses from investigations and effectively communicate their findings.

In the second semester, students will explore biochemistry through applications in food science. While the course will build an understanding of many chemical, physical, and biological concepts involved in taste, cooking, and other culinary experiences, it is NOT a cooking course. Students will focus on the four basic food molecules: water, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Students will explore the science behind food safety, preparation, and preservation techniques. Students taking this course should expect some of the laboratory work to be done in their home kitchens.

This course will be taught using collegiate-level texts and laboratory manuals. Students should expect a workload comparable to a first-year collegiate chemistry course.

The course offers a broad survey of our modern understanding of the cosmos and how astronomers have built that understanding. It assumes no prior knowledge of astronomy or physics but does occasionally use basic algebra. It emphasizes process as well as facts and is a solid introduction to how science is done. Because astronomy is an observational science, students will use computerized laboratory exercises to collect and analyze data. From ancient views of the solar system to the existence of extra-solar planets, from the birth and death of stars to black holes, from globular clusters to near and ancient galaxies, from familiar cosmic geometries to exotic ones, the course helps students understand their place in the universe.

This course covers topics such as Newtonian mechanics, electricity, magnetism, energy, optics, waves, and selected topics in modern physics. Students will explore these topics both qualitatively and quantitatively through hands-on experiences and class discussion. A willingness to engage oneself in deeply scientific thought and analytical challenge makes this a rewarding course.

AP Physics C is designed to parallel an introductory college physics course designed for engineers and scientists that covers topics in mechanics and electromagnetism. This course has a heavy focus on mathematics, and students should be comfortable with algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. The mechanics portion of the course will cover topics involving kinematics, force, energy, momentum, rotation, gravity, and simple harmonic motion. The E&M portion of the course will cover topics such as electrostatics, electrodynamics, circuit analysis, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. Students should leave the course with a basic understanding of physics concepts and the ability to approach and solve a myriad of different problems with their understanding of material that we cover in this course.