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A challenging curriculum and dedicated teachers help Academy students reach their highest potential.
Courses Offered
Science Department
EARTH SCIENCE is open to the academic eighth grade students. This course involves the study of the geologic formation of the earth and the forces that are constantly changing and reshaping it. Also studied will be the atmosphere and our planet’s apparent unique position in the universe. This course will make students more aware of the world around by exploring the physical world that they see most—land, air, and sea. A lab fee of approximately $20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: None
PHYSICAL SCIENCE I is a required course for all freshmen and is an introduction to the physical sciences: chemistry, physics and earth science. Student will spend one day a week in lab exploring the quantitative and qualitative properties of matter and energy. From these investigations, students will develop an understanding of the basic laws of physical science. This course provides the necessary foundation for sequential courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students must purchase a workbook. A lab fee of approximately$20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: None
PHYSICAL SCIENCE I HONORS is an accelerated physical science course designed for freshmen and advanced eighth graders. It is similar to regular Physical Science, but moves at a more rapid pace and involves more math skills. Additional laboratory work and projects are assessed. This course feeds into the honors pathway for strong science students. Placement in this honors section will be determined by elementary grades, test scores, and the high school placement test. A lab fee of approximately $20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: Enrollment is based on entrance test results and elementary academic records or current AOL eighth graders must have an “A” in 8th grade Science
BIOLOGY I is a course designed to give students an insight into the fact that all organisms, including themselves, carry out the same life functions within the environment. Laboratory activities and problem solving techniques are an integral part of this course. Skills such as measurement, organization, classification and interpretation of charts and graphs are stressed. Connections across the curriculum are made and current topics are emphasized in order to familiarize students with consumer awareness and ethical issues that relate to biology. A lab fee of approximately$25.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: Physical Science I
BIOLOGY I-HONORS offers a discovery approach to classical biological concepts and emphasizes modern theories of evolution and molecular basis of life. This course makes connections among science, technology, and society. First-hand experiments are used to reinforce concepts. This work will include the preparation of slides, use and care of the microscope, and dissection techniques. Preserved specimens representative of the various phyla and living organisms are used to visually demonstrate the correlation between function and structure in all living things. A lab fee of approximately$25.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “B” in each semester of Physical Science I-H or an “A” in each semester of Physical Science I
CHEMISTRY I is an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry for the college bound student. Topics included are measurement, classification of matter, chemical nomenclature, the mole concept, problem solving, atomic structure and the periodic chart, states of matter, the gas laws, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation/reduction. Laboratory experiments are performed throughout the course to introduce and reinforce the chemical concepts studied and allow the student to observe and experience chemistry in action. A lab fee of approximately$20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology I, Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
CHEMISTRY I-HONORS offers an analytical and mathematical introduction to chemistry. The topics include measurement, states of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical nomenclature and reactions, the mole concept, problem solving, gas laws, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation/reduction, chemical kinetics, nuclear changes and radioactivity. Weekly laboratory experiments challenge the students to apply concepts learned in class to explain experimental data and to discover chemical relationships. This course encourages critical thinking and analytical reasoning. A lab fee of approximately$20.00 is assessed. Prerequisite: “B” in each semester of Biology I-H or an “A” in each semester of Biology I, “B” in each
semester of Algebra I, “B” in each semester of Geometry, and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. A skills test is required for students who did not take Physical Science Honors.
PHYSICS I is a survey course which applies algebra, trigonometry and geometric principles to the study of Newtonian mechanics, vector physics, wave motion, basic electricity and magnetism, the properties of light and sound. Students will do at least one lab per week and a design project per quarter. A lab fee of approximately $20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisites: A “C” in each semester of Chemistry or Chemistry I-H, a “C” in each semester of Algebra II, and concurrent enrollment in Advanced Math
PHYSICS I-HONORS includes an in-depth coverage of systems of measurement, force, graphical analysis, dynamics, circular and rotary motion, projectile motion, waves, work and power, energy, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Students will complete at least one lab per week and one project per quarter. Students will be required to choose from design projects, science fair participation, science Olympiad participation, or a Rube Goldberg project. Students need a serious math background to be successful in this course. A lab fee of approximately $20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “B” in each semester of Chemistry I-H, or an “A” in each semester of Chemistry I and completion of Advanced Mathematics. (Seniors who have not taken Advanced Math must pass a skills test and get teacher approval to be considered for this class.)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE is a lab science course, which utilizes case studies, laboratory investigation, field work and class discussions to analyze local, national and global environmental concerns and responsibilities for the twenty-first century. The economic, social, cultural and scientific aspects of environmental issues will be emphasized. Laboratory activities include water quality testing, soil testing, population and biodiversity field studies, stream and wetland ecosystem analyses and
emphasis of wetland mapping of Louisiana. A lab fee of approximately $20.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: Physical Science I and Biology I
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY is a college prep course recommended for students interested in medical careers and the Health Connections Program. This course will focus on the structure and functions of the multiple systems of the human body. Applications to medical careers will be stressed. Dissections will include representative organs such as the brain, eye, heart, and kidney. This course does fulfill the TOPS and the LA. Core 4 requirements. A lab fee of approximately $30.00 will be assessed. Prerequisites: “C” in each semester of Biology I regular and concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY-HONORS is a college prep course recommended for students interested in careers in medicine, science and physical education. It is an advanced course in human biology which incorporates many activities. The structure (Anatomy) and the function (Physiology) of human cells, organs and systems are covered. Genetics, in particular, human genetic diseases are discussed. All students will be required to dissect a cat. This course does fulfill the TOPS and the LA. Core 4 requirements. A lab fee of approximately $30.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “C” in each semester of Biology I-H or a “B” in each semester of Biology I and concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I
BIOLOGY II is a second year lab-based biology course that applies chemical, biological and physical principles to techniques used in criminal investigations. This forensic biology class will teach students how to use laboratory skills to analyze physical evidence and crime scenes. Students will use prior skills of biology and chemistry to analyze materials with microscopes and chemically test for toxins and drugs. Dissection will be required. Students will explore trace evidence and apply the use of DNA in crime investigations. A lab fee of approximately $25.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “C” in each semester of Biology I; Chemistry I or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry I
AP CHEMISTRY is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken in the first year of college. Students enrolled in this course will take the AP exam. The college course in general chemistry qualitatively examines concepts in greater depth and detail and quantitatively examines chemical problems in advanced mathematical concepts. The topics for the course include: structure of matter: atomic structure; chemical bonding and nuclear chemistry; states of matter: gases, liquids, solids, and solutions; reactions: types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics; and descriptive chemistry: chemical reactivity, relationships and organic chemistry. A fee of approximately $85 will be charged for the AP exam. A lab fee of approximately $30.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “A” in each semester of Chemistry I-H and Department Head approval based on standardized test scores
AP BIOLOGY II is taught at a college level and is equivalent to a first-year college course in biology. Students in this class will take the AP exam. The course follows the National Advanced Placement Biology curriculum. Emphasis will be on biochemistry, genetics, and evolution during the first semester and botany, zoology, and environmental studies during the second semester. Students will be expected to do considerable independent work and reading. Dissection will be required. All the required labs will be completed in this curriculum. A fee of approximately $85 will be charged for the exam. A lab fee of approximately $30.00 will be assessed. Prerequisite: “A” in each semester of Chemistry I-H and an “A” in each semester of Biology I-H and Department Head approval based on standardized test scores
