Science Course Descriptions

Physical Science - This course is designed to positively introduce science to our eighth grade Cadets, with a heavy emphasis on demonstrations and projects to capture the interest of our younger Cadets. An attempt is made to minimize the use of math, concentrating instead on the concepts of physics and chemistry.

Biology - A comparative study of anatomical structures of both invertebrate and vertebrate animal phyla. This course offers the Cadet the opportunity to use the scientific methods in experiments that explore living and preserved specimens. This course also gives the Cadet the opportunity to build a foundation of basic biological and scientific skills that will be used in other related courses. An honors course that goes into much greater detail on life processes and structures is also offered in this subject area.

Chemistry - Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behavior of matter. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting these interactions. The program is laboratory oriented and stresses observation, classification, and manipulation of chemical behavior. An honors course that goes into much greater depth on chemical interactions and processes is also offered in this subject area. We also offer a follow on to Honors Chemistry in the form of an AP course. This AP class offers the Cadet the opportunity to receive college credit for his work.

AP Chemistry - AP Chemistry is equivalent to a challenging first year of college chemistry. Descriptive, analytical and problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the year, and both lab and lecture components are included. This course is intended to contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The course includes 12 - 15 hours of hands-on laboratory investigations each quarter. Labs support corresponding lecture and emphasize the use of equipment and techniques, data collection, data analysis, and scientific exploration. Students who earn a score of 3 or higher may receive credit for an entire year (8 hours) of college chemistry, depending on the elected university.

Conceptual Physics - This course is designed for Cadets who have demonstrated a previous weakness in math. It covers major concepts in both physics and chemistry with special emphasis on math and the scientific methodology. Upon completion of this course the Cadet should be mathematically prepared to make the transition into either physics or chemistry.

Physics - A trig-based course in Newtonian statics and dynamics. The Cadet is introduced to vector math and the study of forces. The program is a balanced approach among lectures, demonstrations, labs, and problem solving. The Cadet will be well prepared for college level physics at the completion of the course. We also offer an AP Physics course. This AP class offers the Cadet the opportunity to receive college credit for his work.