Blake High School

Thomas Bryant
-- Honors Biology 9

Erin Cheung
-- Chemistry, Honors Chemistry

Zac Cornell
-- Honors Physics 9

Sanita Coles
-- Honors Physics 11, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C

Dana Felice
-- Honors Biology, Earth Space Systems

Mary K. Frank
-- Astronomy with Physics

Sarah Friday
-- Honors Biology 11, Honors Chemistry

James Keil 
-- Chemistry, Honors Chemistry

Matt O'Connor
--AP Environmental Science, Honors Physics 11, Honors Biology 11

Meredith Zanni
-- AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry

Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science  
• Physics

Anatomy and Physiology A & B

This course is a study of the major systems of the human body. Career opportunities in medical-related fields are examined. The course is intended for advanced-level students. Anatomy and Physiology A topics include cells, tissues, and systems (skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and nervous). Anatomy and Physiology B topics include digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Dissection is required

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Biology

Biology A & B

These are elective courses that emphasize the study of living things through laboratory experiences and investigative techniques. The courses include a wide range of content topics that are dependent upon background knowledge of chemistry, previous science experience, and maturity level of the students. Biology A and B include the topics of ecology, cytology, reproduction, genetics, scientific evolution, and taxonomy. Attention is given in both semesters to pertinent social issues and career opportunities related to the biological sciences. Matter and Energy B is a highly recommended course to precede Biology. Students can take the course at the honors level.

Advanced Placement Biology A & B (Double Period)

These are double-credit courses that meet two periods each day. The courses are designed specifically for students who wish to take Advanced Placement Biology Examination, and or enroll in an honors program in college, and/or pursue a career in biology or a biology-related field. Students may not earn credit for both single and double period AP Biology A and B. The topics for Biology AP double period build on the concepts covered in Biology A and B, with greater detail in content and with additional topics and laboratory investigations. An opportunity is provided for an independent research project. Biology AP double period A includes topics in unity of life, cellular energetics, and genetics, with additional instructional objectives. Biology AP double period B includes topics in diversity of life, scientific evolution, ecology, and behavior with additional instructional objectives. The sequence of topics within a semester is flexible. Biology A AP (double period) is a prerequisite for Biology B AP (double period). All advanced placement courses are in the honors program.

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Chemistry

Chemistry A & B

These elective courses emphasize a laboratory approach to problem solving as well as a body of basic knowledge. Enrollment requires either the attainment of the objectives of Algebra 2A and 2B, concurrent enrollment in these courses or counseling based on recommendations of past teachers and performance in science courses. Chemistry A topics include classification and organization of matter; atomic theory and periodicity, mole concept; heat and molecular motion; and chemical bonds and the properties of matter. Chemistry B includes thermodynamics; solutions and solubility; acids, bases, and salts; and oxidations-reduction and electro-chemistry. Students can take the course at the honors level.

Advanced Placement Chemistry A & B (Double Period)

These are double credit course that meet two class periods. This course is designed for the highly motivated student who wishes to achieve additional skills to ensure greater success in first-year chemistry at the college level. Topics of AP Chemistry are included, and the student may elect to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination and may qualify for college placement. In AP Chemistry, the emphasis is on problem solving, laboratory and organizational skills, independent study habits, and self-discipline while engaging in chemical investigations. In AP Chemistry A, the topics are atomic theory, chemical bonding, phases of matter, and solutions. In AP Chemistry B, the topics are types of reaction and equations, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics. During both semesters, there will be an emphasis on statistical treatment of data and laboratory methods. All advanced placement courses are in the honors program.

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Environmental Science

Environmental Science A & B

These courses explore ecological interactions through the systematic study of global realms, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Environmental Science A is an overview of ecosystems, energy flow, geology, chemical cycles, population studies, community dynamics, and pollution. Environmental Science B includes topics in land and water use, energy, food and natural resources, and populations.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science A & B

Environmental Science AP A and B are for highly motivated students with interest in interdisciplinary science. Environmental Science AP builds on concepts covered in Environmental Science, with greater detail in content and laboratory investigations. Students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement environmental science examination at the end of the course. Topics in Environmental Science AP include the interrelationships of the natural world and environmental problems, issues, and solutions

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Physics

Physics A &B

These are electives for students who wish to investigate physical laws and theories, relationships of physical phenomena, and the interrelationships of physics to other fields of human endeavor. Enrollment requires wither attainment of objectives of Algebra 2A and 2B, concurrent enrollment in these courses, or counseling based on recommendations of past teachers and performance in science courses. Physics includes these topics: vector mathematics, kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum. Physics B includes thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modem physics. Students can take the course at the honors level.

Advanced Placement Physics A & B

Advanced Placement Physics is a course for students who have shown special aptitude and interest in the physical sciences. The content and activities are college level and prepare interested students for the AP Physics Examinations. During AP Physics A, students examine the field of mechanics including vectors, kinematucs, particle dynamics, work, momentum, collisions, rigid body motion, gravitation and planetary motion, and oscillations. During AP Physics B, emphasis is placed on electricity and magnetism, including electric charge, Coulomb's Law, and electric field; Gauss' Law; electrical potential; capacitance and dielectrics; energy storage in capacitors; electric currents (circuits, energy, power); magnetic field (forces on moving charges and on current-carrying wires); Ampere's Law (integral form, applications, and the Biot-Savart Law); and electromagetic induction (Faraday's Law in integral form). All advanced placement courses are in the honors program.

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