Renaissance High School Science Department

Renaissance Science department offers a variety of science classes to meet the needs of today’s students in qualifying for the next level – college. Classes offered are Next Generation Science Standards, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Forensic science, AP Biology, AP chemistry AP Physics, AP environmental science.

Science Department Offerings

This is a college preparatory course introducing the student to the study of chemistry. Chemistry is a cumulative science. The information provided in this course will be the basis for further study in chemistry. Students will be exposed to the scientific method, and will be encouraged to apply this logic in areas outside of chemistry as well as within it. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to: increase their understanding in quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills; read, write and talk about chemistry, using basic chemical vocabulary; write routine chemical formulas and equations; visualize selected models of the atom and molecule, and the changes that occur in a Chemical reaction; become familiar with laboratory operations, equipment, and safety procedures.

Recommendation required course. Robotics is a course designed to help students understand the engineering behind building robots. Students will learn mechanical and computer engineering skills. Students will build a robot to compete in the FIRST Robotics competitions. Students will need to allot time after school and on weekends some days to work on the robot.

This is a college preparatory course introducing the student to the study of environmental science. It is a one semester course that explores the topics on the interactions of humans, other living organisms, and the environment.

This is a college preparatory course introducing the student to the study of forensic science. It is a one semester course that explores topics seen frequently in popular television shows as well as techniques in many career fields.

Anatomy and physiology is an in-depth discussion and laboratory-based study of the human body. The scope of study will range from the structures and functions of molecules and cells to tissues, organs, and body systems. Our assignments will include hands on experiments, dissections, class demonstrations, reading text, journal entries, hypothesizing and testing, evaluation, cooperative group work, peer evaluation, and ancillary technology support. This course is designed for college preparation, especially for biology and health career majors. (Level 1 course)This is a college preparatory course introducing the student to the study of forensic science. It is a one semester course that explores topics seen frequently in popular television shows as well as techniques in many career fields.

Recommendation required course Students that enter this course should have successfully completed one year of Biology and 1 year of Chemistry. This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general Biology course usually taken during the first year of college. In order to assure success, regular attendance and participation in class is mandatory. Students are expected to come to class on time everyday prepared and ready to work once class begins. It is recommended that students spend between 1 to 2 hours reading and studying Biology each evening. The class is designed to motivate students who have an interest in taking the AP Biology Exam.

Recommendation required course – Students entering this course should have successfully completed a year of chemistry I. This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with a clarity and logic. This course is designed for motivated students who have an interest in science. The students are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam at the end of the course.

Recommendation required course. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course.

Recommendation required course Physics C: Mechanics will provide deeper instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Students will use calculusskills to prepare them for the AP Physics C exam to earn credit in introductory, college level physics.

Will provide deeper instruction in each of the following five content areas: electrostatics; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Students will use calculus skills to prepare them for the AP Physics C exam toearn credit in introductory, college level physics.

The students are required to take one of the AP Physics Exams at the end of the course.