STEM Physics students will explore and learn about motion and forces using vector mathematics.  Students will apply the laws of conservation of energy and momentum to solve challenging engineering problems.  Investigations in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics will enable students to build their own understanding of difficult physics concepts.  Students will design their own laboratory investigation to collect and analyze data as they work their way to success in understanding and quantifying vibrations.  Wave motion and sound explorations will introduce students to the fundamentals of waves.  Finally, electricity and magnetism will be studied independently and then intertwined to form the electromagnetic wave we know as light, itself.  The pace will be rapid and facilitated by a flipped classroom and independent learning where appropriate.  

STEM Biology

Investigations in Science and Biomimetics
This elective college preparatory course will focus on a variety of science themes (earth, physical, and biological) throughout the year with a recurring emphasis on the field of biomimetics.  Emphasis will be placed on individual and small group laboratory activities and outdoor educational opportunities including one or more field trips to local natural areas related to the course content.

This course extends the concepts learned in Algebra 1 and stresses applications and problem-solving. Topics include a quick review of Algebra 1 including expressions, equations, and order of operations. Then, an in-depth study of Algebra 2 is taught. These topics include graphing and writing linear equations and direct variation. Inequalities are studied including solving and graphing. For the first time, absolute value equations and inequalities are introduced and considered. Systems of linear equations are reviewed followed by a more in-depth analysis. Systems of linear inequalities are introduced and mastered. Quadratic equations and the various methods to solving them are explored followed by quadratic inequalities. From there, functions and relations are covered preparing the student for Trigonometry and Algebra 3

This course builds on the knowledge obtained in Advanced Algebra 1 or Algebra 1. This course begins with the study of analytic and coordinate geometry. Topics include a review of slope, determining an equation of a line, parallel and perpendicular lines, simplifying radicals and distance and midpoint formulas. A review of solving systems of equations is then covered. After this quick review of Algebra, the fundamentals of geometry are taught. Postulates for segments, angles, points, lines, and planes are introduced. Next, styles of proofs are studied followed by the properties of parallel lines. Triangles and their properties are studied in-depth along with their theorems. At this point, proofs are introduced. This abstract concept is then carried on throughout the remainder of the course. Polygons are studied exhaustively including identification of parts, classifying, theorems, properties, and proofs. Similarity is introduced and taught regarding triangles as well as right triangles. The course concludes with a comprehensive study of circles along with perimeter and area of polygons. Surface area and volume of three-dimensional figures are reviewed. Problem-solving strategies are introduced early on and carried throughout the course

At this grade level, the prescribed course of study in United States History deals primarily with the economic, political, social, and cultural growth of the United States from 1754 to 1877. This course also includes an examination of the theory of government inherent in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other historical documents as they relate to an understanding of our American heritage as well as their reflections in present-day America. Students will use current events to relate themes of the past with the present and increase their understanding of the influences of other nations on the United States. They will examine major conflicts, the settlement of western lands, and its impact on the growth and identity of this country. The Interpretation of Primary Documents, the accessing of prior knowledge, and utilization of recently learned materials will be combined to familiarize students with writing in the style of a certain historical period A strong emphasis will be on the development of reading comprehension skills as well as writing, speaking, and listening skills 

Tenth grade Social Studies requires the study of American History from Reconstruction to the Twenty-First Century. It focuses on different themes in history from Industrialization to the Present Day. Students will learn the economic, political, social, and cultural changes brought about in various time periods and how they relate to the growth and expansion of this great country. They will analyze the changing of American foreign policy from isolationist to interventionist. Readings, writings, and discussions will be used to examine in full the causes and effects of warfare on the United States with an emphasis on the home front and major battles home and abroad. The impact of minority groups and their changing roles and struggles in society will be explored along with the current events going on in our country and the world. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways both formal and informal through research papers, group discussion, and debate while meeting state standards that cross a variety of curriculums.

Students follow the previously explained criteria of Ninth Grade English, as they read, write, listen, speak, research, use technology, and participate in collaborative learning strategies at an accelerated rate. Integrated Language Arts becomes a solid holistic foundation for student exploration of literature. A variety of reading/writing experiences develop skills with cause-effect relationships, vocabulary development, and usage, critical thinking (concepts, content, composition). Analysis, synthesis, and problem solving techniques complement the reading-writing features of the course and become assimilated into student discussion.

Previous knowledge and skills continue to build with the Tenth Grade Advanced English Program. Reading American literature selections from numerous authors of our American heritage generates student ideas and written responses to literature. The Reader Response Journal, process writing assignments, and Writing Assessment complemented by writing instruction, with emphasis on revision strategies, synthesize a multiplicity of formats for student expression. Students study the various American Historical settings within the framework of the literature, similar to College Preparatory English.

The Advanced English Program reaches its zenith of quality with the senior study of world literature. Within a varied integrated language arts framework, students read authors from all ages in multicultural settings throughout the world: the East (Sumerian, Egyptian, and Hebrew); Asia (India, Chinese, and Japan); Classical (Greece, Roman); Europe (Middle Ages, Renaissance, Rationalism, Romanticism, and Realism); Twentieth Century (Modern and Contemporary)