Introduction to Computer Science

The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to major computer science concepts and vocabulary. This class will cover the uses of computers in all areas of human endeavor from school to the sciences to instant around-the-world communication to big data and computer aided design. During the first semester, students will learn to write web pages. The second semester is devoted to mastering the Python programming language. This combination of computer skills will prepare the students for further study at the AP and college levels.

AP Computer Science

In this course, students will learn the Java programming language to solve problems in computer science, languages, the sciences, the social sciences, and other areas of human endeavor as preparation for the AP Computer Science Exam. Java includes all the key elements used in every major programming language: variables, conditionals, iteration, and classes. It trains students in object-oriented programming, a key technique used by professional programmers world-wide. Mastering Java prepares students to learn any other computer programming language.

Psychology

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to studies of human behavior and mental processes. Students will become familiar with facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology ranging from social psychology to the biological basis of behavior. Students will develop critical thinking skills, learn psychological research skills, study the ethical standards applied in psychology, learn to respect each other’s perspectives, and apply and recognize psychological principles encountered in everyday situations.

AP Psychology

This course introduces students to studies of human behavior and mental processes. As a comprehensive first-year college course, students will become familiar with facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology ranging from social psychology to the biological basis of behavior.

General Science

This course will give a basic understanding of motion, force, work, heat, energy and power, sound and light waves, electricity and magnetism, and outer space. Participation in basic labs will expose the students to the Periodic Table, atoms, states of matter, elements and compounds, acid and base chemicals, types of Chemical Reactions and Gas Laws, and the solubility of fats and solids.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a laboratory-based science designed to integrate all three core sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology) along with technology, mathematics, history, political science, psychology, and law in the context of crime scene investigation and analyzation of physical evidence. Students will learn and apply scientific theory and practical skills required of a forensic specialist. Topics include but are not limited to hair and fibers, botany, fingerprints, DNA, blood spatter, toxicology, forgery and counterfeiting, entomology, anthropology, glass, casts and impression, and firearms and ballistics. Students will learn how to collect, preserve, and analyze physical evidence such as fingerprints, soil samples, DNA, fibers, blood spatter patterns, and most importantly, photographic evidence. Process skills include making observations, taking photographs, collecting and analyzing evidence (data), lab safety, technical reading, comparative analysis, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, forming logical fact-based conclusions, and effectively communicating findings. Project-based learning through laboratory investigations and capstone projects along with in-class discussion and lecture will serve as the main method of content delivery.

Financial Math

Financial Mathematics is a course that focuses on math applications in the real world. Math skills needed to survive as an intelligent and financially responsible consumer in today’s society will be developed in this course. This math course not only reinforces basic fundamental skills needed to function in everyday consumer situations, but is designed to develop an understanding of these concepts as well. Students learn and develop an understanding of skills such as buying a car, buying a home, bank services, savings and investing. Topics include the value of money, credit and debit cards, banking and bank accounts, building personal credit, and various types of loans and major purchases.

Economics

This course explores Economics as the science of choice. People make countless decisions every day, and economics attempts to explain the reasoning behind these decisions through the perspective of individuals, firms, as well as the government. Complex concepts such as supply and demand, price controls, profitability, and government regulation in terms of understandable real-world situations will be addressed.

AP Microeconomics

This is a rigorous college-level course introducing students to fundamental economic principles as they apply to small economic systems, such as individual businesses and firms. There is a major emphasis on understanding supply and demand, details and models of the major different types of market structures, and how the government plays a role in the functioning of markets. The course will begin with basic economic concepts and move to the functions and operations of the free market economies; the market system; product and resource markets; government activities and the effects on market mechanisms; types of firms and their market functions; and, international economics and the world economy. Students must be comfortable with graphing concepts, as much of the instruction and analysis will be based on graphs.

AP Macroeconomics

This is a rigorous college-level course to introduce students to fundamental economic principles as they apply to large economic systems. There is a strong emphasis on understanding national income and price levels and gaining familiarity with common financial systems. Students will study basic economic concepts, the operation of national economies and economic tools used to measure economic performance, economic policies impacting national outputs and price levels, and government policies affecting national economies.