Science

Astronomy

Students learn to identify the major stars and constellations by study and observation. The fundamental concepts of astronomy include an overall introduction to astronomy, a brief history of astronomy, gravity and space travel, and planetary orbits. A study of telescopes, the nature of light, and how astronomers use telescopes to explore the universe is included. Major topics include the structure and processes of the sun and the characteristics and formation of various types of objects which make up the solar system. Students also learn the classifications and life cycles of stars as well as techniques used to measure their temperatures, distances, and motions.

Biology

Beginning with a study of basic living organisms, students discover how the human body functions, as well as the ecosystems that contain the life on this planet. Integration of labs with hands-on experiments is integrated into the course, as well as application of concepts from chemistry and physics into the lessons.  Students exploring this life science will conduct hands-on, inquiry-based experiments allowing students to experience the functions of life first hand.  The students will learn to design and conduct experiments on their own.  Through this course the students will gain a great understanding of life and living organisms.

Chemistry

Chemistry at TCPS is concerned with the nature of our physical world and seeks to explain how and why matter behaves as it does. Within the subject students will learn the inner workings of matter and how these dictate the properties of everything students come into contact with.  The students will learn how Chemistry relates to and affects their everyday life.  Students will also learn about reactions of chemicals, how to write equations describing these reactions, and will conduct laboratory experiments as well as creating their own experiments.

Criminology

This course concentrates in the area of forensic science.  It will increase students’ understanding of crime and the criminal justice system.  This class will learn how to locate, collect, and analyze evidence that will be used in a court of law.  They will learn how to identify the boundaries of a crime scene and understand the principles of searching the crime scene for specific types of evidence, such as fingerprints and forensic identifiable material.

Environmental Science (Advanced Placement)

Environmental Science AP is a rigorous college level science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis, and includes a laboratory and field investigation component.  The course provides students with the scientific concepts and methodologies necessary to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, and to examine solutions for correcting and preventing these problems. Specific topics include air and water quality, energy resources, mining, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and biodiversity.  The course is interdisciplinary by nature, and while primarily focused on the sciences, also includes connections to computer applications, politics, economics, law, philosophy, and ethics.  Students are expected to take the College Board AP examination in May.

Physics

Students taking Physics at TCPS will gain an understanding of the physical world around them.  Students will apply concepts learned through lecture, text readings, and demonstrations to laboratory experiments to gain a deep understanding of physics and how it affects their everyday lives.  Students are also encouraged to design their own experiments based on the lessons learned during class lectures.   This junior/senior level class will enable students to think scientifically, preparing them for success in college sciences.

Zoology

Zoology deals with the external characteristics of animals. Topics include identification and classification of animals starting with the lower level animals up to the higher orders, animal behavior, living environments, and basic comparative anatomy (mainly skeletal).