Our AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Biology students utilize our boardwalks and wetland trails for many school projects. They might visit and identify the wildlife, test the water quality, or learn about the natural trees and plants in the area.

Students in AP Biology gain experience working with living organisms in the lab: yeast, crickets, mice, and fruit flies. This experience working with animal models has helped some students gain research positions in college laboratories. All species are treated ethically and honorably as they are studies.

It's a classic physics experience! Students taking Physics will figure out the best way to protect their egg when dropping it from various heights - including the lobby balcony!

Students in Genetics practice pipetting and gel electrophoresis. Their next lab will be using electrophoresis to determine the presence of the mutated gene which is the cause of sickle cell anemia. We love to see the hands-on work!

Students, individually, chose a genetic disorder and completed a scientific research paper and poster based on an overall question they wanted to answer.  These are just a few of the great works students completed.  

Individually or in groups, students researched four different microbes and the diseases they cause.  Students had to write a scientific paper and create an infographic poster on their microbes.  

Biology is the study of life and students will be introduced to major topics found within this field of science, such as biochemistry, cellular biology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, evolution, and ecology. The laboratory component brings hands-on experience to the students.

An advanced laboratory and activity-based course meant to introduce students to the principles and practices of medical microbiology. This course is the first of a three course sequence in the Biomedical/Biotechnology Pathway. This is an essential course for any student interested in a career in the life sciences such as Nursing, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Medicine, or Veterinary Science. Topics include: identification of microorganisms and the nature and behavior of microorganisms, a variety of analytical methods and benchtop techniques. The determination of how diseases are spread, their clinical features, laboratory data based diagnoses, and appropriate control measures will also be studied. Prerequisite: 75+ overall average in Biology CP or H.

This course deals with Chemistry and Atomic Theory from a practical point of view. Some topics include fire and the energy it exhibits, maple syrup and Gatorade as solutions you often use, acids and bases in the household, in your body, and in pools. This course is designed as an investigative, hands on, and activity-based journey into chemistry, including lectures and laboratory work. Prerequisite: Biology.

A study of the fundamental principles of land and marine ecology. Students study various ecosystems, habitats and environmental problems such as climate change, sustainability, and types of pollution.

A course for students interested in understanding how to apply the sciences to the criminal justice system. Students will learn about the history of forensic science, the process of fundamental investigation techniques; such as fingerprinting, fiber analysis, trace evidence analysis, blood spatters and blood sampling, and taught about proper collecting, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples in crime scene analysis. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and preferably Anatomy.

Designed for students interested in medicine/health, the course focuses on detailed coverage of the structure and functions of the human body and the injuries and diseases that affect each organ system. Major dissections are an essential part of the course. Prerequisite: Biology.

This course provides an essential Chemistry background for all AP Sciences. Chemistry is the study of matter and its relationship with energy. Topics include atomic structure, quantum mechanics, periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometry, the behavior of solids, liquids and gases on the molecular level, quantitative and qualitative aspects of chemical reactions, thermochemistry, solutions, acids and bases, and gas laws. Prerequisites: Biology.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics and shows how physics is applied to practical solutions. The course encourages comprehension of physics and scientific communication skills without the use of complex mathematics. The basic rules of the universe: force, motion, energy, light, sound, heat and the interior of the atom are covered through discussion and activity. Prerequisites: Chemistry.

Designed for students interested in the medical/health fields, students learn medical terminology, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation of sports injuries, emergency procedures, and basic first-aid. Practical skills include wrapping, basic first-aid and emergency procedures. Students have the opportunity to assist with the development and application of rehabilitation of St. Joseph High School athletes.

This course expands on topics from Modern Chemistry and covers nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, rates of reactions, thermodynamics and the involvement of chemistry in environmental and societal issues. Extensive laboratory work is required, including calculating and interpreting results based on quantitative data. Students will have the option to take the AP exam which will be administered in May. Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry and approval from the department chair.

This course investigates how humankind can become a better steward of the Earth and its resources. The course covers biodiversity, agriculture, water and air pollution, climate change, and fossil fuels versus renewable energy sources. Laboratory experiments and fieldwork are required. Students will have the option to take the AP exam which will be administered in May. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and approval from the department chair.

Honors Physics is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, designed to
be taught over a full academic year. The course covers kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, momentum, work, energy, and power; circular motion and rotation, oscillations, mechanical waves, fluids, and thermal physics. Students will develop the skills and intuition to solve college-level physics problems while applying their deep conceptual understanding of the content through inquiry labs Prerequisite: Chemistry.

ECE Biology 1107 is the first of a two-semester course that will introduce students to the foundational college concepts of biological system structure and function at the different hierarchical levels of living organisms. Topics will be explored from a microscopic perspective with molecular and physiological approaches as tools to help students understand how actions at the cellular level can be seen all the way up to the organismal level. Concepts will be studied through the weaving of high interest labs, engaging lectures, and analysis of real-world data in case studies. This course will offer engaging lab investigations and development and use of novel statistical analyses in the creation of scientific reports. Students who earn 75% or better in the course will earn UCONN credit for their effort.

ECE Biology 1108 is the second of a two-semester course that will introduce students to the foundational concepts of population, community, and ecosystem structure and function. Students will trace the evolution of life on Earth and define the processes of evolution that lead to the diversity of life. There will be a greater emphasis on simulations in evolution and data rich modeling work for populations. The Wetlands and Boardwalk will prove invaluable in the learning of ecosystem processes, while field monitoring techniques will help students to develop extensive data sets from which to expand upon in scientific reporting. Prerequisites: Chemistry and approval from the department chair.

Advanced Physics is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in calculus-based physics, including a laboratory component, designed to be taught over a full academic year. The course covers kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Prerequisites: Honors Physics, completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Calculus, and approval of the department chair.