The course is focused on physics concepts and methods. Students will be solving problems utilizing the processes of technicians, engineers, and scientists. The students test hypotheses, apply conceptual understanding, conduct experiments, design and modify models, test and assess improvements, and analyze results. The students utilize data acquisition and analysis skills to formulate decisions and draw conclusions. The physics program employs a project-based inquiry approach to learning the concepts and applications of physics.

Honors Physics is a course designed to prepare students for advanced studies in the sciences in a career-related field. A general outline of the topics includes mechanics (kinematics & dynamics), harmonic motion, waves, optics, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Experimental processes will be examined in a more detailed manner. Honors Physics utilizes mathematics, including Algebra II and Trigonometry, on a regular basis and students selecting this course of study must be proficient in an advanced mathematics class.

The curriculum has been developed to cover the material of an introductory college physics course. The study of mechanics includes the description of motion, the analysis of motion using Newton’s laws, and the application of the three major conservation laws to a wide range of systems. Familiarity with differential calculus is assumed, and all the topics studied will make use of this level of math. Calculus is embedded in the second semester topics.

The curriculum has been developed to cover the material of an introductory college physics course. The study of electricity and magnetism includes the description of the motion of charges and currents using electric and magnetic fields and potentials. Topics covered include electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and waves. Familiarity with differential and integral calculus is assumed, and all the topics studied will make use of this level of math.

In this course, students use mathematical models to examine the basic principles of composition and interaction of matter: atomic structure, kinetic molecular theory, the mole, stoichiometry, reaction types, equilibrium, chemical kinetics, gas laws, and energy transfers. Teaching strategies focus on the cumulative connection of concepts, quantitative analytical problem-solving skills, study skills, use of the scientific method, and proper experimental techniques. Experiments are conducted on a regular basis to reinforce the connections between the mathematical models and concepts presented in class.

Chemistry students examine the composition and interaction of matter and energy. Teaching strategies focus on the cumulative connection of concepts, quantitative analytical problem solving, inferential problem solving, use of the scientific method, and proper experimental techniques. Experiments illustrate and reinforce the concepts and mathematics learned. While going in depth and covering more advanced topics in chemistry, honors students are expected to learn at an increased pace, held to higher standards, and are given a greater degree of academic freedom and responsibility.

After a brief review of important concepts from Honors Chemistry, this course will focus on advanced topics in preparation for college level courses. The first semester will introduce thermodynamics, reaction rates, equilibrium, and oxidation reduction chemistry , and nuclear chemistry. The second semester will focus more on organic chemistry, nomenclature, organic reactions, and organic synthesis.
This will be a lab-based course where you will learn advanced lab techniques such as distillation and purification, gas chromatography, UV-Vis spectroscopy and organic synthesis. The pace will be fast and outside reading/notes, using a flipped classroom, help create more lab time and problem-solving explanations.

The biology curriculum is based around the essential questions, “What is life?” and “How do living organisms function individually and within their respective environments?” Topics that are covered in this course include biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell energetics, genetics, protein synthesis, biotechnology, evolution, and biodiversity. Each unit is designed to cover a series of concepts and theories and is accompanied by hands-on lab work allowing students to see the material they are studying in action. Throughout the study of biology, students will acquire knowledge that will enable them to confront a variety of scientific questions that affect their daily lives and the future of the natural world.

This course includes an in-depth study of a range of topics including the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, evolutionary processes, energetics, biotechnology, classification, and ecology. Laboratory investigations play an integral role in the course. Students will be introduced to experimental design with an emphasis on the acquisition of specific skills that include writing and speaking effectively, statistical analysis, and problem solving.

The Honors Seminar in Biology curriculum has been developed to cover the material of an introductory college biology course. Topics are covered in great depth, laboratory experiments are complex, and the time and effort required of students is significant. This course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

Designed for the student that is interested in the amazing world of plants. This class will introduce students to plant anatomy, plant identification, economic botany, plant ecology and more. Students will spend time in the lab and outdoors on campus and at local parks. Students will participate in discussions of current research in the field, create oral presentations on special topics, write lab reports, and make a plant collection.

Designed for a student who is interested in the marine environment, this course focuses on marine life and the issues surrounding it. It is a project-based class aimed at self-directed learning. Confident swimmers will be able to explore the marine environment first-hand on class snorkeling trips, as we take several snorkeling trips to observe environments firsthand. These trips include seining with Florida Fish and
Wildlife and FAU Pine Jog, snorkeling Blue Heron Bridge and the Florida Keys, and several others.

Students who are curious about how their bodies function or are interested in a career in the medical field will enjoy this in-depth look at the structures and functions of the human body. Students will engage in experimentation, dissection, and research projects designed to enhance their understanding of the human condition. This course will challenge students’ critical thinking skills as they develop a longstanding appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the human body.

AVIATION 101
This is the first of a six-semester elective program in which students will be introduced to aviation, aeronautical, and aerospace science. Taught as a project-based class, this introductory course will study the history of flight, physics of flight, aircraft systems, engines, instruments, air traffic control procedures, and weather. Included in the course are several field trips to local airports and IFLY along with guest lessons from local pilots and aeronautics engineers. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through approximately five hours in a full-motion Cessna 172 flight simulator.
 

AVIATION 201
In this project-based course, students will study the history of the space program, satellites, rocketry, human physiology and space flight. We will learn about careers in this industry and possibly take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Students will continue their flight training in the flight simulator over the semester.
 

AVIATION 301
Aviation 301 will cover the physics of flight to a much deeper level than Aviation 101 and 201, using mathematical formulas to determine lift, thrust, drag coefficients, and surface area to weight ratios. We will begin the process by developing engineering skills through short-term projects and experiments. The focus is to develop the skills of would-be pilots and engineers. Topics such as electrical systems, airport security, and airport design will also help students prepare for the next step in becoming a pilot.
 

AVIATION 401
In this course, the emphasis will be on aeronautical and aerospace engineering. Students will learn to classify aircraft by type, explore UAS (Drones) and learn about air density and how it affects airplane performance. We will also learn about the four forces of flight, aircraft stability and design characteristics.
 

AVIATION 501
This course teaches a student the fundamentals of cross-country flying, which includes planning a route of flight, navigating a route of flight, interpreting aviation weather reports/maps, and preparing the aircraft’s weight and balance. Students will obtain approximately 10 hours in a Cessna 172 full motion simulator, and by the end of the course should be able to perform a solo flight in the simulator without instructor input. This course is by recommendation only.
 

AVIATION 601
Aviation 601 will expose students to actual FAA test questions that they can expect to see on the Private Pilot Knowledge test. This course is suited for those students pursuing an aviation career and may already be in flight training. Topics will include Weather Theory as it applies to Aviation, Weather Services available to pilots, pre-flight planning, airport operations including Airport markings and signs, traffic pattern procedures and ATC communications. We will also review the different types of aeronautical charts pertinent to aviators.

ASTRONOMY - SOLAR SYSTEM
Astronomy, the study of the universe, was the first science, and it remains a cutting-edge and viable research discipline even today. In the first semester, we study the solar system from the Sun to the Kuiper belt and everything in between. Through it all we ask, where do we come from and where are we going?

ASTRONOMY - EVOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSE
In the second semester, we look at cosmology, the study of the cosmos. We study diverse types of galaxies and black holes, pulsars, quasars, gamma-ray bursts, and other denizens of the universe.

Designed for the adventurous outdoor-loving student in mind! This course covers the major Florida ecosystems and some pressing local environmental issues while helping students develop their research skills. Students go on multiple field trips to explore the local parks, refuges, and preserves of South Florida. Throughout the semester, students perform hands-on field projects to collect data, all while
helping local organizations capture answers to pressing environmental questions.

This course introduces the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by studying real-world applications past, present, and future. It also addresses the fundamental social and technical issues raised by the existence and pursuit of AI by humanity. This course will treat the subject from a variety of viewpoints and methods, including historical survey and discussion of ethical implications, both historical and hypothetical. This course will include some basic programming and hands-on technical projects. It is meant to provide exposure to the subject with less emphasis on math skills.