SCIENCE DEPARTMENT:
The Science Department focuses instruction so that students will:
· Apply the scientific method to pose questions and generate solutions.
· Speak accurately about key concepts of the life and physical sciences.
· Relate scientific knowledge to societal, ecological, and political issues and how it relates to Catholic teaching.
· Collect and interpret scientific information.
· Use graphs and tables to answer questions and generate solutions.
· Use technology properly, such as the internet to research scientific information and collect scientific data.
Requirement for graduation is 3 credits. The college bound student should take a minimum of three years of science (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and one of the senior level courses). The student who is not college bound should take Integrated Science, Basic Biology, and possibly, Physical Science.
1700 Integrated Science (Grade 9; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
Integrated science is designed to acquaint the non-college bound student with the major areas of science: matter and energy, earth and soil formation, weather patterns, astronomy and some areas of life science. Laboratory work and other “hands-on’ activities are used to demonstrate the concepts presented.
Prerequisite: None
1707 Earth Science (Grades 9-10; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
Earth science is the study of the atmosphere, universe, oceans, and the dynamics that form our crust. This class is designed to give an introduction into the field of earth science through lecture and laboratory activities and help the student in his/her understanding of the concepts of physical and life science as well as ecology. The course is designed for freshmen and sophomores with good reading ability.
Prerequisite: None
1701 Basic Biology (Grade 10; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
Basic Biology is designed to provide the student with a study of living things on a more practical level. Topics included are use of the microscope, study of the cell, consumer science, nutrition, animal groups, systems of the human body, genetics, evolution, plants, and ecology. There is a variety of laboratory work included for each topic.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science or instructor’s approval.
1702 Biology (Grade 10; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
Biology is designed to provide the student with a detailed study of the cell, use of the microscope, systems of the body, the animal phyla, internal structure of plants, heredity, evolution, and ecology. There is a variety of laboratory work included for each topic. Biology is geared for the average to above-average student.
Prerequisite: Algebra or Instructor’s approval
1703 Physical Science (Grade 11; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
Physical science is designed for those students who want a third year of science, but who do not want to go into the disciplines of Chemistry and Physics. The course will cover the many aspects of matter and energy, chemical reactions, forces and motion, wave motion and the electromagnetic nature of matter. Throughout the course, the impact of science and technology on daily living is stressed. Laboratory work is included.
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in Life Science or instructor’s approval
1704 Chemistry (Grades 11-12; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
A basic study of the fundamentals of inorganic and organic chemistry. For the student who will go on to college, this will be a strong foundation for further study of chemistry. The student who will take no more chemistry will receive a basic understanding of the world around him. The course is structured with lecture and laboratory work.
Prerequisite: B or above in Algebra IA, B or above in Biology, and permission of the Biology instructor.
1705 AP Physics (Grade 12; 2 semesters; 1 credit). This course provides an intensive, mathematically based study of the laws and principles that govern the universe. This course covers two-semesters of college-level physics and is designed to prepare students interested in the fields of physics and engineering. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and critical thinking. Topics include: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light and optics, and modern physics. Class places strong emphasis on both lecture and laboratory components. Students will have the opportunity to take this course dual-enrollment through Lincoln University and earn college credit. This course is also designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics B or Physics C examinations.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or strong recommendation from Algebra II with Trigonometry instructor.
1708 A.P. Biology/
Similar to Advanced Biology. This course requires more reading and critical thinking. Students have the option of taking the course for college credit through Lincoln University.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and permission of A.P. Biology Instructor
1709 Physics (Grades 11-12; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
For the student who wants a third (or fourth) year of science, this course provides a basic study of the fundamentals of physics, presented over two semesters. It is designed to be an investigational course, combining theory and practical application through lectures, laboratories, and interactive demonstrations. Topics include mechanics, states of matter, waves and lights, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. This course is designed to be less rigorous than AP Physics and would be especially useful for those with an interest in science or science-related fields other than physics and engineering.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, or dual enrollment in Chemistry and Physics.
1710 Chemistry II (Grades 11-12;1 sem.; 1/2 credit)
Chemistry II is a continuation of the college-prep study of Chemistry begun in Chemistry. Topics include, but are not limited to, thermochemistry, qualitative and quantitative analysis of common aqueous metallic ions, redox considerations, complex ions, entropy relationships, aqueous equilibria systems, and some organic chemistry. Prerequisite: Strong B or better in Chemistry.
1711 Zoology (Grades 11-12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Zoology is a one semester course designed as a survey of the nine major phyla of the Kingdom Animalia. Course content focuses on morphology, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of respective animals. The course includes laboratory observation and dissection of selected representative specimens.
Prerequisite: Minimum of a “C” in Basic Biology, passing grade in Biology, or instructor’s approval.
1712 Environmental Science (Grades 11-12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Are you a responsible steward of the Earth? Environmental Science is a laboratory science course that enables students to develop an understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solution s for resolving and/or preventing them. Students will explore environmental science concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Concepts explored in this course include: water and land resources, energy resources and consumption, pollution and waste issues, human population, earth systems, global change, and civic responsibility.
Prerequisite: Minimum of a “C” in Basic Biology, passing grade in Biology, or instructor’s approval
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