Science
The Science Department stresses the student-centered focus of Catholic education. The student is viewed in the context of his/her relationships to God, others, nature and to self. Through the integration of science and Catholic doctrine, the student is provided with the values and skills needed to internalize these relationships. Courses that offer skills and literacy are offered. Such diversity strengthens the student’s self-reliance in meeting present demands and future job opportunities. The coordination of lecture and laboratory work establishes an atmosphere characterized by order and structure while simultaneously providing the necessary freedom for the student to develop inner direction and self-discipline. Since the principal aim of science is truth as revealed by God through man and nature, it follows that science education is an integral part of the curriculum.
Curriculum
412 Physical Science Track 2- Grade 9- 2 semesters –1 credit
This is an introductory course which studies chemical and physical properties of matter, forms of energy, and the laws of motion. The development of laboratory skills is essential to this course.
413 Physical Science Track 3- Grade 9- 2 semesters –1 credit
This is an introductory course which studies chemical and physical properties of matter, forms of energy, and the laws of motion. The development of laboratory skills is essential to this course.
421 Biology Honors- Grade 9- 2 semesters –1 credit
This course in introductory biology includes discussion of cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, microbiology, botany and zoology, ecology, and evolution. Students are instructed in the use of instruments and techniques in laboratory investigation. Emphasis is placed on analysis of data and formulation of logical conclusions.
Prerequisites: CAT scores showing high ability in the sciences and math.
422 Biology Track 2- Grade 10- 2 semesters –1 credit
This course is designed as an introduction to the science of living things. It includes studies of cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, microbiology, botany and zoology, ecology, and evolution. A particular emphasis on the practical applications of laboratory work is made.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physical Science Track 2 and Algebra 1 and recommendation of prior teacher.
423 Biology Track 3- Grade 10- 2 semesters –1 credit
This course is designed as a laboratory course surveying the fundamental concepts of biology. Practical laboratory work is integrated with classroom work in cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, botany and zoology, ecology, evolution, and basic biochemical processes.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physical Science Track 3 and Algebra 1 Track 3 and recommendation of prior teacher.
431 Chemistry Honors- Grade 10- 2 semesters –1 credit
This course stresses chemical theory and the quantitative aspects of chemistry. Basic chemical principles, laboratory experiences, research, and descriptive chemistry are the focal points in this course. Students are expected to further develop their skills in experimental observation, organization and use of data, and problem-solving. A research report based on student experimentation is required in this course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Biology and Honors Algebra 1, recommendation of prior teacher and approval of the chairperson.
432 Chemistry- Track 2- Grade 11 -2 semesters –1 credit
This is a college preparatory course in laboratory chemistry. Quantitative and theoretical aspects of chemistry are stressed. Understanding of chemical concepts and laboratory investigation are integral components of this course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology Track 2 and Geometry Track 2, recommendation of prior teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Track 2
433 Chemistry- Track 3- Grade 11/12 –2 semesters –1 credit
This course surveys the basic chemical concepts such as matter, atomic structure, formulas and changes. Mathematics skills are essential, but not as in the Track 2 version of this class.
Co-requisites: Successful completion of Biology Track 3 and Geometry Track 3, recommendation of prior teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
Co-requisite: Algebra 2 Track 3; Physical Science
441 Physics- Honors- Grade 11/12 –2 semesters –1 credit
This course is designed to provide the student with active and significant participation in laboratory activities in addition to formal classroom work. It provides the student with a basic foundation in the concepts of physics as delineated in the curriculum. Students are expected to solves problems quantitatively and also to develop an understanding of practical applications in science.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry Track 1 and Trigonometry/PreCalculus Track 1 or Algebra 2 Track 1, recommendation of prior teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
442 Physics- Track 2- Grade 11/12 –2 semesters –1 credit
This course is designed to provide the student with active and significant participation in laboratory activities in addition to formal classroom work. It provides the student with a basic foundation in the concepts of physics as delineated in the curriculum. Students are expected to solves problems quantitatively and also to develop an understanding of practical applications in science.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry Track 2 and Trigonometry/PreCalculus Track 2 or Algebra 2 Track 2, recommendation of prior teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
Co-requisite: Trigonometry
442 Environmental Science- Track 2- Grade 11/12 -2 semesters –1 credit
This course is designed for the science student who needs the required third year of a science or who wishes to take a fourth-year science. The course expands on the scientific knowledge and concepts learned in Physical Science and Biology, and integrates them with current environmental issues and concerns.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Science Track 2, 3 and Biology Track 2, 3.
444 Anatomy and Physiology – Track 2 – Grade 11/12 – 2 semesters – 1 credit
This course is a study of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. Laboratory exercises include appropriate experiments, demonstrations, and dissections to illustrate each section studies. The course is challenging, requiring serious work from the student.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics on a Track 1 or Track 2 level; recommendation of teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
445 Biology AP- Grade 11/12- 2 semesters –1 credit
In this college-level Biology course, students are expected to integrate practical laboratory work with classroom work in accordance with the College Entrance Examination Board for Advanced Placement Biology. Students are prepared for the AP Examination in Biology.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Biology and Chemistry and an Honors Mathematics course, recommendation of prior teacher, and approval of the chairperson.
