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Science

 

 

The Science Department seeks to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes, which will enable each student to live as a responsible Christian in a constantly changing world.  Since the study of science involves the understanding and interpretation of basic ethical and moral values, science teachers have the responsibility to direct the development of each student physically, spiritually and socially.

The science curriculum is designed to satisfy the individual academic needs of students.  In following the appropriate sequence of courses, each student will develop an interest in, as well as an appreciation and respect for science and its applications.

All students are required to study three years of sciences.  For students interested in a scientific, medical engineering career, we advise study in all the basic sciences; namely, biology, chemistry and physics.  It is imperative for a science major to schedule as many upper level courses as possible so that in senior year an Honors Biology 2 or AP Chemistry would be appropriate.  Science majors are also strongly advised to schedule as many mathematics courses as possible to complement a good preparation for college.


BIOLOGY
This course, designed for the average student, presents a descriptive approach to modern biology.  The traditional aspects of biology are presented along with their laboratory investigations.  The following topics are covered: organization of living things, the chemical basis of life (biochemistry of organic molecules), the work of cells, plants, animals, human body, continuity of the organism and continuity of life.
HONORS BIOLOGY
The major subject matter covered in this course are: cell biology, the variety of living things, the relation between structure and function, metabolism and energy flow, homeostasis and the theory of evolution and genetic continuity.  The laboratory exercises involve the study of the variety of living forms.  This provides the opportunity for learning basic biology laboratory techniques.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is a course which covers the basic concepts of chemistry.  The concepts learned in class are reinforced by lab experiments giving students the opportunity to approach chemistry as an experimental science and also to verify basic principles.

Prerequisite: Present teacher approval is required.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
This course emphasizes a study of basic scientific principles through experimentation.  The understanding of scientific principles is fortified through discussion and problem solving.  A solid mathematical background is essential to success.

The course is designed for students who will be majoring in any science-related field in college; such as: medicine, nursing, chemistry, physics, engineering, or biology.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and teacher of course approval

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The theme of this environmental science course is "balance vs. imbalance; a balanced system survives, an imbalanced system is doomed to collapse".  The human situation in relation to the environment should be seen in this light.

The course can be generally broken down into the following topics:
  1. natural ecosystems and how they function
  2. population balances
  3. soil and water ecosystems and management
  4. pollution issues
  5. chemical pest control vs. natural methods of biological control
  6. conservation of natural ecosystems and species
  1. recycling
  2. solar and nuclear technology
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and Algebra 2 (which can be taken concurrently) 
PHYSICS
This course is designed to equip the student with a sound background in general physics.  Newtonian mechanics with applications, electricity and magnetism, optics and wave theory.  The course is ideal for those college-bound students interested in: pre-med, science, math, computer science, earth and mineral science.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra 2 (and teacher of course approval)

HONORS BIOLOGY 2
In this course the various aspects of biology are examined from the point of view of the features and problems shared by living things.  These range from molecular and cellular organization to their features of metabolism, responsiveness, reproduction, evolution, ecology, human anatomy, physiology and genetics.  Extensive lab work is involved.

This course is recommended for the student interested in majoring in biology, or some field of medicine, or related biological and medical fields such as medical technology, research and nursing.

Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry.  A final average of 85% in both Biology 1 and Chemistry, and teacher of course approval.
HONORS PHYSICS
This course is designed to prepare a student thoroughly for a career in physics, mathematics, chemistry or engineering.  Lab work is an integral part of the course.  Ability in mathematics is essential.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and 2, Trigonometry, Biology and Chemistry and teacher of course approval.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
This course serves the interest of the student who wishes to pursue college-level studies while still in high school.  It is open to both juniors and seniors.

The course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first year in college.  It differs qualitatively from the usual first secondary school course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical equations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of lab work done by the students.  Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by the student, and the nature and variety of experiments done in the lab, and the maturity and study demanded of the students.  Advanced Placement Test is a requirement.

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and teacher of course approval.

 

 

 

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