Science Classes
FRESHMAN PHYSICS H #410
LEVEL: 9
HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra Honors #210 or Algebra I Honors #220
This course is designed to provide information on the fundamental concepts of physics. This inquiry-based course covers unifying principles such as: mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on understanding conceptual physics while strengthening scientific skills and mathematical application. Students examine and analyze physics through application of honors level algebra. This course is for the honors math student aiming toward Chemistry HonorsàHonors Biology. This sequence will also allow students the background and opportunity for upper level AP sciences. The Physics First Honors course is excellent preparation for college entrance exams.
FRESHMAN PHYSICS #411
LEVEL: 9
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $60.00
Prerequisite:Concurrent enrollment in Algebra I #222 or Algebra I #224
Physics is fundamental to all other sciences. This conceptually based laboratory course in physics is for the student concurrently taking regular level Algebra. This course will allow the student to investigate topics such as: force, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound and light. The emphasis of this course will be to expose the student to the principles underlying the physics of everyday phenomena. Physics First is excellent preparation for Chemistry, Biology and college entrance exams.
CHEMISTRY H #415
LEVEL: 10
HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Completion of Freshman Physics #410; and minimum grade of 86% in Honors Algebra I #220; and signature of current Science teacher
This is a laboratory course designed for students needing a thorough background for further work in science. Course topics include measurement, atomic theory and structure, matter and energy, gas laws, bonding, solutions, acids, bases, pH, redox reactions, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and methods of analysis.
CHEMISTRY #416
LEVEL: 10
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $60.00
Prerequisites: Completion of Physics #411; and signature of current Science teacher
This course is offered for college bound students developing science skills and practical life applications of Chemistry. Topics include matter and energy, types of chemicals and their reactions, atomic theory and structure, solutions, acids and bases, pH, chemical equations, oxidation-reduction, bonding, nuclear chemistry, and biochemistry. This course will aim to build upon the students’ science skills and knowledge from physics while preparing students with the foundation for the upperclassmen biology course.
BIOLOGY H #420
LEVEL: 11
HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: PLAN score of 21 or above in READING test; and successful completion of Sophomore Chemistry and Freshman Physics; and minimum of 86% achievement in Honors English; and signature of current Science teacher
This inquiry-based course covers six unifying principles: organization, interdependence, continuity, change development, and equilibrium. Biological concepts will include macromolecules, cells, energy, human body, genetics, biotechnology, classification, evolution, and ecology. Due to the extensive vocabulary required in this course, it is essential that students have advanced skills in reading comprehension, writing, spelling, and rapid memorization. Students will be expected to continually draw upon newly acquired foundational knowledge to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate biological issues.
BIOLOGY #421
LEVEL: 11
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Completion of Sophomore Chemistry and Freshman Physics; and signature of current Science teacher
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of living organisms. The course will build upon the foundation of science knowledge and skills students have attained in Physics and Chemistry.
In this course, students will examine and analyze biological problems that surface in today’s society. Biological topics will include cells, transport, energy, genetics, evolution, classification, and ecology. Emphasis will be placed upon independence of structure and function.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY #422
LEVEL: 12 HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $30.00
Prerequisites: Minimum of 86% average in Biology #421 or minimum of 76% average in Biology #420; and minimum of 86% average in Chemistry #431; and signature of current Science teacher
This laboratory course is offered for students who have an interest in a health field career and/or who want to increase their understanding of the human body. It includes a detailed study of the structure and function of the organ systems of the human body. The emphasis in this course focuses on the normal human condition. Because of the large number of anatomical terms, students are required to memorize quickly and spell well.
ASTRONOMY - FALL #423
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER (Offered Fall 2011)
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Science and completion or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry; and signature of Science teacher
This course explores the inner solar system into deep space. With a hands-on approach, students will investigate the constellations, sun, moon, and planets of our solar system. Students will become familiar with different types of telescopes during both the day and evening observations.
ASTRONOMY - SPRING #424
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER (Offered Spring 2012)
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Science and completion or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry; and signature of Science teacher
This course explores outside our solar system into deep space. With a hands-on approach, students will investigate stars, deep space objects such as planetary nebulae and the formation of the universe.
Students will become familiar with different types of telescopes during both day and evening observations. It may be taken independently of Fall
Astronomy or in conjunction with Fall Astronomy to complete a full year of Astronomy.
BOTANY #425
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER (Offered 2012-2013)
Prerequisites: Minimum of 76% in Biology #421; and signature of Science teacher
In this laboratory course, students study plant structure and function along with the origin and development of the basic plant structures: roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. The students analyze green plants and their importance as a group of living organisms. Why flowers bloom at certain times of the year, how plants survive in harsh environments, and the economic values of plants are some of the topics covered in this course.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE #426
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER (Offered 2012-2013)
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of Science; and signature of Science teacher
Environmental Science is a laboratory science course involving the scientific impact of conditions on the earth's environment. The course provides background for making balanced judgments on environmental issues and helps prepare students to heed the Church's call for justice and responsible stewardship of Earth's resources.
ZOOLOGY #427
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Science; and signature of Science teacher
This course provides the student with an opportunity to acquire an advanced-level knowledge of animal life. Emphasis is on the comparative approach and involves extensive dissection of representative animal species. Use of the classification system to gain understanding of similarities and differences in organisms is required.
An analysis of the importance of genetics and ecological pressure shaping environmental fitness and survival is emphasized.
GEOSCIENCE #428
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER (Offered 2012-2013)
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of Science; and signature of current Science teacher needed
This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore earth processes. Topics for study include earth materials, shaping and changing land, oceanography, earth history, and atmosphere.
CHEMISTRY #431
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum of 76% average in Biology; minimum of 76% average in Physical Science; and signature of current Science teacher
This course is offered for students who are college bound but who are not choosing Science as their major. This is a laboratory course designed for those interested not only in the principles involved, but also in how chemistry affects their daily lives. Topics include concepts of matter and energy, types of chemicals and their reactions, atomic theory and structure, solutions, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, pH, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry.
PHYSICS II #437
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Completion of Physics; and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra #210, #240, #241; and signature of Physics teacher. Those who have taken or are currently enrolled in AP Physics #465 would not be allowed to enroll in this class.
This course will allow students to build upon their foundation from the first Physics class while expanding their use of mathematical applications, experimentation, and higher level thinking skills. Physics topics will focus upon electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Students in this course will strengthen their study and science skills, working toward Math and Science literacy.
AP CHEMISTRY #440
LEVEL: 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II #241; and minimum of 86% average in Chemistry Honors #430; and signature of chemistry teacher.
This is an advanced, college-level course elected by students who wish a second year of chemistry. Course content includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, solids, liquids and gases, thermochemistry, solutions, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics. This course includes a heavy laboratory emphasis. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement test.
AP BIOLOGY #450
LEVEL: 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum of 86% average in both Biology #421 and Honors Chemistry #430; and signature of Biology and Chemistry teachers. Completion or concurrent enrollment in Biotechnology is strongly recommended.
This is an advanced, college-level course elected by students who wish a second year of Biology. Course content includes the structure and function of cells, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, classification, structure and physiology of plants, animals and microorganisms, ecology and behavior. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement test.
UPPERCLASSMEN PHYSICS HONORS #460
LEVEL: 12
HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum of 76% average in Chemistry Honors #430 or minimum of 93% in Chemistry #431; and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Honors #240 or higher; and signature of Chemistry teacher; and signature of current Math teacher.
This is a laboratory class intended for students in honors level mathematics. This course is a survey of physics, including topics such as mechanics, waves, sound, light, elementary atomic and nuclear physics, electricity and magnetism. Problem solving and applications of honors level mathematics will be stressed.
UPPERCLASSMEN PHYSICS #461
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum of 76% average in Chemistry #431; and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II #241 or higher; and signature of Chemistry teacher; and signature of current Math teacher.
This course surveys the range of general physics. Topics will include Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, wave properties, sound, light, electrostatics, and electricity and magnetism. Students will also learn problem solving and math skills as they apply to physics.
AP PHYSICS #465
LEVEL: 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum of 86% average in Chemistry Honors #430; and minimum of 86% average in Algebra II Honors #240 or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus/Trig #250; and signature of Chemistry teacher; and signature of current Math teacher.
This is a physics laboratory class intended for students interested in majoring in Engineering, Science or Mathematics. Students interested in applications of honors level mathematics to Science will also benefit. Topics include mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, thermodynamics, nuclear physics and magnetism. Problem solving will be stressed. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement test.
BIOTECHNOLOGY #466
LEVEL: 11-12
HONORS
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
LAB FEE: $30.00
Prerequisites: Minimum of 86% average in Chemistry #431 or completion of Chemistry #430; and completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology #420; and signature of current Science teacher.
This course is designed to introduce students to areas and concepts involved in Biotechnology. It will focus on DNA, DNA technology, gene therapy, the Human Genome Project, forensics, genetically modified organisms, stem cells, cloning, fundamental and ethical issues of Biotechnology. The potential benefits and negative consequences of biotechnology applications to the lives of humans and other animals, plants and to the environment will be explored. In addition, students will learn to apply scientific methods of study and concepts through research and hands-on experiments.
SCIENCE RESEARCH #467
LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $30.00
Prerequisites: Completion of two years of Science and two years of Mathematics; and signature of Science teacher needed
The primary goal of this yearlong Science research class is for students to experience what Science is and how Science works by engaging in real-life inquiry problem solving. Each student will develop his/her own research question, conduct research, collect data and publish the results. Students will be paired with mentor scientists to collaborate on their research projects. At the end of the year, students will present both oral and written presentations of the findings. The class will publish an Independent Research Journal with all the research papers.
