DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
PHILOSOPHY
Knowledge of the basic topics and principles of the physical, biological and health sciences is one of the attributes of the educated person in today’s highly technological society. It is the purpose of the science program to help the students learn basic scientific principles and skills, to stimulate their curiosity and sense of responsibility, to develop critical and analytical skills, and challenge the student to use them in problem solving situations, and to generate in them an interest in the sciences which will exceed the bounds of our courses.
The Science Department believes that it is of primary importance to establish competency in the basic scientific concepts, methods, and skills on which advanced skills are built. Science programs develop critical and analytical skills and challenge the students to use them in problem solving situations. Students are encouraged to apply the methods they have learned in scientific problem solving to other areas and to use facts and well organized thought processes to determine their solutions.
Students come to an awareness of the intricacies of the nature of science and of the major role that it plays in their lives. Emphasis is put on becoming individuals who are able to evaluate scientific issues and make responsible decisions by using their knowledge and skills. Equal emphasis is put on the importance of considering man’s unique nature within the natural world, and of the great responsibility he bears for its well being. As important as the need for knowledge, is the need to view the natural world with respect and sensitivity, and to believe in the value of our natural resources and of the creatures with whom we share our planet.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICAL SCIENCE COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 9
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
The Conceptual Physical Science curriculum helps to tie physics, chemistry, and geology to the students’ personal experience in the everyday world. All classes meet in a laboratory setting. Students are expected to develop laboratory skills, to learn how to organize data, and to pool their quantitative results for generalizations and conclusion.
GENERAL SCIENCE COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT 3 CREDIT 1
GRADE 9
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course will provide an introduction to Physical and Earth Science. Major topics covered include: Inside the Earth, Weather and Climate, Astronomy, Chemical Building Blocks, and Motion, Forces, and Energy.
BIOLOGY HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT
GRADE 9, 10
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course is an in-depth study of biological science. Honors Biology is an evolutionary development of biological concepts from the unicellular level to man. The main focus of the course is on the molecular level. The course will teach the concepts, skills, and facts, which will enable the student to think both critically and creatively in problem solving situations. Laboratory work will provide the student with the opportunity to practice investigative skills.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE (Con’t)
BIOLOGY COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10
Pre-requisite: Conceptual Physical Science and Administrative Approval
This course provides the student with a thorough study of the important concepts and ideas of biology from the simplest to the most complex levels of organization. It also provides interaction between content and critical thinking, processes and experiences with scientific methods by providing a variety of hands-on activities. Themes include: evolution, unity within diversity, use of energy, systems and interactions, and the nature of scientific inquiry.
BIOLOGY COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10
Pre-requisite: General Science and Administrative Approval
General Biology is a simple survey of the biological sciences. Although the course covers the major topics of introductory biology, the emphasis is on Human Anatomy and Physiology. It is designed for students who are not college – science oriented.
CHEMISTRY HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10, 11
Pre-requisite: Honors Biology and Administrative Approval
This course is an in-depth study of Chemistry for the highly motivated student. It will cover concepts in atomic structure, formulas, stoichiometry, kinetic theory of solids, liquids and gases, kinetics and thermodynamics
CHEMISTRY A. P. WEIGHT: 6 1 CREDIT
GRADE 11, 12
Pre-requisite: Math Analysis taken concurrently and Honors Chemistry (B- average) and/or Administrative Approval
This course stresses the theoretical aspects of chemistry. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. The laboratory work deals with glass working, filtration, titration, the collection and handling of gases, colorimetry, and the separation and qualitative analysis of cations and anions.
Laboratory: 2 double periods per cycle
CHEMISTRY COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10, 11
Pre-requisite: Algebra 2 taken concurrently and/or Administrative Approval
This is the chemistry course, which stresses the principles of chemistry, and is designed for those students who are college bound. It will emphasize basic scientific concepts in anatomic structure, the language of chemistry, equations, theories and laws, and stoiciometry. Laboratory work develops good investigative techniques, and allows the students to see the relationship between theory and practice.
Laboratory: 1 double period per cycle
CHEMISTRY COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 1 CREDIT
GRADE 11
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course will develop the basic ideas of chemical structure, properties, and reactions of materials. It is designed for students who are not college-science oriented.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE (Con’t)
PHYSICS A.P. WEIGHT: 6 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12
Pre-requisite: Calculus taken concurrently, A.P. Chemistry (C- average), and Administrative Approval
This course is a rigorous presentation at the college level, of the basic ideas of general physics for students of science, engineering, pre-medicine, and liberal arts. The general philosophy of this course is the emphasis upon a limited number of unifying principles that are essential for more advanced study and the understanding of the physical laws of nature.
Laboratory: 2 double labs per cycle
PHYSICS HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12
Pre-requisite: Trig/Pre-Calculus taken concurrently, Honors Chemistry (C average), Chemistry (B- average) and Administrative Approval
This course is intended to produce a genuine understanding of the physical law to all sciences. It requires proficiency in mathematics. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, waves, electricity and magnetism, modern physics and the interactions between physics, technology and society. Laboratory work provides practical reinforcement of subject matter.
PHYSICS COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 11, 12
Pre-requisite: Algebra 2 and Administrative Approval
This course builds a solid foundation for studying college-level physics. It intends to teach physics concepts without a need for the formal structure of applied mathematics, Topics include: mechanics, thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases, electricity, magnetism, light, modern physics, and the meaning of physics for contemporary society. Laboratory work provides illustration of the material.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12 - ELECTIVE
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval and Biology (grade of C).
Students will study the structure and function of the human body.
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 ½ CREDIT
GRADE 12 - ELECTIVE
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course attempts to provide an overview of environmental education, and to integrate the various social, economic, technical, and political issues.
EARTH SCIENCE COLLEGE 2 WEIGHT: 3 ½ CREDIT
GRADE 12 - ELECTIVE
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course will examine the make-up of the earth and the changes it can undergo, weathering and erosion and weather phenomenon.