Science
Department Philosophy
The Science Department strives to make our students science literate. They will be able to read and understand information that relates to the sciences. As citizens and Christians they will be able to make informed decisions concerning scientific matters that relate to our world and nation. Our AP offerings give students desiring to pursue Science related fields the opportunity to deepen their understanding and application. Three years of Science are required for entrance to most colleges and universities including Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Course Offerings
Honors Biology / Biology (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9-10
Students will learn about and apply the scientific method to investigate the course material through a project-based curriculum. Topics covered include ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, DNA and RNA structure and function, cellular energetics, evolution and the five kingdoms of life. Students will experience a hands-on lab science class – laboratory and problem solving activities are associated with most units.
AP Biology (1 credit)
*Not offered every year*
*Not offered every year*
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Biology and Geometry
Learn about the core scientific principals, theories, and processes governing living organisms, biological systems, and natural phenomena. Understand key science practices you can use to develop explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, which you will test and refine through laboratory investigations. Develop advanced reasoning and inquiry skills as you design experiments, collect and analyze data using mathematics and other methods, and interpret that data to draw conclusions.
Honors Chemistry / Chemistry (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course seeks to provide students with the necessary background in modern chemistry for their specialized study in science. This course presents a study of the principals and theories behind matter and its changes. Students will develop a good foundation in stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction and laboratory skills. This course is intended for the student to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of matter and its interactions. The course approaches this science from a problem-solving and inquiry context, relying on mathematics and analysis skills.
Honors Physics / Physics (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (concurrent enrollment), two years of Science and teacher recommendation.
This program provides a systematic study of the principles of physics and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem solving ability. The course offers the essential foundation in physics for students in preparation of the college or university studies. The subject matter is intensive and analytical covering the areas of mechanics, geometrical and physical optics, and modern physics.
AP Physics (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2, may be taken concurrently with Algebra 2 with instructor approval.
Equivalent to a first semester college course in algebra based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. Electric circuits are also introduced.
AP Environmental Science (1 credit)
*Not offered every year*
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Teacher permission
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students learn to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science integrates ecology, geology, physics, chemistry, meteorology, economics and social science. The course has one common theme that runs throughout: sustainable living.
Faculty
