SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Science is the study of the natural world. All courses make extensive use of laboratory experiences and promote inquiry. Concepts of technology are deeply integrated into all courses. The Science Department curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills, the development of positive attitudes toward scientific enterprise, and a thorough understanding of the interrelationships among science, technology, and society. The department requires 3 years of science and recommends four years.
INTEGRATED SCIENCE - AN ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH
Course 512 - College Prep 2
Grade 9 Required Year 1 Credit
Placement based on records
Environmental Science is a multi-disciplinary course analyzing modern issues. The material builds from the grade school science experience unifying concepts of earth-space science, life science and physical science into one integrated environmental package.
INTEGRATED SCIENCE - AN ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH
Course 513 – Honors 1 514 – Honors 2
Grade 9 Required Year 1 Credit
Placement based on records
These levels will introduce students to advanced-level high school work and can lead to Advanced Placement science courses. The course is multi-disciplinary analyzing modern environmental issues using critical thinking skills and the analysis of real data sets to analyze controversial environmental problems and clearly and confidently express educated opinions through research projects, laboratory reports and formal presentations.
BIOLOGY
Course 522 - College Prep 2 523 - Honors (extended lab time)
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Integrated Science and Recommendation
Biology studies all living things--their structure and functions as well as their relationships to one another and to their environment. The scientific method is used to illustrate the theoretical concepts concerning living things.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Extended Lab Time)
Course 525 – AP (4 weight)
Grades 11, 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Integrated Science, Chemistry and Recommendation
This nationally designed curriculum allows the student to take a college biology course and receive college credit in high school. The course is rigorous and requires extra time and effort. Students are expected to take the A.P. Biology exam or register for dual credit (6 hours) from Thomas More College..
LIVING BY CHEMISTRY
Course 532 - College Prep 2
Grades 11, 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Integrated Science and Recommendation
Living by Chemistry is an inquiry-based chemistry curriculum designed for the student who wants to focus on applied chemistry in the real world.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (Extended Lab Time)
Course 533 - Honors
Grades 11, 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Recommendation, Algebra 2 as co requisite
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory course which investigates the composition and structure of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. This course is essential for students considering a career in science or health technology.
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (Extended Lab Time)
Course 534 – Advanced (2 weight)
Grades 10, 11 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and 2 and Recommendation
This chemistry class includes all topics covered in the regular chemistry class above. More extensive experimentation and research into advanced topics are additional requirements for the course.
HONORS PHYSICS (Extended Lab Time)
Course 553 - Honors
Grade 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 – 133 and Chemistry
Honors Physics is a science which studies the interaction of matter and energy. This course includes the topics of straight-line motion, circular motion, forces, heat, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Applications of these concepts in other fields such as physiology, athletics, art, and music will be included where appropriate. The course will include numerous demonstrations and labs. Students should have a solid foundation in basic algebra, geometry, and right triangle trigonometry.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (Extended Lab Time)
Course 555 – AP (4 weight)
Grade 12 Elective Year 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Pre-calculus, Chemistry and Recommendation
This nationally designed curriculum allows the student to take a college Physics class and receive college credit in high school. This course is rigorous and requires extra time and effort. Students are expected to take the A.P. exam.
HUMAN BIOLOGY (A, B)
Course 560 and 561
Grades 11, 12 Elective A 1st Semester, B 2nd Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisites: Biology and Recommendation
Human Biology explores the anatomy and physiology of the human body. These courses are useful to students who are interested in health careers. Students may take either semester or both.
Human Biology A - Topics covered include: Introduction to the language of anatomy and integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.
Human Biology B - Topics covered include: Endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, and immunology.
ANTHROPOLOGY
Course 562
Grades 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Biology
Anthropology is the holistic study of humans. Although the subject matter is divided into the conventional broad areas of physical anthropology, archeology and cultural anthropology, an attempt is made to integrate the topics so as to show their interrelatedness.
ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
Course 563
Grade 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, Environmental Science and Chemistry (may be a corequisite)
This semester long course explores many fields of engineering. Engineering is the application of math, science and technology in solving the world’s design problems. The course includes guest speakers, field trips, and lectures video streamed from the University of Cincinnati professors. The approach will be project based emphasizing teamwork. Three credit hours of dual credit is offered through the University of Cincinnati.
OCEANOGRAPHY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Course 564
Grade 11, 12 Elective 2nd Semester 1⁄2 credit Prerequisite: 2 years of science
As a model of 21st century learning, this class will be delivered using virtual tools such as Blackboard, iTunes U, iBooks, Discovery Learning. The class will meet face to face for 45 minutes each week but the majoprity of the course work will be accomplished independently. The students will keep an oceanographers log to record observations, experiments, collaborative problem solving and explorations.
This course will appear on the students’ schedule at a designated time but face to face meetings will occur once week at 7:00- 7:45am.
