Science Curriculum

Integrated Science  410

This course is designed to provide 9^th graders with the skills necessary for scientific problem solving and investigation. It is constructed to improve students’ attitudes toward science by increasing confidence and exposing them to interesting scientific phenomena. Students engage in extensive hands-on activities, allowing them to discover scientific methods and principles.

Much of the class is spent mastering science process skills, including observation, measurement, interpreting data, etc. These are then organized and utilized within the framework of the scientific method. A significant amount of time is spent utilizing the scientific method to examine common themes in science.  Such as, but not limited to constancy, patterns of change and systems.

Biology  420

This lab-centered course clarifies and broadens concepts and stresses unifying principles. Major themes include biochemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and kingdom diversity. Lab facilities are used with frequent links to math applications. Audio-visual materials reinforce major topics, and multi-media computers are used both as learning aids and as the medium for various creative projects. Field trips to Culver’s nature center and other sites strengthen lessons centered around ecological and environmental applications. Connections of topics to current events are made throughout the year. Prerequisites: Students entering Biology 420 should have appropriate English, reading and science skills to understand assignments and participate in class.

Text: Essential Biology, Campbell and Reece, Benjamin Cummings.

Chemistry  430

In this basic chemistry course, equal emphasis is placed on the theoretical and descriptive areas of study. Experiments involve quantitative and qualitative aspects. The laboratory periods reinforce and support the content material, and students are exposed to demonstrations and are expected to exercise industry, leadership, and independence at appropriate levels. This course introduces topics and examines relationships in the following sequence: the metric system and unit conversions, nomenclature and formula writing, chemical reactions and equations, mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, condensed states of matter, solutions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry.

Text: Chemistry 2002, Prentice Hall, Inc; small-scale chemistry laboratory manual.

Chemistry X (Accelerated) 431

This is a first-year chemistry course, which explores the subject in greater depth and breadth than Chemistry 430. Higher level thinking skills using inductive and deductive reasoning are necessary for understanding the many concepts first introduced qualitatively. Once a solid grasp of the conceptual ideas of the subject matter is obtained, a quantitative approach is applied to reinforce and expand the generalized concepts.

Prerequisites: High motivation and perseverance, a first-year algebra course with at least a B average, and be enrolled in an accelerated math course.

Text: Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity, 4th Ed., Kotz and Treichel, Sanders College Publishing.

Physics  442

This course will prepare students for enrichment courses for non-science majors at the college level, and will enable them to make college and career choices more intelligently. Practical exercises will show the results and applications of physical laws rather than providing a rigorous mathematical basis for the theoretical proof of these laws. Emphasis is placed on understanding the concepts of physics, and the use of basic mathematical problems serves as a reinforcement for these concepts, rather than a basis for them. The level of the course is such that students who might wish to continue in science can do so with an adequate foundation in physics.

Prerequisites: Must have completed or be enrolled in both Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Text: Conceptual Physics, Paul Hewitt

Physics  443

This course is for students who enjoy mathematics problem solving and wish to have a more intensive introductory physics experience.  Students develop and apply critical thinking skills to interpret information, obtain solutions and predict outcomes.  They utilize textbook reading, coupled with lecture and group work, in setting up and solving real world applications of physics principles.  Graphical development and interpretation, coupled with laboratory experimentation, provide an investigative verification of concepts and principles.  Through course supplements and extensive problem solving experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the inter-relationships of physics concepts and an ability to apply those to new and unique problems. 

Text:  Physics, Serway-Faughn; Student Problem Workbook, Teacher Edition Solution Manual; Physics Web Site: http://www.hrw.com.

Geology  446

The laboratory approach allows 11^th and 12^th graders to explore the earth’s materials, changes in the surface and interior of the earth, and the dynamic forces that cause those changes.  Geologic time, minerals, rocks, weathering, plate tectonics, structural geology, earthquakes and volcanoes, earth’s interior, streams, groundwater, glaciers, mountain building, sea floor, and natural resources are covered via extensive hands-on experiences with topography mapping and remote sensing revolving around computer graphics. The objectives are a greater appreciation of natural surroundings, understanding of the origin and occurrence of natural resources, protection of the environment, and the causes of geological hazards.

Text: Essentials of Geology, 8th ed., Fredrick Kilutgens, Edward Tarbuck.

Astronomy  447

Historical, classical, and modern astronomical concepts are considered, including the solar system, stars, galaxies, and black holes. From this base, students discover a universal relationship that connects them: gravity. The course, available to 11^th and 12^th graders, culminates in discussion of the creation of the universe.

Text: Horizons, Exploring the Universe, 7th ed., Michael A. Seeds.

Human Anatomy and Physiology I  448

This course is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is on nomenclature and location of body structures and the physiological functions of body parts. Students discover the scientific process through a study of various body systems.  Units covered include cell structure, metabolism, tissues, skin and integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, the endocrine system and special senses.

Text: Hole’s Essentials of Human Anatomy, Shier, Butler, Lewis.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II  449

This course is a complement to Human Anatomy & Physiology I.  However, Human & Physiology I is not a prerequisite.  Emphasis is on nomenclature and location of body structures, and the physiological functions of body parts.  Students discover the scientific process through a study of various body systems.  Units covered during Anatomy and Physiology II include cell structure, metabolism, tissues, digestion and nutrition, respiratory system, blood, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and water and electrolyte balance.

Text:  Hole’s Essential of Human Anatomy, Shier, Butler, Lewis.

Science Research Honors  478

This two-term laboratory science course provides the competency to plan and execute any self-directed scientific research project to fulfill requirements for graduating with Honors in Science. Research projects that qualify for local, state, national, or international competitions will be submitted. It is anticipated that as a student proceeds through and reflects upon the research phase of this course, that student will have increased his/her appreciation for science and developed a working awareness of the interrelationship of science, technology, and society.

Prerequisites: Each student should have completed, is completing, or plans to complete the three core science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Waiver of this requirement will be on a student-by-student basis.

Text: Based on the specific research topic of each student.

Advanced Placement Biology  490

Advanced Placement Biology is a second-level course designed to engage students in a rigorous study of biological concepts in preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination and possible advanced standing in their freshman year at college. Accompanied by in-depth laboratory experiments, this course provides a thorough background in biological principles and in the methods used by biologists in solving research problems. Those principles include ecology, biochemistry, Mendelian genetics, evolution, genetic biotechnology, cellular structure and physiology, animal/plant structure and physiology, and animal behavior. Emphasis is placed on the integration of biological principles and other science disciplines.

Prerequisites: Students must have completed one academic year of biology and one academic year of chemistry and demonstrated proficiency in those areas. 11th and 12th graders may take this course.

Text: Biology: Concerns & Connections, 4th ed., Campbell, et.al.

Advanced Placement Chemistry  491

Advanced Placement Chemistry is the equivalent of a rigorous freshman college course in general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical aspects of chemistry and how these principles apply to the real world. Quantum theory of atomic structure is dealt with, as are modern theories of chemical bonding. In addition, the elements of physical chemistry, including stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, kinetics, and electrochemistry are studied. Much effort is made to follow the Recommended Laboratory Program for Advanced Placement Chemistry from the College Board. The laboratory reflects a freshman college laboratory program with the same instrumentation. Additional topics include organic chemistry and a study of polymers (synthetic and natural). Students enrolled in the course are expected to write the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry in May.

Prerequisites: A student must have completed an academic year of chemistry with demonstrated proficiency.

Texts: Chemistry Principles and Reactions, Masterton and Hurley; Chemistry, 3rd Ed., Zumdahl; Multiple Choice Questions in Preparation for the AP Chemistry Examination, 3rd Ed., Demmin.

Advanced Placement ‘APB’ Physics  495

Advanced Placement Physics “B” provides a systematic introduction to the principles of physics and emphasizes problem solving. Topics include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, waves, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Mathematics is used extensively as a tool to understand the physics of the topics. The laboratory aspect of the course exposes students to the terminology and methods of experimentation. Computers are used extensively to analyze and graph data, present simulations, and provide content.

The pace of the course is rigorous. Students are expected to learn many topics on their own. The goal of this course is to prepare the student for the required Advanced Placement Physics “B” test in May.

Prerequisites: A GPA of 3.0 or better in math and the completion of chemistry and biology courses.  Completion of an introductory physics course is recommended, not required. Co-requisite: advanced math or higher.

Text:  Cutnell & Johnson Multimedia Physics 2.0 CD ROM.