Science Department
Mission Statement
The mission of the Science Department at St. Joseph High School is to cultivate critical thinking skills in all students so that every student will have a better understanding of how scientific laws govern natural phenomena, and will be able to apply the scientific method to daily problem solving. In an ever changing world, the students will be able to make the sound decisions that impact the environment, be able to evaluate information as it applies to an ever-increasingly technological world, and understand the manner in which science influences the human population.
Goals
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze and think critically;
- Develop the student's problem solving and decision making ability;
- Become familiar with some technology used in a modern society;
- Research scientific topics, and be able to access appropriate resources;
- Develop the student's attitudes of curiosity and involvement with occurrences in their environment;
- Develop those processes of inquiry by which scientific problems are explained, predicted, and/or controlled;
- Develop the student's ability to handle, construct, and manipulate materials and equipment in a productive and safe manner;
- Develop knowledge of facts, concepts, terminology, and generalizations which help the students interpret their surroundings; and
- Demonstrate the ability to write scientific research papers.
Courses Available
Biology
Biology - Honors
Chemistry
Chemistry – Honors
AP Chemistry
Astronomy
Astronomy – Honors
Conceptual Physics
Conceptual Physics – Honors
Physics – Honors
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology – Honors
AP Biology
Biology
Required / Two Terms / 1 Credit
An overview of molecular and cellular biology, and genetics for one term, and organismal biology for one term. Students may petition for Honors credit by doing additional work as designated by the instructor. Honors students may also be expected to tutor other students in the class.
Chemistry
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
Chemistry is a hands-on, inquiry-based course with an emphasis on the nature of science, the scientific method, experimental design, and logical reasoning. The chemistry topics that are covered in detail include scientific measurements and units, particulate nature of matter, properties and behaviors of gases, atomic structure, periodic trends, bonding and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and properties of substances. Additional topics that will be encountered in future chemistry classes, such as organic chemistry, acids and bases, polymers, and solutions are also introduced. Students may petition for Honors credit by doing additional independent work designated by the instructor. Specific requirements will be described during the first few weeks of class.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
AP Chemistry
Elective / Three Terms /1.5 Credits / Honors
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a comprehensive general chemistry course as outlined by the College Board. Covered in the course are: structure of matter, states of matter, solutions, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, organic chemistry, and laboratory skills. At the completion of the course, the student may take the AP exam. If he/she receives an adequate score, the student can earn college credit for the course. Prerequisite: B+ or higher in Honors Chemistry and Algebra, and the consent of the instructor.
Astronomy
Elective/ One Term/ .5 Credit
Astronomy is primarily designed to serve as an elective option for students interested in pursuing a greater background in space studies. It is a general overview of astronomy covering the subjects of the universe, galaxies, stars, star life, our solar system, planets, and moons. Students may petition for Honors credit by doing additional independent work designated by the instructor. Specific requirements will be described during the first few weeks of class.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor
Conceptual Physics
Elective / One Term / .5 Credit
Conceptual Physics is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of physics. The emphasis of the course will focus on a non-mathematical understanding of the central concepts of physics, including mechanics, light, sound, and electric circuits. Students will learn the physics concepts as well as science process skills through hands-on laboratory activities that emphasize experimental design, data collection, and analysis of results leading to conceptual understanding. Students may petition for Honors credit by doing additional independent work designated by the instructor. Specific requirements will be described during the first few weeks of class.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
Physics
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit / Honors
Physics is designed to impart an understanding of the physical laws fundamental to all natural sciences. The problem-solving technique forms the basis for understanding the theory. Mathematical application is extensive. Special attention is given to the use SI (International System) units, vector notation, proper significant digit notation, and an orderly procedure for solving problems.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, B or higher in Algebra II Honors, or having taken Algebra II (B or higher) the student is taking Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus concurrently with Physics.
Anatomy & Physiology
Elective / Two Terms / 1 Credit
Anatomy and Physiology is primarily designed to serve as an elective option for students interested in pursuing a greater background in biological science. It is a comparative study of bodily structure and function. Students may petition for Honors credit by doing additional independent work designated by the instructor. Specific requirements will be described during the first few weeks of class.
Prerequisite: Biology, Junior standing, and consent of the instructor.
AP Biology
Elective / Three Terms/ 1.5 Credits / Honors
Advanced Placement Biology is a comprehensive biology course as outlined by the College Board. Covered in the course are: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, phylogeny, and behavior biology. At the completion of the course, the student may take the AP exam. If he/she receives an adequate score, the student can earn college credit for the course.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a B or higher, and the consent of the instructor.