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Science Course Descriptions
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COURSE TITLE PHYSICAL SCIENCE

COURSE NUMBER 2530

COURSE DESCRIPTION This is an introductory course to both chemistry and physics. Topics include mathematics of science, metric system, scientific method, properties of matter, forces, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic theory, periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical equations, geochemical cycles, and radioactivity. This course also includes current topics such as meteorology, space science, lasers, pollution, energy, and theories of the universe. Laboratory experience, demonstrations, and videos are included to reinforce the concepts covered.

COURSE TITLE PHYSICAL SCIENCE - ACCELERATED

COURSE NUMBER 2530

This is an introductory course to both chemistry and physics. Topics include mathematics of science, metric system, scientific method, properties of matter, forces, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic theory, periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical equations, geochemical cycles, and radioactivity. This course also includes current topics such as meteorology, space science, lasers, pollution, energy, and theories of the universe. Laboratory experience, demonstrations, and videos are included to reinforce the concepts covered.

COURSE TITLE BIOLOGY

COURSE NUMBER 2517

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course presents the students with an understanding of the complex interactions within the living and nonliving environments and the roles they play in these interactions. Students will also gain knowledge and insight into the complex decisions that must be made when the subject of biology is applied at the social level. Various topics include genetics, evolution, human biology structure and function, introduction to microbiology, cell structure and function, dissection of different organisms, classification, and differing environments.

COURSE TITLE BIOLOGY - ACCELERATED

COURSE NUMBER 2517

This course presents the students with an understanding of the complex interactions within the living and nonliving environments and the roles they play in these interactions. Students will also gain knowledge and insight into the complex decisions that must be made when the subject of biology is applied at the social level. Various topics include genetics, evolution, human biology structure and function, introduction to microbiology, cell structure and function, dissection of different organisms, classification, and differing environments.

COURSE TITLE CHEMISTRY

COURSE NUMBER 2521

COURSE DESCRIPTION Topics included in this course are mathematical skills (including statistics), general overview (with emphasis on history of chemistry), properties of matter, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solutions. Additional topics taught may include acids and bases, water chemistry, and introductory organic and nuclear chemistry. Demonstrations and laboratory experiments are heavily relied upon to reinforce concepts taught.

COURSE TITLE CHEMISTRY - ACCELERATED

COURSE NUMBER 2521

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed for the accelerated student. The topics listed will be covered in more depth in this course. It is imperative that students have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary for this course. Topics included are mathematical skills (including statistics), general overview (with emphasis on history of chemistry), properties of matter, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry. Additional topics taught may include electrochemistry, oxidation and reduction, and introductory organic chemistry. Demonstrations and laboratory experiments are heavily relied upon to reinforce concepts taught.

COURSE TITLE CHEMISTRY12

COURSE NUMBER 2521

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course covers all the basic chemistry topics including history of chemistry, properties of matter, dimensional analysis and other chemistry-related mathematical skills, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding. chemical equations, basic stoichiometry, and solutions. Additional topics that may be taught include gas laws, acids and bases, water chemistry, and introductory nuclear chemistry. Course work includes laboratory experiments and classroom demonstrations of chemical principles. This class is particularly suited for those students who do not anticipate pursuing a career in the sciences.

COURSE TITLE ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY

COURSE NUMBER 2510

COURSE DESCRIPTION This class is a general introduction to the structure and function of the human body. It is appropriate for students considering a healthcare career, or anyone who wants to learn more about how the body functions. This class will stress practical applications along with standard anatomy topics. Current issues in health will be discussed. Dissection is a required and significant part of this course, and will include the sheep brain, cow eye, sheep heart, and fetal pig. The class also includes a field trip to a local university cadaver lab.

COURSE TITLE ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY – ACCELERATED

COURSE DESCRIPTION This weighted course offers a thorough introduction to the structure and function of the human body. If you are considering a career in a medical field (physician, nurse, physical therapist, sports medicine, personal trainer, pharmacist, etc.) this course is for you. The class will be modeled after a college level course, but the material will be presented at a slightly slower pace. Dissection is a required and significant part of this course, and will include the sheep brain, cow eye, sheep heart, and fetal pig. The class also includes a field trip to a local university cadaver lab.

COURSE TITLE AP BIOLOGY

COURSE NUMBER 2516

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course offers students advanced level experiences in the concepts of biology. Laboratory techniques are developed to acquaint the pupil with appropriate investigative methods and techniques used by scientists. The course will follow the curriculum recommended by the College Board. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP Biology exam in May. Students are required to attend lab after school at St. Henry District High School one afternoon per week.

COURSE TITLE AP CHEMISTRY/CHEMISTRY II

COURSE NUMBER 2522

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course follows the curriculum established by the College Board and prepares the students to take the Advanced Placement examination in General Chemistry. Laboratory techniques are developed to acquaint the pupil with appropriate investigative methods and techniques used by scientists. Laboratory work will be done through Thomas More College on its campus after school. Students enrolled in Chemistry II would not take the lab at Thomas More College.

TITLE PHYSICS

COURSE NUMBER 2538

COURSE DESCRIPTION This weighted course is one in theoretical and applied physics primarily for college-bound science, math, and engineering students. Other students with strong backgrounds would also benefit from this course, as physics principles apply to a wide variety of fields. Topics to be covered include motion, forces, equilibrium of forces, work and energy, heat and kinetic theory, changes of state, conservation principles, waves, sound, light, color, and optics, and electricity and magnetism. A unit on ‘modern physics – quantum theory and relativity – will also be explored. The course involves extensive work with significant figures, problem solving, graphing and analysis of data, statistics, and laboratory experimentation, which includes report writing. Students are asked not to just learn theory, but to apply it in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. A basic understanding of trigonometric functions is necessary (which can be learned during this class). A physics-related paper will be required each semester. It is imperative that the students have the study habits, maturity, and motivation necessary.

TITLE ASTRONOMY/SPACE SCIENCE

SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will include the study of the history and development of astronomy and celestial objects such as planets, stars, comets, and galaxies. The students will also study the tools and techniques upon which the science relies. Multiple sessions of daytime and nighttime observation with results reported will be required. Collaborative projects with professional and amateur astronomers are encouraged, including astrophotography. Students will have multiple opportunities for online research on a variety of astronomical subjects.