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Science
COURSE CATALOG

Principles Of Science

2 Semesters;
Freshmen
The interrelationships among life, earth and physical sciences are emphasized. The general aims and objectives of this course are: to create a sound foundation in basic scientific principles; preparing each student for their upper division Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses.to experience a variety of "hands-on" lab activities both in the classroom and in the computer lab.
  • to stress cooperative learning in a multitude of classroom activities; allowing each student to verbalize their ideas within their group and find a viable solution to each problem as a team.
  • to emphasize problem solving skills via the scientific methods; strengthening critical thinking and analytical skills.

Biology
2 Semesters
Biology is a Laboratory Science that introduces students to the question: "What is Life?" and investigates "How We Can Study the Living World." The course is build on concepts of living processes and the techniques used in making scientific investigations. A survey of the living world is made with emphasis on protozoa, algae, bacteria, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. The lab is filled with many examples both preserved and living. Investigations are made through experiments, dissections and observations. Today, the use of computers, the internet and virtual labs are increasingly popular in all sciences. Special projects such as model-making, research papers, and the Science Fair project, help to hone scientific skills and offer the student a chance to participate in competition with other students for prizes, science awards, extra credit and the satisfaction of participating in the scientific community. The Science Fair is mandatory for a grade of "A."

Honors Biology
Prerequisites: A grade of "A" in Principles of Science and a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher. Also available for Honors Freshmen.
An accelerated biology class with emphasis on analysis and synthesis. Science fair is mandatory.

Advanced Placement Biology
2 Semester Elective
Juniors & Seniors
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry; a grade of "A" in Biology and approval of Advanced Placement Biology instructor. The student will be responsible to complete some sections during the preceding summer.
The course content includes: genetics, cytology, histology, embryology, photosynthesis, respiration, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology. The Science Fair is mandatory. The general aims and objectives for Advanced Biology are:
  • to provide the opportunity for in-depth study in areas of biology which provide a sound background for the first year biology course at college level; to provide a second year of study in areas in which the students have expressed interest; to develop an awareness of the impact of the most recent discoveries in the areas of biology and medical research on society and the future of society;
  • to provide an opportunity to become familiar with science literature to develop a facility for its use in doing research;
  • to further develop the techniques of scientific observation and interpretation of data through given problems; and
  • to assist the student as part of his preparation for any Advanced Placement test he may choose to take in the area of biology.

 
Science
Mr. Michael Cannon, M.S. Department Chair, Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology
Mr. Eli Hallak, B.A. Introduction Kinesiology & Rehabilitation
Mr. Kyle Ostrom, B.S. Chemistry, AP Chemistry 
Mrs. Michelle Willis, B.A. Principles of Science
Mrs. Nagla Orlando, B.S. Principles of Science, Biology
Mr. John McGuffie, B.S. Physics, AP Physics
Mr. Brian Esquival, B.A. Health


Chemistry
2 Semester Elective; Juniors
This course is designed primarily for those students who are oriented toward science, are above average in ability and are preparing for a college major in science. However, for those students not intending to major in science or mathematics, there is sufficient theory an interest within the descriptive material to give the student a complete exposure to the principles of Chemistry. The Science Fair is mandatory for a grade of "A." Some of the specific goals include:
  • development of scientific attitudes;
  • understanding of scientific principles;
  • development of functional concepts;
  • acquisition of basic instrumental skills in laboratory experiments;
  • acquisition of basic techniques in the handling and measuring of chemical materials;
  • development of an appreciation of chemistry in our everyday life; and development of interests in science.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Requirement: The student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 1 / Trigonometry or Honors Algebra 2 / Trigonometry. Open to honor students with a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher.� The Science Fair is mandatory. This course follows the college board curriculum with focus on preparation for the AP exam.
The student will be responsible to complete the first eleven chapters of the standard Chemistry text during the preceding summer.

Physics
2 Semester Elective; Seniors
Prerequisites : Completion of Biology and Chemistry
The Physics course is designed primarily for those seniors who are oriented toward science, are above average in ability, and are preparing for a college major in science. Students not intending to major in science will also find this course to be complete and interesting. Some of the topics covered include: science of measurement, force and motion, gravitation energy, wave transfer of energy, light and optics, direct current electricity, magnetism, radiation, nuclear theory, etc. The Science Fair is mandatory for a grade of "A."

AP Physics 2 Semester Elective: Seniors
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a GPA of 3.5 of higher. Student must be concurrently enrolled in fourth year math.
The course follows the curriculum set forth by the College Board in the AP Physics B outline. This course therefore does not require knowledge of calculus, but the student's algebra and trigonometry skills must be superior. The Science Fair is mandatory. The course will assist a student in his preparation for the AP Test.

The student will be required to complete the Modern Phyics
chapters during the preceding summer, and will be tested on them at the first full class meeting in the Fall.
Health
1 Semester,
Mandatory for Sophomores
This course includes the study of physical and mental health, nutrition, disease, addicting substances and first aid. Preventive medicine is emphasized as a means of attaining good health.

Intro Kinesiology & Rehabilitation
2 Semester
Elective, Junior /Senior
Requirements : Student must complete Principles of Science, Biology, Algebra and Geometry with a "C" or higher. The student may take this course with a concurrent enrollment in Geometry with a letter of recommendation from his Math teacher.
This course is a Lecture and Laboratory course designed for the student oriented towards science and interested in the Health Care field. Upon completion of this course, students will possess an under-standing of the following areas : Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Re-habilitation, Bracing/Taping techniques, and Nutrition. Students will also become certified in First Aid and CPR.


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