Science

Science:

To Think and Act Like Christ.

We think of all of our students as college bound students that plan on majoring in Science. Our intent is to assure that each and every student is 100% prepared for college when they leave our school.

Four credits of a lab science ARE required for graduation. Students often take an additional course as an elective.

Wilma Beaver (biology and anatomy)

Allan Bittner (chemistry and chemical analysis)

Frank Przybysz (chemistry, AP chemistry, and honors chemistry)

Michelle Sayre (biology)

SCI311-312 Integrated Science 9: (Year, Required):

This course deals with various topics from the traditional disciplines of physics, chemistry, earth science and biology. This is primarily a laboratory course. Topics include: electricity, magnetism, atoms, the periodic table, organic chemistry, weather, the solar system, evolution, heredity and reproduction.

SCI321-322 Integrated Biology I: (Year, Required)

This course is an in-depth study of life forms in the context of other scientific disciplines. Students learn the classification of all living things and how they are interrelated. This is primarily a laboratory course. Topics include: the cell, the fundamentals and chemical basis of genetics, DNA, and the structure of life.

SCI331 Chemistry I (Year, Strongly encouraged):

Students learn the composition and classification of matter. They learn how to predict and represent chemical reactions, and how to determine various quantities associated with chemical changes. Topics include: a review of the periodic table, balancing equations, and chemical bonding.

SCI333 Fundamentals of Chemistry (Year, Strongly encouraged):

This course gives an overview of a variety of topics, some of which provide an excellent basis for Biology II and Anatomy I. It is designed to de-emphasize the mathematical aspects of chemistry, while accentuating the practical applications. It is primarily a hands-on course, making use of computers and sensors in lab when appropriate to the topic. Topics include: measurement, atomic structure, balancing equations, the periodic table, acids and bases, organic molecules, and beginning biochemistry. Chemistry Basics is recommended for the student who has difficulty with math and will be taking only one chemistry course.

SCI335 Honors Chemistry (Year, Strongly encouraged for capable students):

The Honors Chemistry course is intended to provide a solid foundation for success in AP Chemistry. The AP topics are those typically included in a first-year college chemistry course. Broadly speaking, these topics include the structure and states of matter as well as how matter interacts. The Honors course will deal with the basic essentials of this content, thereby allowing a deeper presentation of the more complex topics in the AP course in a subsequent year. These topics will be covered both descriptively and quantitatively.

SCI337 Chemical Analysis (Year, Elective):

This will be a survey course in chemical analysis with emphasis on developing laboratory skills and to encourage the student to use independent thought within an analytical laboratory setting. The course will combine qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis as a guide for the year. Qualitative chemical analysis involves a complete and detailed description of activities in the laboratory. Data collection will be formatted as visual observations of chemical events or activities. The student may perform various types of experiments such as: semi micro qualitative analysis, flame test, inorganic tests, organic tests, colorimetric tests, etc. Quantitative chemical analysis involves a complete collection of measurements such as: mass, temperature, area, volume, and time. In addition, numerical data is then calculated and per cent error may be determined to see how well the student performed. A goal of quantitative data collection allows the student to test their hypothesis. Quantitative analysis allows the student to construct models to explain observations of physical and chemical events. The student may perform various types of analysis such as: volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, instrumental analysis, chromatography, and preparation and use of primary standards, etc. A goal in such activity is to analyze or test concentration or amount of substance and express in appropriate units.

SCI340 Physics (Year, Elective):

This course is a general introduction to the fundamental concepts of kinematics and dynamics of motion, forces, work and energy, thermodynamics, wave motion, optics, electricity and magnetism. This is primarily a laboratory course, using computerized analysis of sensor data and graphing calculators.

SCI342 Chemistry II (Year, Elective):

This course presents students with an in-depth knowledge of chemical properties and reactions. Students gain substantial insight into chemical bonding. This insight is enhanced through frequent laboratory experiments, extensively implementing probes and computers. Topics include: stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, qualitative and quantitative analysis, molecular structure, and reactions in aqueous solutions.

SCI343 Anatomy I (Year, Elective):

Students learn the biological systems of the human body. Their understanding is enhanced by laboratory comparisons with similar systems in other animal species, as well as with the use of computers and interactive probes. Students learn to name and identify different structures in other animal species, as well as with the use of computers and interactive probes. Students learn to name and identify different structures and muscles, and are introduced to all human anatomical systems. Topics include: the cell, cellular energy, DNA, tissue, the Integumentery system, skeletal and muscular structures, the respiratory system, nutrition and digestion. A microscopic camera is used to aid in the investigation of tissues and cell functions.

SCI344 Biology II (Year, Elective):

This full year course covers, during the first semester, the same topics as the semester Biology II course listed below. In the second semester students perform advanced studies in bacteriology and botany. Students perform experiments with live plants and bacteria and use computers to gather and process data. Students also learn the basic skills needed to write a lab report.

SCI345 Anatomy II (Year, Elective):

This course is a continuation of Anatomy I providing a more detailed look at specific organs, functions, and systems. Topics include: the nervous, lymphatic, urinary, endocrine, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the brain, the cardiovascular system, and blood. A substantial portion of class is devoted to laboratory comparisons of animal and human organs and systems. Computers, software, and probes are used to gather data and investigate human anatomical systems.

SCI347 Biology II (Semester, Elective):

This course expands on the fundamental principles of Biology and focuses on genetics, the cell, plants, and bacteriology. This is primarily a laboratory course. This course includes computers and probes to perform experiments. Fruit flies are used in the genetics portion of the course.

SCI348 Environmental Science (Year, Elective):

This course focuses on the interaction of physical and biological systems in the environment. It helps students relate living organisms to the influences and pressures of their environment. Theoretical concepts and practical field experience are emphasized. Appropriate sensors are employed in lab work, along with computer analysis. Topics include: all the elements listed below in course 349 and the following: soils, water, and the dynamics of plant and animal populations and the communities they form.

SCI349 Environmental Science (Semester, Elective):

This course offers an overview of human activities and their relationships to basic processes of ecosystems. Topics include: the flow of energy and materials through our biosphere, the problems created by human intervention within the ecosystem, agricultural technology and national and world policies that affect the environment. Theoretical concepts about the environment and practical field experience are stressed, implementing sensors and computers where appropriate. This is the first semester of course 348 listed above.

SCI353 AP Chemistry (Year, Elective):