Course Offerings
EARTH SCIENCE Full Year
This course is designed to
introduce students to the scientific process through the study of
several diverse fields of physical science, including mineralogy,
meteorology, geology and astronomy. Each of these areas will involve
laboratory experiences, computer simulations and exercises to supplement
lectures.
BIOLOGY Full Year
The basic
concepts of biology are introduced: cell theory, genetics, evolution,
the animal and plant kingdoms, ecology and behavior. These topics are
presented by means of lectures, class discussions and selected
laboratory experiments. Audio-visual materials are used to enrich the
classroom presentation.
BIOLOGY HONORS Full Year
The
investigative approach is used to acquire the basic biological concepts
and skills. Topics covered include cell chemistry and physiology, plant
and animal morphology, evolutionary development, genetics, ecology and
behavior. The course addresses itself to the social consequences of our
actions as we attempt to solve the biological problems we face.
Lectures, discussions, laboratory work and films supplement the text
CHEMISTRY Full Year
This
course serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of
modern chemistry including theory, operations and applications. Topics
to be discussed include atomic theory, stoichiometry, kinetics, atomic
structure, chemical reactions, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, nuclear
chemistry and problem solving. An emphasis is placed on the application
of concepts to the real world through laboratory work, discussions,
writing and projects.
CHEMISTRY HONORS Full Year
This
course involves a deeper exploration of topics and more complex problem
solving than the regular section. Topics covered include atomic theory,
the mole concept, the states of matter, energy in chemical reactions,
chemical bonding, chemical periodicity, rate and equilibrium
characteristics of chemical reactions, acid-base behavior and nuclear
chemistry.
CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY Full Year
This
course integrates core chemistry topics with real-life societal issues
and is built around laboratory investigations, activities and problems
that relate to topics of impact in modern society. Units center on a
series of questions or problems faced by a fictional community and
provide the students with the chemistry background to be able to develop
answers to the questions that are posed.
PHYSICS Full Year
This
course is an introduction to some of the principles of physics, with
primary emphasis given to understanding the fundamental aspects of
nature and the interrelationship of energy and matter. Course material
includes motion, force, energy, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light,
electricity, magnetism and relativity. Learning is through lecture,
demonstrations, hands-on laboratory experience, outside assignments and
examination. Emphasis is on application of principles and concepts to
real world problems.
PHYSICS HONORS Full Year
This
course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of
physics, with primary emphasis given to understanding the fundamental
aspects of nature and the interrelationship of energy and matter.
Students will explore underlying concepts and incorporate them into
analyses and problem solving techniques. Course material includes topics
in both classical and modern physics: motion, force, energy, fluids,
thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, relativity and
cosmology. Students learn through lecture, demonstrations, computer
modeling and simulations, hands-on laboratory experience, projects and
outside assignments and examinations. Emphasis is on application of
concepts to real world problems.
EXERCISE SCIENCE & SPORTS MEDICINE Full Year
This
course will introduce the students to the anatomy and physiology of the
human body and how the systems interact with each other through sport.
The course will also address sports injuries and treatment. Multiple
laboratory activities are included to further aid in the learning
process. Students from this class will be encouraged to enter the
after-school Student Trainer program at Saint Francis.
MARINE BIOLOGY Full Year
This
is a laboratory science course intended for students who wish to take a
third or fourth year of science instruction. An investigative approach
is used to apply biological concepts to the marine ecosystems. Topics
covered include oceanography, a survey of the phyla of marine organisms,
ecology and the interdependency of the marine ecosystems and their
surrounding terrestrial ecosystems.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Full Year
This
course is designed for students who wish to take a third or fourth year
of science instruction by challenging themselves with a college level
science course. The main goals of this class are for the students to be
provided with the equivalent of an introductory-level college
environmental science course that stresses interdisciplinary scientific
principles and analysis including a laboratory component. Major topics
of instruction include earth systems and resources, ecosystems
structures and changes, population ecology including human population
dynamics, land and water use, energy resources and consumption,
pollution issues and changes in global systems. Laboratory and field
investigations will be an integral component of the course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY Full Year
AP
Biology is designed for students who wish to take a fourth year of
science instruction. The main goals of this class are for the students
to be provided with the equivalent of a first year level college biology
course, be able to design experiments and analyze data and be able to
perform well on standardized tests in biology. Major topics of
instruction include biological chemistry, cell theory, energy
transformations, molecular genetics, heredity, evolution, taxonomy and
systematics, a survey of the 5 Kingdoms, plant systems and structures,
animal anatomy and physiology, behavior and ecology. Laboratory work
constitutes approximately one fourth of the course. NOTE: This course is
scheduled for an extra period once a week for extended laboratory work
and testing periods.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY Full Year
AP
Chemistry is designed for students who wish to take a fourth year of
science instruction. The main goals of this class are for the students
to be provided with the equivalent of a first year level college
chemistry course, be able to design experiments and analyze data, write
extensive laboratory reports and be able to perform well on standardized
tests in chemistry. Major topics of instruction include stoichiometry;
chemical formulas and equations, redox reactions, states of matter,
electronic and molecular structure, chemical periodicity; solutions,
equilibria, acid/base reactions, complex ions, coordination compounds,
qualitative analysis, kinetics, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.
Laboratory work constitutes approximately one fourth of the course.
NOTE: This course is scheduled for an extra period once a week for
extended laboratory work and testing periods.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS Full Year
AP
Physics is designed for students who wish to take a fourth year of
science instruction. The main goals of this class are for the students
to be provided with the equivalent of a first year level college physics
course, to be able to interpret and solve complex physics problems,
apply physics in real-life situations and be able to perform well on
standardized tests in physics. Major topics of instruction include
mechanical motion (linear and rotational), forces, energy, momentum,
work, electricity and magnetism and circuitry.