Science

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This yearlong 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.

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.

This is a laboratory science course intended for students who wish to take a third or fourth year of science instruction. The main goals of the course are to introduce students to several diverse areas of science, including marine biology, forestry, earth science, meteorology, geology, and ecology. Each of these areas will involve laboratory experiences, computer simulations, and exercises to supplement lectures.

AP Biology is designed for students who wish to take a fourth year of science instruction. The main objectives 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.

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.

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.