|
Science Department
FRESHMEN
SCIENCE
HUMAN BIOLOGY H
(Level 3) -
This course is designed for freshmen students who have demonstrated
superior ability in science as evidenced by their placement test
scores and academic record. This course provides an intensive study of
the human body emphasizing the structure and function of the
individual organ systems. An introduction to cell biology and
chemistry is integrated into the curriculum. An additional focus of
this course is contemporary health issues (AIDS, eating disorders,
substance abuse, etc.). Students will strengthen decision making
skills as well as learn about safety issues affecting themselves and
members of their community. Students will develop their critical
thinking and science reasoning skills.
PREREQUISITE: Superior
ability in science reasoning skills as evidenced by placement test
scores and 8th grade science performance. Department Chair
approval.
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, and cooperative learning activities. Both independent
thought and group problem solving techniques will be stressed.
Technology skills such as INTERNET research, Microsoft Word, and EXCEL
will be incorporated into the methodology.
HOMEWORK: Weekly
assignment. Students are expected to review notes on a nightly basis.
OUTSIDE READING: Assigned
to complement material covered in course.
PROJECTS/EXAMS: One major
cumulative project, cumulative and comprehensive exams.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: A
minimum of one period before exam depending on area of difficulty.
MARKING: School’s marking
system.
HUMAN
BIOLOGY (Level 2) - Building
on a fundamental understanding of cell biology, this course provides
an in-depth study of the human body emphasizing the structure and
function of the individual organ systems. System dysfunctions are also
explored including their etiology, treatment and prevention. A major
focus of this course is contemporary health issues (AIDS, eating
disorders, substance abuse, etc.). Through a variety of methodologies,
students develop a comprehensive understanding of human biology as it
relates to health issues. Students will strengthen decision making
skills as well as learn about safety issues affecting themselves and
members of their community.
PREREQUISITE: Successful
completion of 8th grade science. All freshmen are required
to take human biology.
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, questioning techniques, INTERNET research, use of
Microsoft Word, Excel.
HOMEWORK: Weekly
assignment. Students are expected to review notes on a nightly basis.
OUTSIDE READING: Assigned
to complement material as needed.
PROJECTS/EXAMS: One major
cumulative project, cumulative and comprehensive exams.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or
two full periods before exam depending on difficulty.
SOPHOMORE SCIENCE
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
BIOLOGY (Level 4)
– This is an intensive course covering the major themes of biology. It
is designed to prepare students for the required advanced placement
exam in May. In the first half of the year, heavy emphasis will be
placed on basic biochemistry and organic chemistry, plus cell biology,
cellular respiration and photosynthesis. These topics will be followed
by mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, biodiversity and ecology.
Students will be tested on every chapter covered in class. Students
will be placed in Advanced Placement Biology by the
instructor/department chairperson.
PREREQUISITES:
·
Successful completion of Human Biology Honors.
·
Evidence of critical thinking skills, self-motivation and
excellent work ethic.
·
Science department recommendation.
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, lab experimentation. Technology use includes Power Point,
Publisher and use of Vernier Probe Software.
HOMEWORK: Written
assignments, online review quizzes, daily study of notes
OUTSIDE READING:
Essential that students study the assigned chapters thoroughly.
Additional readings as assigned.
PROJECTS/PAPERS:
PowerPoint projects and research papers.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: As
needed; not to exceed one class period before chapter tests
HONORS BIOLOGY
(Level 3) –
This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework,
factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically
with the rapidly changing science of biology. This course is designed
for those students who are highly motivated and work well in groups.
As an honors course, emphasis is placed on independent assignments,
analytical, process and thinking skills. In the first half of the
year, topics covered include the scientific method, ecology, the cell
cycle and meiosis, genetics and inheritance, genetic technology, the
human genome project, and evolution. The second half of the year will
on basic biochemistry and organic chemistry, plus cell biology,
cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Our goal is to offer students
the opportunity to understand the increasingly complex interplay
between society and biological science, as well as prepare them for
demanding courses in chemistry.
PREREQUISITES:
·
Successful completion of Human Biology Honors.
·
Evidence of critical thinking skills, self-motivation and
excellent work ethic.
·
Science Department Recommendation.
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, group activities, lab experimentation. Integration of
technology including Power Point, Publisher and Vernier software.
HOMEWORK: Written
assignments, daily study of notes
OUTSIDE READING:
Essential that students study the assigned chapters thoroughly.
Additional readings as assigned.
PROJECTS/PAPERS:
PowerPoint projects and research papers.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: As
needed; not to exceed one class period before chapter tests.
BIOLOGY (Level 2)
- This course is required of all students who have successfully
completed Human Biology and transfer students without previous biology
experience. Life will be discussed from a functional point of view and
students will be encouraged to work in a self-directed manner. Topics
will include an in-depth discussion of Cell structure, Photosynthesis,
Respiration, Protein synthesis, Cell division, Genetics, Reproduction,
Adaptation, Evolution, Ecology, and some Organismal Biology. The
laboratory section of the course will introduce students to modern
laboratory techniques.
PREREQUISITES:
·
Successful completion of Human Biology.
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, questioning techniques, experimentation in the lab.
HOMEWORK: Study notes/
reading assignments on a daily basis. Written assignments to reinforce
concepts.
OUTSIDE READING: Articles
from Periodicals throughout the year.
EXAMS/PROJECTS: Mid-Term
and Final exams. One cumulative and comprehensive project.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One
full period before exam.
JUNIOR SCIENCE
HONORS INTEGRATED MATH/PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY (H.I.M.P.T.)
(Level 3.5) - This is a 2-credit honors level course that includes
those topics proper to both honors physics and honors analysis. As far as
possible, the physics will motivate the mathematics and the mathematics
will enrich the physics. MBL equipment (microcomputer based laboratory)
will be used extensively to collect and analyze data. There will be an
emphasis on the use of the graphing calculator, spreadsheets, software and
statistics throughout the course. Lectures will introduce new topics
followed by individual and group activities to develop the topic
PREREQUISITE:
Evidence of success in Algebra Phys II Honors and Geometry Physics
Honors
*See Math course descriptions
CHEMISTRY H (Level 3)-
This course is offered to highly motivated Juniors who have
demonstrated superior ability in science but do not qualify for
H.I.M.P.T. Through lectures, group work, and laboratory
investigations, students will learn the fundamental principles of
chemistry. In this intensive course, the following topics will be
covered: atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding,
stoichiometry, chemical nomenclature, gases, thermochemistry, and
properties of solutions. .
PREREQUISITES: Science Department
recommendation
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, questioning
techniques, experimentation in the lab.
HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written, other days study
notes or reading assignments.
PROJECTS/PAPERS: Three cumulative exams, one
major project.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods
before exam.
CHEMISTRY (Level 2)-
This course is required for all students who have successfully
completed human biology and biology. It will investigate matter, its
structure and properties and the changes it undergoes. Concept
development will be emphasized with some exposure to problem solving.
The course stresses the relevancy of chemistry to the world in which
we live. The lab experience will reinforce the concepts and principles
presented in class as well as provide students with the opportunity to
learn proper laboratory techniques and basic data interpretation.
Specific topics which will be covered in the classroom include: Atomic
structure, Chemical bonds, Molecular composition, Chemical Equations
and Stoichiometry, Nature and behavior of Gases, Solution Chemistry,
Acids and Bases, Organic Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion,
experimentation in the lab.
HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written, other days study
notes or reading assignments.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods
before exam.
SENIOR SCIENCE
ANATOMY AND
PHYSIOLOGY H (Level 3)-
This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and function
of the human body. Each system of the body will be examined with a
clinical emphasis on major organs and their functions. The effect of
disease on body systems is also discussed. This class is designed to
provide an experiential learning situation for students and includes a
lab component involving dissection.
PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture,
discussion, questioning techniques, experimentation in the lab, use of
Vernier probe technology as well as Power Point.
HOMEWORK: Daily reading
and review of material. Written assignments to reinforce concepts
PROJECTS/Exams: Mid-term
exam/Final cumulative research paper/presentation.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or
two full periods before exam
SCIENCE TOPICS
(Level 2) -
This course is designed to provide the student with the skills
necessary to evaluate health issues in terms of causes, population
affected, risk factors and prevention strategies. Various topics such
as infectious disease, cancer, HIV, heart disease, human sexuality,
personal and community safety as well as current issues in health will
be explored in terms of pathophysiology, treatments and prevention.
Students will gain information on health careers, health promotion
strategies and will learn valuable first aid techniques. This course
will be beneficial to any student interested in the health care field
or who has an interest in health topics in general.
PREREQUISITES: Successful
completion of Human Biology, Biology and Chemistry.
METHODOLOGY: Discussion,
cooperative learning activities, technology skills such as INTERNET
research, Powerpoint and Movie Maker.
HOMEWORK: Daily review of
notes, weekly written assignment.
OUTSIDE READING: It is
expected that students will read the newspaper and other assigned
articles in order to keep current in health issues.
PROJECTS: One major
project, several independent projects throughout the year.
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One
class period before exam
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE (Level 3)
- This course will provide students with an accurate
picture of what forensic science involves along with a detailed
description of the different laboratory techniques that are often used
in the solving of a crime. Emphasis will be given to the chemistry and
biology that are the basics for the techniques used and how each
evolved throughout history.
PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, case studies, experimentation
in the lab, PowerPoint presentations
HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written which include case summaries and
weekly textbook assignments, along with studying notes daily or
reading assignments
PROJECTS/PAPERS: Scheduled throughout the year and cover most
course objectives. These projects include crime scene and case
analyses, mock trials, research papers of past or recent court cases,
and lab practicals
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One full period before exam
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY HONORS (Level 4)
- This course is designed for students who show great promise in
science and is recommended to highly motivated students who have a
strong background in mathematics and problem solving skills. This
course is designed to be an in depth study of the fundamental laws and
principles of chemistry that set the foundation for Organic,
Qualitative, and Quantitative Analysis, Physical, Analytical and
Coordination Chemistry.
PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, problem solving, lab
experimentation, technology usage such as Vernier software, Excel, and
PowerPoint
HOMEWORK: Concept review problems assigned weekly along with the
daily class handouts, studying of notes daily, frequent written
assignments - article summaries
PROJECTS/PAPERS: Two major exams (midterm and final), along with
one major project that incorporates most course objectives (involves
the use of Excel)
REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One period before exams - depending on areas of
difficulty |