Biology, Chemistry and Applied Science
Students in the Biology and Applied Science classes have
been studying ecological concepts of matter cycling, energy
flow and the dynamics that shape ecosystems and the biodiversity
of major biomes. The students will be involved in a study
of a pond study to assess its ecological health. This will
be followed by the study of how humans have impacted these
concepts. The next unit of study will involve cell anatomy
and physiology in which the students will construct cell
models.
Advanced Biology
Students will complete research projects involving the study
of microbiology. Bacteria will be cultured and aseptic techniques
will be used to identify bacteria, protists and fungi. They
will learn how to use the tools of oil immersion and digital
microscopy to identify microbes.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a study of the composition and properties of
various forms of matter and the changes they undergo. This
course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge
of the chemical world. The course will center on the language
of chemistry. The topics will include: classification of matter,
the structure of matter, periodicity, chemical bonding, writing
of chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, gases,
solutions and an introduction to organic chemistry. Because
chemistry is an experimental science, the students will be
given as much opportunity as possible to develop concepts
from their own lab experiments. Practical application of the
day to day use of chemistry will be stressed along with basic
theory for the student interested in post high school education.
Students considering careers that require math or science
such as agriculture, engineering, technology, or any allied
health related field should take this class. Algebra I is
a prerequisite for the course and Algebra II is recommended.
Physical Science-9
The problem solving techniques of the scientific method are
used in laboratory activities and focused on by preparing
formal lab reports during the 9th grade year. Discussion and
labs during first semester are based on chemistry concepts
such as the relationships between mass, volume, and density,
graphing data, properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical
bonding, the periodic table of elements, and chemical reactions.
The second semester of physical science focuses on the physics
branch of physical science. Discussion and labs are based
on physics concepts such as motion, forces, energy, electricity,
and magnetism.
Physics
Senior physics students begin the year with the study of linear
motion covering the basic concepts, of mass and weight, inertia,
and Newton's laws of motion. From there, parallel ideas are
explored within rotational motion and the application of these
ideas to the reaches of our universe. Students design lab
procedures, test hypotheses, and research current knowledge
about these subjects.
Second semester begins with a unit on thermodynamics and then
moves into waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and
we finish off the year with atomic physics and an introduction
to quantum mechanics.
Rube
Goldberg Competition
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