Science
The Science Department offers a comprehensive program designed to satisfy
a variety of student interests and needs. Freshmen are all required to take
earth science. Sophomores should take biology. Juniors normally take chemistry
and seniors physics or astronomy. Science courses are offered at varied levels
of study, as described below. Special interest courses are not leveled. Students
are urged to discuss course selection with staff members if they are not
sure of appropriate placement. In those instances where a final exam is indicated,
please note that this exam will count 10-20 per cent of the year’s grade.
All courses with final examinations will have a minimum of 80% of the exam
common to all sections of the course. Students should observe any listed
pre or co-requisites. Deviation from the stated pre- or co-requisite for
any course requires the approval of the Science Department Head.
Earth Science
Earth Science courses are full-year courses that introduce the student to
the basic principles of astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography.
These courses emphasize experimental investigations and encourage the development
of analytical thinking. In addition to the regular class work, students will
conduct an original research investigation or an environmental stewardship
project independent of class time.
320-Advanced Earth Systems Science
Prerequisite:
Grade of A in eighth-grade Science, completion of Algebra 1 and teacher recommendation
This course and its laboratory component are designed to provide
a comprehensive study of earth systems science concepts for students who
are interested in the subject and are highly motivated, independent learners.
Reading skills well above grade level and an ability to deal with abstract
concepts are required. Students will develop their investigatory skills through
laboratory and project work that builds on middle school experiences. In
addition to the regular class work, students will conduct an original research
investigation independent of class time. Reading assignments will be given
during the summer preceding the course, with exams scheduled within the first
two weeks of September. Assignments in observational astronomy will be given
over the summer. A final exam will be given.
320 Sections 1,2,3, and 4 (Damassa)
320 Sections 5 and 6 (Wilkins)
320 Sections 7 and 8 (Roorbach)
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321-Lv 1-Earth Science
This college preparatory course and its laboratory component are
designed to provide an investigative survey of the scientific principles
associated with the earth sciences. Laboratory work includes directed study
that continues to build upon the investigatory skills developed in middle
school. Grade-level reading skills are expected. In addition to the regular
classwork, students will participate in an original research investigation
or in an environmental stewardship project independent of class time. A final
exam will be given.
321 Sections 1, 11 (Bell)
321 Sections 3,6,7 and 9 (Lewis)
321 Section 10 (Murphy)
321 Sections 4 and 5 (Roorbach)
321 Sections 2 and 8 (Wilkins)
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327-Lv 1-Explorations in Earth Science
This course and its laboratory component are designed to provide an investigative survey of the scientifi c principles associated with the Earth Sciences. Laboratory work will continue to build on the inquiry skills developed in middle school. A strong emphasis will be placed on the continued development of organizational skills, previewing and other reading tactics, note taking, measurement, graphing and analysis of data. In addition to regular classwork, students will participate in an independent project. Mid-term and final assessments will be administered..
327 Sections 1, 2 (Bell)
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Biology
All Biology courses are full-year introductory survey courses which cover
characteristics of all living things. The units include, but are not limited
to biochemistry,cell biology, genetics evolution, physiology, anatomy, reproduction,
development, heredity, and ecology.
330-Hon-AP Biology
Prerequisite:
This course and laboratory component provide for
study at the most advanced conceptual level. Because the introductory survey
curriculum is so rich, students are required to complete an independent study
of a curricular unit, following guidelines provided by the department, during
the summer before sophomore year. In addition to the regular class work,
students will design and execute an original research investigation independent
of class time. A final exam will be given. Those who work successfully in
this course are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination in
Biology.
330 Section 3 (Offner)
330 Sections 2 and 6 (Pohlman)
330 Sections 1, 4 and 5 (Tzimopoulos)
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331-Lv 1-Biology
This course and laboratory component are
designed to provide a survey of biological principles for students who are
interested in the subject and have demonstrated high motivation. Reading
skills above grade level and ability to deal with abstract concepts are expected.
A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully in this course
are encouraged to take the SAT II (Achievement) Test in Biology.
331 Sections 5, 9 and 11 (Gimble)
331 Sections 2, 10, 12 and 14 (Keeler)
331 Sections 1, 4 and 7 (Murphy)
331 Sections 3, 8 and 13 (Offner)
331 Section 6 (Pohlman)
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332-Lv 2-Biology
This course and laboratory component are designed
for students who want a working knowledge of biological principles. It can
serve as an important component of college preparatory study. Grade-level
reading skills are expected. A final exam will be given.
332 Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Hagins)
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Chemistry
Students who take full year courses in chemistry become familiar with chemical
principles and applications including the SI metric system of measurement,
scientific notation, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, periodic relationships,
chemical bonding, gases and kinetic theory, molecular structure, types of
chemical reactions and quantitative relationships, solution chemistry, energy
relationships, and equilibrium.
340-Hon-AP Chemistry
Co-requisite: Advanced Mathematics 252 or 253 and teacher recommendation
This course and laboratory component provide for
study at an advanced conceptual level. Each student will design and execute
an independent research investigation outside of class time. Because the
chemistry curriculum is so demanding, students are required to complete an
independent study of a curricular unit, following guidelines provided by
the department, during the summer before junior year. A final exam will be
given. Those who work successfully in this course are encouraged to take
the Advanced Placement Exam in Chemistry.
340 Sections 1, 2 and 3 (Kumar)
340 Sections 4 and 5 (Shorter)
340 Sections 6 and 7 (Compton)
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341-Lv 1-Chemistry
Co-requisites: Algebra 2 or Advanced Mathematics
(252 or 253) and teacher recommendation
This course and laboratory component are designed to provide a survey of
chemical principles for students who are interested in the subject and
have demonstrated high motivation. An ability to deal in abstract concepts
is expected. A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully in
this course are encouraged to take the SAT II (Achievement) Test in Chemistry.
341 Sections 5, 6 and 9 (Boles)
341 Section 8 (Compton)
341 Sections 1, 11 and 12 (Green)
341 Section 14 (Shorter)
341 Sections 2, 3 and 4 (Riley)
341 Section 7, 10 and 13 (Thyng)
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342-Conceptual Chemistry
This course and laboratory component are
designed for students who want a working knowledge of chemical principles.
It can serve as an important component of college preparatory study. A final
exam will be given.
342 Section 1 (Boles)
342 Section 3 (Thyng)
342 Section 2 (Riley)
342 Section 4 (Green)
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Physics
Physics studies the interrelationship between matter and energy. Students
will become familiar with concepts from the areas of kinematics, force and
motion, momentum, energy and work. Additional units may include wave motion,
optics, electrostatics, electricity, and magnetism.
350-Hon-AP Analytical Physics
Co-requisite: Honors Calculus (263 or 264)
Analytical Physics is designed at a mathematically advanced level in selected
topics of physics. The course emphasizes mechanics but also deals with aspects
of electricity and magnetism. In addition to the regular class work, students
will design and execute an original research investigation or engineering challenge. A final exam
will be given. Students who work successfully in this course are encouraged
to take the Physics C Advanced Placement Examination.
350 Sections 1 and 2 (Gould)
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351-Hon-Physics
Pre or Co-requisite: Advanced Mathematics (252,253, or 254)
Honors physics is a course designed at
an advanced level through a broad range of topics and laboratory experiences
without using calculus. Most of the assignments, tests, and class work deal
with problem solving using mathematical relationships. In addition to the
regular class work, students will design and execute an original research
investigation or engineering challenge. A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully
in this course may elect to take the Physics B Advanced Placement Exam.
351 Sections 2 and 3 (Abbot)
351 Sections 1 and 4 (Hogan)
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352-Lv 1-Physics
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (241,242,243 or 244)
This course and laboratory component are
for students who are interested in science and have high motivation. An ability
to deal with the abstract and reason mathematically is essential to success.
A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully in this course
are encouraged to take the SAT II (Achievement)Test in Physics.
352 Sections 3 and 5 (Crowe)
352 Section 8 (Gould)
352 Section 2 (Abbot)
352 Section 9 (OReilly)
352 Section 1 (Zagaeski)
352 Sections 4, 6 and 7 (Russell)
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353-Conceptual Physics
This course and laboratory component provide
students with a working knowledge of the basic principles of physics. It
can serve as an important component of college preparatory study. Students
will be expected to apply algebraic relationships to problem solving and
laboratory investigations. A final exam will be given.
353 Sections 1 and 2 (Hogan)
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361-Astronomy
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (241, 242, 243 or 244)
An introduction to Astronomy, this class will focus on the application of
physics to the study of the universe. Intended for highly motivated students
interested in science, this class expects students to think critically as
well as to make use of mathematical reasoning in the solving and creation
of problems related to astronomical phenomena. Topics covered: the history
of observational astronomy; the night's sky; celestial navigation; physical
laws of radiation and motion; stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis; supernovae;
aspects of relativity; black holes; the large scale structure of the cosmos;
inflation; space based astronomy; precision cosmology; astronomy in the news.
A final exam will be given.
361 Sections 1 (Zagaeski)
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390-Integrated Math and Physics
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Department Head approval
This unleveled course, intended for seniors,
is multidisciplinary in content and approach, integrating mathematics, physics
and technology. The course is designed to allow students to investigate and
understand physical and mathematical concepts using computers, calculators,
and other technology. It will focus on essential topics of physics: including
mechanics, waves and electricity and the focus in mathematics will include
the algebra of functions and relations with an emphasis on trigonometric
and circular functions. Critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis
and organization will be stressed in context. The integration of mathematics
and physics will provide motivation for enhanced skill development and conceptual
understanding in both disciplines. This course is taught collaboratively
with mathematics and physics teachers. This course satisfies the mathematics
and physics requirements for seniors.
390 Sections 1 and 2 (Zagaeski)
390 Section 3 (Russell)
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