The Science Department seeks to give students an appreciation and understanding of the world of science. Our goal is to move far beyond the facts and figures presented in the textbooks and to teach our students to be critical thinkers. In an age of daily scientific advancement, it is imperative that we help our students achieve the scientific literacy that they will need to participate in intelligent discussions of science and technology, to understand the implications of technological advancements and, as adults, to make informed choices about scientific matters that undoubtedly, will affect their daily lives. Our program is designed to meet the needs of each student by providing a learning environment that is both comfortable yet demanding and is taught by an outstanding faculty, all of whom have advanced degrees in their respective disciplines.
Biology
Our freshman biology course is intended as a survey course to lay the foundation for understanding biology in a conceptual way. Because the study of biology can be intimidating due to the explosion of knowledge that is being reported daily, the key to success is to recognize and emphasize those unifying themes that pervade all of biology and will still be applicable in the decades to come. Some of these themes include such topics as biological organization, the correlation of structure and function, interaction of organisms with their environment, evolution, and of course, science as a process. Following a molecules to man approach, some of the highlights of the course include basic chemistry, the workings of a cell, energy transformations and the role of DNA. Evolution and evolutionary patterns are emphasized in the study of organismal biology to explain the tremendous diversity of life on the planet. In senior year, Advanced Placement Biology is offered as an elective.
Chemistry
Placement of tenth graders in one of three levels of chemistry (honors, advanced or conceptual) is determined both by the skill level of the student in math and his/her success in biology. In our comprehensive, laboratory-based chemistry course, topics covered include properties of matter, formulas and equations, atomic theory and structure, periodicity, bonding, states of matter and kinetic molecular theory, nuclear reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium thermodynamics redox and electrochemistry. In senior year, we offer Advanced Placement Chemistry as an elective.
Physics
In junior year, all of our students take an algebra-based general physics course. The students are tracked into one of four levels, (Advanced Placement, honors, advanced or conceptual) based upon their math skills as demonstrated by their progress in their math classes and by a special placement exam. Advanced Placement Physics is offered as a first-year physics course for those juniors with exceptionally strong math skills who have completed Algebra II. Whenever possible in the physics course, focus is given to topics which are in the forefront of current research and which are relevant to contemporary uses of physics in the home and workplace. The course emphasizes problem solving techniques, both in lecture and lab, using algebra, trigonometry, geometry and graphical analysis. Seniors, who have completed a year of honor-level physics, may elect to take A.P. Physics.
In junior year, students may also enroll in science electives in either anatomy and physiology or astronomy.
