SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

 The following courses cover the Pennsylvania academic standards for Science and Technology.  

Advanced Physical Science                   9th grade                                                         Physical Science                                    9th grade                                                              Lab Process                                                 9th grade                                                             Biology                                     10th grade                                              Environmental Science             11th,12th grades                                                Chemistry                                             11th grade                                                        Physics                                                 12th grade                                                         Advanced Biology                                11th,12th grade 

ADVANCED PHYSICAL SCIENCE:  Advanced Physical Science will be a more in-depth look at the topics covered in Physical Science. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving utilizing math skills. Topic coverage will be expanded to include introduction to organic chemistry, heat and its uses.  

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Ninth grade Science is an introductory course in the Physical Sciences, Chemistry and Physics.  One semester is devoted to Physics and the other semester to Chemistry.  During both semesters, concepts learned will be applied to real world situations.  Some of the topics covered include: properties, changes and composition of matter; structure of atoms and molecules; acids and bases; Kinetic theory; nuclear reactions and power plants; motion and its causes; work, energy and power; wave motion and energy, the electromagnetic nature of matter.  Skills necessary for scientific investigation such as observing, classifying, hypothesizing and interpreting will be fostered.  

BIOLOGY:  Biology is the study of living organisms. This course gives an overview of the following biological concepts: Characteristics of Living Things, Genetics, Ecology, and The Diversity of Life. Students will develop a better understanding of his/herself as well as the world around them. All topics will be covered in laboratory, class discussion, lecture and projects.

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE:  Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study combining ideas and information from the natural and social sciences. Students will examine how our environment is being used and abused. Much energy will be devoted to three themes: sound science, sustainability, and stewardship. Topics will include a review of the processes of change on planet earth, ecological interactions, people in the global ecosystem, and managing human impact. 

CHEMISTRY:  An academic course for the college bound students. It involves the study of the composition of matter, how elements interact, atomic theory, types of chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, Kinetic theory and Stoichiometry; solutions, reaction mechanism, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases.  .  Throughout the course, connections to natural earth processes will be made.  There is a strong emphasis placed on laboratory work.  At the end of the course the students will have a strong scientific background for college chemistry courses. 

PHYSICS:  A senior high course designed for academic college bound students.  The course involves the use of algebra and basic trig as a means solving problems.  The topics include mechanics (force and motion), heat, light, sound and electricity.  The student upon completion of the course would have a basic understanding of the principles of physics, be able to solve related problems and have a solid background for any related college courses.  Laboratory computer work is an integral part of the course. 

ADVANCED BIOLOGY:  The primary emphasis of this 11th or 12th grade course is human biology. The intent of the class is to prepare students for further studies in the biological sciences at a higher level of education. Students taking this course should have a strong interest in this field. One half of the year will focus on in-depth biological topics with an emphasis on genetics. The second half of the year is Human Anatomy and Physiology. This course includes a mandatory dissection of a cat and sheep organs. To help insure success in advanced biology, completion of tenth grade biology with a minimum average of 80% is the recommended pre-requisite along with teacher recommendation in writing. 

LAB PROCESS:  This is a forty-five (45) day course offered to 9th grade students.  The course will meet 60 times in a 45 day cycle.  Classes will meet 8 times in a six day cycle.  The course is worth 1/3 of a credit.  Work in the laboratory is a very important part of the process of science.  In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore topics in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics with a focus on the laboratory process.  Skills of observing, hypothesizing, collecting and organizing data from experiments, interpreting data and coming to conclusions, will be fostered.  Students will learn the formal lab reporting process