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Department Head:  Dona Dugas
 

DEPARTMENT GOALS

The Science Department of Teurlings Catholic High School strives to prepare students to become informed citizens who have acquired the necessary scientific and technological knowledge and skills to function responsibly in the global community of the 21st century.  Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to become scientifically literate and reflective of the inherent nature of scientific knowledge, methods, and processes. In keeping with the NGSS goals and standards, the department will strive to develop key skills--communication, collaboration, inquiry, and problem solving--that will serve them throughout their future educational and professional lives.  Scientific knowledge should be constructed through a hands-on/minds-on approach with overarching concepts that connect science and other disciplines. Courses will include a rigorous inquiry-based curriculum and technological instruction. Importance will be placed on working in cooperative groups, recording and presenting laboratory findings, modeling/constructing, debating current issues, and posing questions based on current findings, thus connecting their work to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) disciplinary core ideas.
 

COURSE OFFERINGS

 
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Physical Science is designed to introduce the student to the sciences which deal with physical relationships in nature including chemistry and physics. Because mathematics is the foundation of the physical sciences, a solid mathematics background is expected. The student will be introduced to technical vocabulary representing scientific concepts. The topics addressed in this course include: measurements in science, force and motion, laws of motion, work and simple machines, properties of matter, elements and the Periodic Table, compounds and bonding, metal and nonmetal families, the carbon family, and chemical reactions.  Understanding the content will involve developing and using models, planning and conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematical computations, and formulating explanations. Basic chemical and physical laboratory procedures and techniques will be introduced.
 
PHYSICAL SCIENCE (HONORS)
Honors Physical Science is designed to introduce in-depth studies of concepts in the physical sciences. Selected topics will include those from the areas of chemistry and physics. Students enrolled in this course are expected to perform basic math skills and have an understanding of the metric system. Topics covered will include the study of matter, its structure and changes, the analyzation of the Periodic Table, writing chemical formulas and creating chemical equations, converting mass into particle numbers and molar units, organic chemistry, motion, energy, and waves. Basic chemical and physical laboratory procedures and techniques will be introduced. Special projects required include conducting research, critiquing outside readings, and conducting experimental procedure. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
 
BIOLOGY 1
The study of Biology 1 addresses the scientific process of life, both plant and animal, through classroom lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments. The course is designed with emphasis on developing an understanding of the relationships within the student’s environment. Included concepts are: cell theory, biochemistry, molecular biology, classification and diversity, microbiology, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and ecology. Through these topics, the students will analyze data, create models, and evaluate living systems to gain a better understanding of their total environment, and the interactions that occur within it.
 
BIOLOGY 1 (HONORS)
Honors Biology 1 is an in-depth study of the complex interactions between organisms and their environment. Classroom lecture, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences will be used to develop collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving skills.  Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s investigative skills and critical reasoning ability. Topics of study will include: cellular structure and function, molecular biology, biochemistry, heredity and genetics, DNA technology, microbiology, plant life, invertebrate and vertebrate study, and ecological relationships. Through detailed studies of these topics, the student will develop an appreciation for the environment and the complex interdependencies that occur. Assignments include scientific investigations and outside readings. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
 
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is designed to introduce the student to general chemical principles in order to obtain basic knowledge in the field of chemistry.  Theories relevant to understanding measurement, chemical reactions, chemical composition, atomic structure, the Periodic Law, chemical bonding, formula equation relationships, stoichiometry, molecular geometry, gases and the laws that govern them, solutions and their molarity and molality concentration, and acids and bases will be covered.  A conceptual model of the chemical world is stressed and the course requires basic mathematical skills that set the foundation for being able to interpret chemical data and chemical formulas. In addition, laboratory activities, demonstrations, and modeling / building activities are required. Students will use knowledge gained throughout the course to apply the scientific method in the lab, where they will analyze and report data.  
 
CHEMISTRY (HONORS)
Honors Chemistry is designed to allow students to explore the fundamental principles of chemistry focusing on characterizing matter and how it reacts. Students will experience this through individual and group research, visual demonstrations, and hands-on lab experiences. Students will use knowledge gained throughout the course to apply the scientific method in the lab, while analyzing and exploring the concepts they are learning. Topics covered in this course include: scientific measurements, the states of matter and its changes, atomic structure and electron configurations, the Periodic Law, chemical formulas and equations, mass relations including the mole concept, stoichiometry, the behavior of gases, acids and bases, solutions and organic chemistry; therefore, proficient math skills are important in order to be successful in this course. Students leaving this course will have a solid foundation in the study of matter and its changes, as well as laboratory technique. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
 
BIOLOGY II
Biology 2 is designed to prepare senior high school students for college level biological science courses. The course is designed to deepen the understanding of the scientific method through studies in basic biological-chemistry principles, molecular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, heredity, DNA technology, and mechanisms of evolution. The Biology II course is structured to enhance materials covered in previous science courses. It aims to provide students with conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal with the rapidly changing science of biology while blending core ideas with scientific and engineering practices.   Biology II is designed for the college bound student.
 
BIOLOGY II (HONORS)
Honors Biology 2 is designed to adequately prepare senior high school students for college level biological science courses. As an advanced course of study, Biology II will require individual investigation and critical thinking skills. Topics studied include basic biological-chemistry principles, molecular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, heredity, DNA technology, and mechanisms of evolution. The Biology II Honors course is structured to enhance materials covered in previous science courses. It aims to provide students with conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will allow students to develop an understanding of social, legal, and ethical principles of biology through examination of various case studies.  Special projects required include research, outside readings, and experimental investigations. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
 
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Human Anatomy and Physiology is designed to prepare students for college-level anatomy courses. Human body systems are studied in detail with regard to structure and function. Topics studied will also include basic biological-chemistry principles, and molecular biology. Students will evaluate human systems, and use evidence in their learning to construct explanations for the interactions between systems. 
 
PHYSICS
Physics is designed to introduce the theories relevant to measurement, the dynamics of linear and circular motion, momentum and its conservation, universal gravitation, work and power, energy, thermodynamics, light and sound waves, electricity and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic field operations. A conceptual model of the physical world is stressed and the course requires basic Algebra skills. Students will apply scientific and engineering processes to: plan and conduct investigations; collect and analyze data; develop or use models; and design, build, and refine devices based on principles of physics.
 
PHYSICS (HONORS)
Physics is designed to introduce the theories relevant to measurement, the dynamics of linear and circular motion, momentum and its conservation, universal gravitation, work and power, energy, thermodynamics, light and sound waves, electricity and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic field operations. A mathematical model of the physical world is stressed and the course requires proficiency in Algebra and Geometry.  Students will apply scientific and engineering processes to: plan and conduct investigations; collect and analyze data; develop or use models; and design, build, and refine devices based on principles of physics.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Environmental Science provides students with the knowledge of scientific principles to understand the interrelationship of humans and the natural world. This course develops critical thinking skills by focusing on current environmental events, allowing students to develop solutions to many of the current world problems. As students apply the environmental principles, they will address topics such as human population growth, agriculture practices, renewable and nonrenewable resources, biodiversity, and global change. Students will be exposed to traditional lecture, videos, articles, hands-on laboratories, and field exercises. Students will leave the course with a better appreciation for the world around them and more knowledgeable on the impacts they create.
 
CYBER LITERACY / ROBOTICS
Cyber literacy introduces students to three core concepts: electricity, robotics, and liberal arts. Through this hands-on curriculum, students will develop critical thinking skills as they work in teams to build and control a robot to illustrate real world challenges in society today. Students will be completing this course with BoeBot robotic kits. Throughout the course, students will utilize skills learned to create their robot from parts provided. Topics covered in this course include basic circuitry, coding, navigation, design processes and cyberbullying.  Cyber Literacy allows students to develop a core foundation for further electricity and robotic explorations. Prior knowledge in robotics and coding is not required.
 
NUTRITION AND FOOD
This elective course provides students with an overview of good nutrition principles that are necessary for physical and mental wellness and a healthy life. Instructional materials include discussions of digestion, basic nutrients, weight management, sports and fitness, and life-span nutrition. The Nutrition and Wellness course emphasizes an understanding of today's food and eating trends and gives students the capacity to intelligently evaluate all available sources of nutrition information and make informed decisions. Unit topics include a course introduction, wellness and food choices in today's world, digestion and major nutrients, and body size and weight management. The course will also include an interactive, hands-on approach to healthy eating habits, healthy cooking techniques, and meal-prep and planning. The course is designed to give students the tools necessary to make healthy choices around food, diet, and nutrition.
APPLICATIONS