Science Department
Philosophy: Science at St. Paul’s is aimed at helping the student understand the world and to find out how the world works, to seek what regularities there may be, and to penetrate the connection of all things. The science faculty wants science students to learn and appreciate scientific facts, logic, and methods, while experiencing high levels of expectation, motivation, and involvement into inquiry learning, critical thinking and problem solving. This is accomplished by utilizing the best technological tools available to prepare our students for university and informed career choices. The promotion of science literacy and appreciation, the integration of all sciences, and the integration of science with other academic disciplines are the goals of this department.
COURSES OF STUDY
BIOLOGY 9
Biology 9 is an investigation into the amazing biotic world. It explores biochemistry, taxonomy, genetic principles, and diversity of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the ever-changing species of the biosphere. The labs outline key science skills while providing understanding for biological concepts. The analytical activities build problem-solving skills including interpretation of data and formulation of conclusions which give birth to new ideas enhanced by innovative technological tools.
AP BIOLOGY
AP Biology, a university level biology course, is an in-depth study and research into biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy and systematics, cellular biology, physiology, botany, and an introductory study of vertebrates and invertebrates. Labs are College Board required and include dissolved oxygen testing, enzymes, genetic engineering (transformation of E. coli), cell respiration, transpiration, diffusion and osmosis, physiology of the circulatory system, etc. This course is preparation for the advanced placement biology exam, where college credit is possible.Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in the Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
PHYSICS
Physics explores the areas of Newtonian mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, Newtonian gravitation, angular motion, momentum, and the work energy theorem), the laws of thermodynamics, simple harmonic motion, sound, light and optics, electrical charge, Ohm’s law and DC circuits. Also included is a brief overview of modern physics covering quantum theory, nuclear physics, and Einstein’s relativistic physics. Physics or Honors Physics is a required course for graduation.
HONORS PHYSICS
Honors physics will be an extensive study of Newtonian mechanics (linear and projectile motion, forces in one and two dimensions, gravitation, circular motion, momentum, and energy), Electricity & Magnetism (static electricity, electric fields, current electricity, series and parallel circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetism), and Optics & Sound (reflection and mirrors, refraction and lenses, interference and diffraction, vibrations and waves). Class will also include an introduction to modern physics and astrophysics including preliminary studies of general relativity, dark matter, cosmic ray detection, and quantum theory. The class will move at an accelerated pace and there will be a heavy emphasis on math. Viable candidates will have successfully completed Algebra II.
AP PHYSICS B
AP Physics B is a non-calculus based physics course that covers a wide range of topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics and fluids (hydrostatic pressure, buoyant force, the equation of continuity and the Bernoulli equation). Physics (407) is a prerequisite to this course. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is a survey course with emphasis on measurement, problem solving, energy concepts, atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, the gas laws, and solution chemistry. Numerous labs are performed to illustrate the lecture material.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Honors Chemistry is an advanced survey course in chemistry. The course emphasis includes: measurement, problem solving, energy concepts, atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding and reactions, gas laws, solution chemistry, basic organic chemistry, acid based chemistry, basics of rate laws, and basics of equilibrium. Numerous labs are performed to illustrate the lecture material. Students must be pre-approved to take this course.
AP CHEMISTRY
This class is the equivalent of a general chemistry course given in the first year of college. As a quantitative chemistry review, some topics like the structure and states of matter, reactions, and stoichiometry will be presented in much greater detail than the first year of general chemistry. Other topics, such as reactions in equilibrium, kinetics of reactions and thermodynamics, will be offered for the first time. Laboratory work will be a critical part of the class with some experiments occurring over multiple days. Chemistry (403) is a prerequisite to this course. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
MARINE BIOLOGY
Marine Biology presents the fascinating world of the ocean - its physical, chemical and biological interactions are explored using computer programs, cooperative learning activities, field trips, laboratory investigations and research projects. The topography, the stratification of the watery environment, and the biodiversity of marine habitats are investigated. The unique features of the water are the basis for learning survival skills and for discovering the importance of the marine world including its flora and fauna. This course delves into the mysterious depths of the hydrosphere, dispelling myths and establishing facts pertinent to mankind's quest for understanding all biomes within the biosphere.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed for juniors and seniors interested in exploring the wonders of the incredible human body. The course utilizes a systems approach to the study of the human body. Both structure and physiological function are emphasized as well as regulatory mechanisms and interactions between systems. Lab experiences including dissection of the cat and the use of analytical devices and techniques are incorporated.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP environmental science is a college level interdisciplinary science course that investigates Biosphere I yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It seeks to find solutions to environmental issues by understanding biological, chemical, and physical interactions within the local and global habitats as well as incorporating the economic, political, and ethical issues of mankind. It is an applied science that examines human intervention in the natural world using basic scientific principles, mathematical calculations, and understandings of society. Problem solving, using data collections from the field, critical thinking skills, and observations, structures the study of Biosphere I. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.