Academics

Science

Through faith and scientific discovery, students will gain an understanding of their surrounding environment to transform society ethically and responsibly.

Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
AP Biology is a rigorous and demanding course, which is the equivalent of an introductory college biology course. Content will be covered in more depth and greater expectations will be placed on interpretation and analysis of information than previous biology courses. In addition, statistical analysis of data and model of concepts will be expected. A significant amount of studying must be completed at home to allow time for discussions, labs, and inquiry during class time. The new AP Biology curriculum encompasses four “big ideas” with Essential Knowledge and Process Skills that support each: evolution; cellular processes (energy and communication); genetics and information transfer; and interactions.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 12 | 1 Credit
This lab science course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. This course differs in quality from the first-year high school chemistry course with respect to the kind of text material used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and increased complexity and variety of laboratory work done. The material is covered quickly, making the course directed to the student who is both self-motivated and disciplined in study skills.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry, Pre-Calculus
Grade Level: 12 | 1 Credit
AP physics is a yearlong course designed to prepare students for the AP C exam in physics encompassing mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. The mechanics section will pick up from the work done in sophomore honors physics with kinematics, Newton’s laws, the conservation laws of energy, momentum, angular momentum, rotational motion, and harmonic motion. Topics in mechanics that were covered in sophomore honors physics will be covered and reviewed quickly but in greater depth with calculus applications. In electricity and magnetism, topics covered will be electrostatics, electric fields, electric current and circuits including the laws of Ohm, Kirchoff, and Gauss. Maxwell’s laws of electromagnetism and Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction will also be covered. Calculus applications will accompany all these topics. Lab experiences will accompany most units. Assignments will consist of problems from the text as well as past AP exam free response problems. Students will be encouraged to take the AP physics C exam in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: Calculus I, Honors Physics
Grade Level: 9-10 | 1 Credit
This lab science course focuses on the basic characteristics of all living things and incorporates many fields of the biological sciences, through lecture, lab experiments and group activities. The course will include a study of molecular and cellular structure and function, biochemistry and metabolism, genetics and heredity, biotechnology and DNA analysis, evolution by natural selection, and the six kingdom classification system of living things. An emphasis is placed on inquiry and analysis as well as the learning of important facts and concepts. Lab work in this class will consist of experimentation, problem solving, data collection and analysis, and group activities. This course challenges students to think scientifically, integrate concepts and explore complex issues.

Credit Status: Required | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
This lab science course presents a study of the principles and theories behind matter and its changes. The course content will include a good foundation in stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics and
kinetics, acid-base equilibrium, and laboratory skills. Students will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of matter and its interactions.

Credit Status: Required | Prerequisites: Biology, Physics
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
This year long elective course is designed for students who are interested in learning more about the environment using biological, physical, and chemical disciplines. We will examine the relationship between the lithosphere, oceans, and atmosphere with a historical perspective, and with an eye toward the future. We will also examine how living things interact with these abiotic systems. In particular, we will study the human impacts on natural resources and biodiversity as human populations continue to rise exponentially.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: Biology
Grade Level: 9-10 | 1 Credit
Honors Biology is designed for the highly motivated students who have a strong interest in the biological sciences. Students will be expected to cover material at a fast pace which will require independent study skills and a strong work
ethic. Topics covered in this lab science course include: biochemistry, studies of the cell and the energy producing organelles, genetics and heredity, evolution, and biotechnology. Various components of biological careers will also be explored within this course. This is a laboratory science course, which will uphold an emphasis in learning through application and teamwork. Students will be challenged to think scientifically, integrate concepts, analyze data, and explore complex ethical issues.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites:
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
Honors Chemistry is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science. Students will be expected to cover material at an advanced pace which will require independent study skills, a strong work ethic and an
ability to function safely in a lab environment. Topics covered in this lab science course include: stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions. Students will be challenged to think scientifically, integrate concepts, and analyze data. This course is strongly suggested for students who wish to pursue the sciences.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Honors Biology, Honors Physics
Grade Level: 10-11 | 1 Credit
This honors level lab science course will provide students with an opportunity to explore the basic, forces, laws, and principles that describe the physical world. Students will build conceptual knowledge about topics including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, states of matter, heat, sound and light and use mathematics as a problem solving tool. Students should expect to move through material at an advanced pace.

Credit Status: Selective | Prerequisites: Honors Biology
Grade Level: 11-12 | 1 Credit
Anatomy & Physiology is an elective course designed for students intent on learning more about the basic principles of biology as they apply to the form and function of the human body. Students will learn about the organization of major organ systems of the body in addition to some essential physiological concepts that apply to each. Pathological conditions will also be addressed as well as current trends in medical research. In addition, students will investigate a number of different career choices in the field of health care.

Credit Status: Elective | Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry
Grade Level: 10-11 | 1 Credit
This lab science course provides the student with an in-depth understanding of the basic forces, laws, and principles that describe the physical world. The course emphasizes comprehension over computation. Algebraic formulas will be studied as guides for logical thinking rather than mathematical calculations. Topics include mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, sound and light. Designed for anyone with an interest in the world around them, physics offers a foundation for viewing nature more intentionally.

Credit Status: Required | Prerequisites: Biology

Science Faculty

Don Anderson
Don Anderson
EMAIL | BIO
Timothy Chipps
Timothy Chipps
EMAIL | BIO
  • BIOLOGY
  • ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
  • HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Holly Frank
Holly Frank
EMAIL | BIO
  • BIOLOGY
  • PHYSICS
Annie Gorham
Annie Gorham
EMAIL | BIO
  • AP CHEMISTRY
  • CHEMISTRY
  • ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Anna Hoffert
Anna Hoffert
EMAIL | BIO
  • CHEMISTRY
Nathan Patla
Nathan Patla
EMAIL | BIO
  • AP PHYSICS
  • CHEMISTRY
  • HONORS CHEMISTRY
  • PHYSICS
Cathy Warner
Cathy Warner
EMAIL | BIO
  • PHYSICS