Science Department

Deanne Nowak, Chair

All Science courses are year-long unless otherwise noted.

Life Science - Grade 7

Students investigate fundamental principles of life science with a focus on the interactions required to sustain life on a cellular level. On the macro level they investigate how life is impacted by the positive and negative interactions among living organisms within ecosystems. Topics come from the broad disciplines of cytology, botany, zoology, human biology and environmental biology. Students perform experiments and investigations to develop basic laboratory skills while learning to think like scientists.

Earth Science - Grade 8

Students engage in an in-depth study of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and solar system. They learn about the physical features and processes associated with each, and investigate interactions among the spheres. For example, our weather results from interaction among the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere, together with influences from the Earth?s movement. Cycles and sustainability are underlying curricular threads.

Physics I - Grade 9 (Fall semester)

In this inquiry-based, conceptual course students learn to think like scientists as they investigate fundamental concepts that will help them to understand and interpret the natural world. The topics--waves, sound, light, optics, energy and electrostatics--were chosen to help students develop a foundation to be built upon in subsequent studies of chemistry and biology. Topics requiring advanced math skills are reserved for Physics II. Prerequisite: Algebra I taken concurrently.

Chemistry I and II - Grades 9-10 (Spring semester and Fall semester respectively)

Chemistry I and II combine to offer a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental properties of matter. Students develop and apply conceptual and mathematical models as they study atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, periodicity, the behavior of gases, solution chemistry, equilibrium (including acids and bases) and thermodynamics. This course provides students with an excellent foundation for understanding the molecular aspects of biology. Prerequisite: Chemistry I for Chemistry II.

Biology I and II - Grades 10-11(Spring semester and Fall semester respectively)

The Biology sequence leads students through an exploration of life from microscopic cells to macroscopic ecosystems. In Biology I, students investigate the biochemical and biophysical processes that support life, the structures that enable such processes and the advances in biotechnology made possible by our understanding of these. Students study the production and transfer of energy, growth, development, reproduction and heredity at various levels from sub-cellular organelles to organ systems. In Biology II, students discover the diversity of life and develop an introductory understanding of how and why species and ecosystems change. Students analyze and apply classification schemes and evaluate the impact on ecosystems of changes in populations and resources. Prerequisite: Chemistry II; Biology I for Biology II.

Physics II - Grade 11 (Spring semester)

This second-semester college-prep physics course utilizes the mathematics of advanced algebra in the study of physics. Inquiry-based methods are applied to the study of motion in one and two dimensions, forces as vector quantities resulting in a net force and a predictable acceleration, central force, rotation, and the physics of the amusement park. Students design experiments and demonstrate mastery through project-based activities. Prerequisite: Physics I; Algebra II taken concurrently.

ELECTIVES

AP Biology - Grades 11-12

This is a first-year college biology course during which topics introduced in the Biology I/II sequence are explored in much greater depth. The College Board's AP Biology syllabus is followed and students are required to take the AP exam. The year is divided among four main units: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, human anatomy and physiology, and population biology. The out-of-class work can be extensive.. The out-of-class work can be extensive and demanding. All AP science courses are taught during C-block. Prerequisite: Biology II, or Biology I with independent study and demonstrated competency in chemistry; instructor permission.

AP Chemistry - Grades 10-12

Advanced Placement Chemistry provides a second year of instruction for math-hungry students who enjoy lab work and want to study chemistry beyond the introductory level. The AP syllabus is followed as major themes are examined through lecture, experimentation and demonstration. The out-of-class work can be extensive and demanding. A major course goal is to develop problem-solving skills. All AP science courses are taught during C-block. Prerequisites: completion of Algebra II OR strong proficiency in Algebra I with concurrent enrollment in Algebra II AND (Chemistry II or Chemistry I and instructor permission) AND competence demonstrated through performance on the ACS exam.

AP Physics - Grades 11-12

This is a college-level physics course for the mathematically eager student. Emphasis is given to calculus-based mechanics including rotational dynamics, as well as the execution and reporting of laboratory experiments as conducted in a college or university setting. Students are expected to take the College Board's exam in physicsPhysics C: Mechanics. The out-of-class work can be extensive and demanding. All AP science courses are taught during C-block. Prerequisite: Physics II; Calculus taken either concurrently or previously; permission of instructor

Catalyst - Grades 9-12 (one semester, multiple iterations possible); summer option

Catalyst is a research externship in which students are paired with mentors at prominent institutions throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Students spend a minimum of four (4) hours per week working on an authentic research project at a site assigned based upon student interest and abilities. Weekly journaling, weekly group meetings, and participation in a research symposium are included among course requirements. The program is designed to help students discover the nature of science, think critically in a research context and effectively communicate scientific information to various audiences. Catalyst demands of the students a high degree of independence, responsibility, and initiative. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and parking fees. The summer option offers a more concentrated lab experience, but less time for reflection since the course is concentrated into a six (6)-week timeframe. Summer Catalyst participants must commit to an average of thirty-two (32) hours per week on site. There are no bi-weekly meetings, but other course requirements mirror those described above. Additional tuition is charged for the summer session. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Biotechnology - Grades 10-12 (one semester)

In this survey course organized around the methods and applications of biotechnology, students will examine the consequences of using biotechnology in various fields such as microbiology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. They will perform sophisticated experimental techniques including: gel electrophoresis, restriction and bacterial cloning. Students will engage through Socratic seminars in deep discussions about the current and future impacts of biotechnology. Field trips and guest speakers will be incorporated where possible.
Prerequisites: Biology I, Chemistry I and II

Environmental Science Literacy - Grades 9-12 (0ne semester)

This course helps students develop a deeper understanding of prominent and contemporary environmental issues. Students will use literature, multimedia, field trips, laboratory experiences and independent research to critically analyze the complex connections that support life on our planet. The main course goal is to help students become environmentally literate, to help them to develop sensitivity to surroundings and the natural world, develop understanding of the natural, physical and social systems that make up our environment, and take ownership of their respective roles in improving our world.

Forensic Science - Grades 10-12 (one semester)

Forensics is a field where science is applied in a very concrete and pragmatic way. This lab-based elective gives students the opportunity to integrate their knowledge of chemistry, physics and biology while improving problem solving abilities in a crime lab context. Engaging activities such as case studies and mock scene processing provide authentic avenues to emphasize scientific methodology, inductive and deductive logic, ethics, and probability and uncertainty. Prerequisite: Chemistry I and II.

Human Anatomy and Physiology - Grades 11-12 (one semester)

This course is an intensive study of the basic anatomical and physiological systems of the human body. Students will investigate the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous, reproductive and excretive systems. Special emphasis will be placed on how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis and the general health of the individual. Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I and II.

Oceanography - Grades 9-12 (one semester)

The world ocean covers 70.8% of the Earth?s surface. More than 50% of the world?s population lives along a dynamic coastline. The Mariana Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is high. It has been suggested that only 10% of existing marine life forms have been catalogued and that phytoplankton provide much of the atmospheric oxygen. Both feared and revered, the ocean is still a place of mystery and wonder - the last frontier. This elective takes students to the depths as they explore the terrain, chemistry, life forms and forces governing marine environments, and suggest steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future for the world ocean.