Science Classes

All of the science courses teach the scientific method including hypothesizing, designing experiments, observing, synthesizing and integrating, and drawing conclusions. A lab approach is emphasized throughout the entire curriculum.

Science Skills

This course prepares new students for the academic rigors of the science curriculum. The interdisciplinary course is taught by faculty from the Science, Mathematics and English Departments. Topics include how to organize, study, prepare, perform and document laboratory exercises. Students receive refresher training in mathematics, computer and writing skills.

Introduction to Physical Sciences

This class is designed as an introduction to the physical sciences; from energy and motion, to the nature and interaction of matter. Numerous class demonstrations bring to life physical concepts designed to spark conversations and class discussions about the various demonstrated physical laws and principles. Students have the opportunity to do group work near the end of the year to teach a chapter to the rest of the class. Group-taught topics cover magnetism and its uses, electronics and computers, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, and energy sources. Students discover that knowledge from previous chapters comes in handy when teaching their particular chapter.

Biology

This course covers the origin of life, plant and animal life cycles, genetics and the major systems of higher order animals. The course’s format emphasizes the assimilation of individual facts into a broader understanding of life. Daily labs will acquaint students with basic laboratory equipment and conduct. Students will keep a laboratory journal of methods and data interpretation throughout the course.

Physics

Prerequisite: Basic Algebra Skills
This is an introductory course of the science that deals with how the world around us actually works. Students will study linear and non-linear movement, atomic make up of matter, heat, magnetism and electricity, and light. The course will present a brief introduction to quantum physics.

Geology

Students will be introduced to the basic geological forces that cause erosion and deformation of the earth’s crust. They will earn to identify common rocks and minerals, as well as landforms. Local examples will be used whenever possible.

Chemistry

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of the chemical relationship between all forms of matter. It examines the chemical structure, conservation, and kinetics of matter as well as, quantification methods. Experimentation is conducted using a computer-based laboratory. This setting allows students the opportunity to prepare for experiments just as the would in a non-virtual reality laboratory, right down to choosing the correct apparatus for the job.