Science
INSTRUCTORS:
Jane Dusel-Misfeldt
| Joan Lahm
| Barb Malicky
Tom Salyard
| Vern Younger
(Full Year)
LIFE SCIENCE 7
Grade 7
Required
The seventh grade Life Science course proceeds from a survey of our environment to an exploration of living things from the simplest cells and organisms to the most complex. The students will be introduced to the life processes of all the different kingdoms. A science binder will be kept by each individual student of class notes, study sheets, and lab experiments and observations. The students will learn the impact science and technology have on each of them and their success in everyday living depends on their interest in the understanding of their world. The curriculum will cover simple scientific fundamentals that will have carry over value at high school level courses.
(Full Year)
EARTH SCIENCE 8
Grade 8
Required
Earth Science is a course designed to give students an understanding and appreciation of the physical environment in which they live. This course will cover a wide range of topics dealing with the planet Earth. Topics include origin of the Earth, rocks/minerals, weather/climate, various forces that reshape the Earth's surface (i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, rivers, glaciers, etc.), astronomy, oceanography, resource management, and interpretation of maps.
(Full Year 10 Credits)
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9
Grade 9
Required
Physical Science includes a basic introduction to chemistry, physics, and the atomic model. Students will learn about elements, compounds, chemical reactions, radioactivity, gas laws, motion laws, magnetism, electricity, energy, and forces. Student involvement in laboratory work is an essential component of this course.
(Full Year 10 Credits)
BIOLOGY 10
Grade 10
Required
Biology is a science dealing with the study of life. The line of study consists of four main units. Unit One deals with the general life functions and the relationship between organisms in their environment. Units Two and Three consist of plants and animal studies respectfully. Unit Four consists of a study of the human body. During the second semester the Archdioceses Science Assessment will be administered. Biology is a lab-oriented course and could be a stepping-stone for students interested in some science-related careers (medicine, nursing, agriculture, forestry, etc.).
(Full Year 20 Credits)
ACCELERATED CHEMISTRY
Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, and be enrolled in or have taken Algebra II
Accelerated Chemistry was created for those students who have the aptitude and desire to pursue science as a potential career. It is a fast-moving course that requires self-motivation, independent learning, and abstract thought. In-depth study of the atom and its structure, the history of atomic theory, and the many facets of the periodic table are just the beginning. Inorganic nomenclature, stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry are also included in this course.
(Full Year 14 Credits)
CHEMISTRY
Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, and be enrolled in or have taken Algebra II Prerequisite for students completing Geometry Essentials: Must pass both semesters with 90% average and pass Geometry both semesters. The atom and its structure, the periodic table, solutions and states of matter are examined. The basic terminology of inorganic chemistry is learned. The lab procedures introduce basic skills and safety procedures through a variety of experiments that correlate with material being studied in class.
(Full Year 20 Credits)
PHYSICS
Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisites: Algebra II
Physics is an exploration of how the universe works! This science attempts to understand and predict how physical objects and quantities will behave. During the year, the students will conceptually and mathematically analyze topics from some of these areas: force and motion, energy, heat and temperature, wave motion, light and optical devices, electricity and magnetism. Regular laboratory work compliments classroom discussion and lecture. Students planning on careers in science or related fields will find this course useful.
Full Year 10 Credits)
PHYSIOLOGY
Grade 12
Elective
Prerequisite: 86% in Biology or instructors permission
Physiology is a branch of Biology dealing with human body structures and function. The class is lab-oriented with an emphasis placed on comparing normal functions with abnormal functions and normal structures with abnormal structures. The daily class schedule will be filled with labs, discussions, guest lectures, student activities, field trips (hopefully) and other material pertaining to the human body. Any student planning on a career in medicine (i.e., doctor, nurse, veterinarian, physical therapy, athletic training) or if you are just interested in science, plan on taking this class.
(Semester 5 credits)
SCI-COMM
Grade 9-12
Elective
Prerequisite: First semester freshman see guidelines, Second semester is grades 10-12
Science in the Community is an integrated science course offered to students with an interest in various science topics and the practical application of each. This course will include research, field studies, and guest speakers. Visits to various industrial facilities and participation in a Mechatronics Workshop at CCC will also be included. Class will occasionally extend beyond normal class time in order to complete field studies and visits. Students will be expected to use technology, complete independent research project, and present information to classmates.
First Semester Freshman who are interested in competing in the Nebraska Science Quiz Bowl will be allowed to take Sci-Comm first semester only. First Semester only one day a week will be devoted to Quiz Bowl preparation, with the understanding that Scotus will form a team to compete in the state contest in January. Second Semester grades 10 12 no Quiz Bowl preparation.