The science curriculum at St. Mary’s Academy creates successful
science students. The program provides basic knowledge in
mathematics, and understanding of how scientific processes operate and
how those processes relate to one another. St. Mary’s science
curriculum emphasizes problem solving while teaching students to
read, write, and communicate with clarity, cohesiveness, and meaning.
The science department encourages students to act on their curiosity
and take risks to understand the intricacies and mysteries of
science.
All students at St. Mary’s Academy are required to complete at least four credits in science. Introduction to Chemistry & Physics is required in the 9th grade and Biology is required by completion of the 10th grade. One other physical science course is required.
Introduction to Chemistry & Physics
This is a required course for all ninth graders and a prerequisite
for all other science courses. This class serves as an introduction
to chemistry, physics, and data analysis. Units of study include
motion, force, work, power, PE, KE, periodic table, equations,
reactions, all using simple algebraic equations to solve problems.
This course is lab based. This course fulfills one science credit, but does not fulfill the physical science credit.
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Biology
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics
This is a required course for all tenth graders and a prerequisite
for all other science courses. Biology covers the concepts and
principles of biology from the structure and function of the cell to
the organization of the biosphere. This course is lab based and
students will examine the wonders of all areas of biology so that
they can later enroll in advanced biology courses. This course
fulfills one science credit.
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Biology II
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics; Biology
This course is a continuation of Biology. The course furthers the exploration of Biology with a global view. Topics will include exploring biodiversity of plants, animals and microbes. Focusing attention on evolutionary adaptations and examining the biosphere as a global ecosystem. This course is lab based and fulfills one science credit.
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Chemistry I
Prerequisite: Intro to Chemistry & Physics, Biology, and Adv. Algebra & Trig (which may be concurrent)
This course is an introductory college level class in which concepts
are presented in a clear and straightforward manner using language
and analogies that students can relate to their own lives. Students
are to study the mechanisms of matter and chemical reactions. Upon
completion of the course, the student should have a clear
understanding of the history of chemistry, explore the uses of
chemistry in various careers, and gain an ability to cope with
chemical questions and problems related to social issues.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
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Chemistry II
Prerequisite: Chemistry I (with a minimum grade of a B+)
This course is a second year chemistry class that will provide in
depth investigation of more specialized areas of chemistry. Areas
of study include: thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium
and electrochemistry. This course is lab based.
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Physics
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics, Biology (may be concurrent), and Algebra I
This course introduces basic topics of physics with emphasis on conceptual understanding and scientific thinking skills. There will be frequent hands-on explorations, supplemented by demonstrations, video clips, reading, questions, lecture, and discussion. Through these, students will explore their existing conceptions; refine their understanding of formal physics concepts; analyze physical situations by means of fundamental principles; and integrate seemingly unrelated pieces of physics knowledge. The content includes core topics in mechanics (description of motion, analysis of interactions using Newton’s Laws, use of momentum and energy concepts), and fundamental forces and fields—gravitational, electric, and magnetic. This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
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Introduction to Marine Science
Prerequisite: Intro to Chemistry & Physics, Biology, and Chemistry I. For juniors and seniors only
This course is designed to give St. Mary’s students an introduction to the biological, geological, chemical, and physical aspects of marine science. We will explore the mysteries of the ocean in both a lecture and lab format. The lecture will cover the basic principles of oceanography supplemented by recent advances in the field. In lab we will approach marine science hands-on using the current disciplines of scientific research.
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Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics and Biology
This course is a study of the form and function of the body.
Anatomy is a study of body structure and Physiology is a study of
body function. Through a variety of methods, including lecture,
class discussion, video, student presentations, sketching/coloring,
and dissection of fetal pigs, students will learn about the
intricate living system that is the human body.
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AP Biology (2.0 science credits; full block each semester)
Prerequisite: Biology, and Chemistry I (which may be concurrent)
This is an in-depth college course with a molecular emphasis and 12
major (4 hour) labs. There is an intensive coverage of the entire
field of biological science, using a college text. Method of
presentation is primarily lecture/lab and will develop all required
college skills. This course requires a daily (and vacation)
homework commitment of an hour or more.
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AP Environmental Science (spring semester)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics and Biology
This course will be a study of the living and non-living factors
that make up the environment, the interactions between organisms,
and the human impact on these various components. Students will
discover more about the environment around them, how it affects our
population, and how we, in turn, influence our surroundings. We will
study the basics of ecology, aspects of the environmental movement
and various environmental views, and a range of topics pertaining to
the environment today.
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Genetics
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics and Biology
This is a non-traditional, lab-based course intended as an
introduction to genetics in context. Mendelian genetics, and the
role of Drosophila research in behavioral genetics are studied in
depth and applied to human inheritance. Human reproduction,
sex-linked traits, fertility issues, mitochondrial inheritance,
population genetics and evolution then follow. The second part of the course
focuses on DNA structure, replication, regulation of cell and
organism, and biotechnology. Bioethical issues are treated in some
depth with students selecting their topic of primary interest to
research and present. The course is equally divided among lecture,
lab, and project work.
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Ethics in Science
Prerequisite: Introduction to Chemistry & Physics and Biology
In all human endeavors, most of the actions of those that practice or use science involve choices with moral implication. This course is designed to meet 5 goals:
- 1. To stimulate the moral imagination of students.
- 2. To help students recognize moral issues.
- 3. To help students analyze moral concepts and principles.
- 4. To stimulate students’ sense of responsibility
- 5. To help students deal effectively with moral ambiguity and disagreement.
Ethics in Science is designed to be a discussion based course, but even this
endeavor requires the use of terms with specific meaning. Each lesson will begin with a science based lecture regarding the definitions and concepts concerning the particular ethical dilemma in science.