Academics at Saint Mary High School

Science Department

Faculty:

Mrs. Margaret Reardon, chair
mreardon@stmaryhs.com

Mr. Felix Grygorcewicz
fgrygorcewicz@stmaryhs.com

The overall purposes and objectives of the science department are to provide a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum in science. The Science Department teaches scientific principles, analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Current material is included and connections are made between scientific issues and real life experiences.

The Science Department hopes to accomplish the following outcomes:

- Students will become effective critical thinkers and problem solvers.
- Students will gain a basic understanding of the major scientific principles and current issues in science.
- Students will be able to engage in intelligent discussions on scientific issues and matters of local and global concern.
- Students should be prepared to move on at the college level in a scientific study.

According to our mission statement, students are challenged to reach their highest potential, and are inspired to mature into responsible young people, fulfilling their God-given talents. In the course offerings of the department, time is spent admiring the beauty and diversity of earth in relation to science. We hope to develop a strong sense of stewardship to earth.

In order to establish a common foundation, freshmen begin their study of science with biology. From there all students are required to take chemistry. A third year of science is strongly recommended. Students can choose from anatomy and physiology, anatomy and physiology honors, or honors physics.

422 – Biology – Grade 9
(may apply to transfer students in higher grades)
Biology is structured to give a broad overview of living things arranged in increasingly complex sequential order. Course topics include cells, variety and continuity of life, microbes, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates and human anatomy and physiology. The course includes many hands-on lab activities including design and implementation of research projects, invertebrate and vertebrate dissection, as well as integrative group presentations.

413 – Chemistry – Grade 10
(may apply to transfer students in other grades)
This course is the study of the basic principles of Inorganic Chemistry, which is the study of matter. This course covers atomic theory, the nature of matter and energy, chemical formulas and equations, periodic law, electron configuration, chemical bonding solutions, acids and bases. This is a laboratory course which requires significant competence in mathematical relationships and the ability to apply such relationships to scientific principles.

411 – Anatomy and Physiology – Grade 11
(may apply to transfer students in other grades)
This course places emphasis on gross anatomical detail… the functioning and pathology of the body’s systems and the mechanisms maintaining homeostasis. Hands-on laboratory experience begins with organ dissections such as a sheep eye, brain and heart; and culminates with an in-depth whole organism dissection. This dissection serves as a review of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human body.

407 – Anatomy and Physiology – Honors
Prerequisite: B in Biology, teacher recommendation and approval
This course level of A&P follows the above course with added projects, reading assignments and presentations.

405 – Physics, Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
Physics is the study of the physical world and universe and the nature of matter and energy and how they are related. The development of the mathematical analysis of the physical world, motion, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, supported by laboratory exploration and competence in mathematical relationships, and the ability to apply such relationships to scientific principles is required.

450 – Introduction to Engineering – Grades 11 & 12
Prerequisite: B or higher in all math courses that have been completed, teacher approval
This course exposes the students to the basic math, science, and engineering principles of modern technology. Students will learn how engineers envision, design, create the technology around them. The course offers extensive hands-on opportunities to design modern high-tech devices. Helps students prepare to pursue post-secondary education in engineering and technology related disciplines. Throughout this course the student will be using the engineering process.