Science Department
Faculty Members:
Nadine Barabas
Edith Fork
Darlene Langhoff, Department Chair
Kathy Stelling
At Saint Thomas More High School we believe that science is much more than a collection of facts. Our courses are designed to teach science as a process that is used to understand the world around us. Scientific reasoning, problem solving, laboratory activities and experimentation are essential components of every course.
The role of science and technology in society is emphasized throughout the program. In each course the content is related to the everyday experiences of the student. Students are encouraged to develop the knowledge and the skills they need to make informed decisions about science-related issues. Science career opportunities are also presented in each course.
Our science program allows students to investigate a wide variety of subjects. The sequence of courses is designed to correspond to the developing math skills of the student. Courses are available for students of all ability levels. The program has been designed to meet the needs of all Saint Thomas More students.
1800-1805 Foundations of Science - Grade 9 - 1.0 credit (Required)
Foundations of Science includes the study of basic concepts needed for subsequent course work and provides the student an opportunity to experience science through laboratory work, activities, group discussions, and teacher explanations. It integrates skills in science and problem solving, using an active learning approach to help students become more effective learners. Basic safety, laboratory methods and communication of scientific information are emphasized.
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1806/07 Honors Biology - Grade 10 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Foundations of Science
Honors Biology uses a questioning approach to the study of biology. Using this method, students discover biological processes in the same manner as scientists. This is a challenging course designed to prepare students for further work in science. The topics covered include cell structure and function, genetics, plant studies, taxonomy, investigation of the human body systems, evolution, basic ecology, nutrition, cancer and pathogenic diseases.
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1808/09 Biology - Grade 10 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Foundations of Science
This course increases a student's awareness of the interrelationship of all organisms and humankind's own place in nature. Emphasis is placed on developing an appreciation of the diversity of life and an appreciation of science as open-ended inquiry. This is a lab-oriented class with hands-on experience in investigation of the living world. Content matter includes the study of structure and function of microscopic organisms, cells, animals and plants, the biological roots of behavior, genetic continuity of life including reproduction and evolution, and the diversity of type and unity of pattern in living things.
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1812/13 Honors Chemistry - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Foundations of Science
This course prepares students for college work in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pharmacy, engineering and other science and medical-related fields. Units of study include (but are not limited to) chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical reactions, atomic structure, the periodic table, electron configuration, chemical bonding, the states of matter, solutions, thermodynamics, reaction equilibria, acid-base reactions, electrochemistry and extensive mathematical problem-solving. Laboratory activities include practical experience related to the theoretical content covered. Honors Chemistry students must also be taking Algebra 2-Trig. or Honors Pre-Calculus.
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1814/15 Chemistry - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Foundations of Science and successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry with a minimum grade of "C-" in each course. Concurrent registration in a junior level math course is strongly encouraged.
Chemistry covers the same topics as Honors Chemistry; however, the pace and depth of this course is less intense.
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1816/17 Basic Chemistry - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Foundations of Science and successful completion of Algebra 1.
Basic Chemistry covers all the main concepts of an introductory high school chemistry course. Units include measurement, matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, gas laws, and acid-base. The pace of instruction is dictated by student understanding. Laboratory experiments and student activities in problem solving are emphasized. Students in Algebra 2-Trig. and Pre-Calculus should enroll in Standard or Honors Chemistry.
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1818/19 Honors Physics - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Foundations of Science and successful completion of Algebra 2-Trig. or Honors Pre-Calculus. It is also recommended that Honors Physics students take either Pre-Calculus or Calculus during their senior year.
Honors Physics presents the study of physics as a continuing process by which people seek to understand the nature of the physical world. Mathematics is a major tool which aids in this understanding. Students will extend their use of the tools of mathematics to undertake a deeper analysis of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, light and atomic structure than is attempted in a standard physics course. Upon completion of this course students will be in a better position to deal with the academic demand of science courses at the college or university level.
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1820/21 Physics - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Foundations in Science and Algebra 2, Algebra 2-Trig. or Honors Pre-Calculus taken either junior or senior year.
Through the use of the text, the laboratory and directed readings, the physics student will explore the fundamental principles and theories describing motion, the solar system, thermodynamics, light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and nuclear structure. Students will gain familiarity with career opportunities in scientific and technological fields and acquire a more accurate insight into the role of science in history and in the coming generations. The Physics course requires the use of algebra and trigonometry.
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1822/23 Physics for Everyday Life - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites:
- Foundations of Science
- "C-" and better in Foundations of Science and
- "C-" in either Algebra 1 or Basic Algebra 1 & 2 or
- Science Department approval
Physics for Everyday Life is strongly recommended for students interested in the building trades/technology, fine arts and/or the humanities. Students interested in science-related careers at the college level should opt for Physics or Honors Physics. Class and laboratory work will stress hands-on activities to teach the fundamentals of physics.
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