Science

AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. AP Biology labs are equivalent to those performed by college students over the course of one year of college study. The course culminates in a Research Project that is presented to judges and the Cheverus community through the AP Biology Symposium in the spring. This presentation meets the STEM diploma requirement for Strand 3: Research & Design.

Prerequisites: Biology

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

AP Chemistry is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of solution chemistry, chemical kinetics, thermochemistry, gas laws, reaction equilibria, acid-base chemistry, buffered solutions, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry. Emphasis is placed on representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena as well as asking students to engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking. During advanced laboratory experiences, students will perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence while working with scientific explanations and theories. Considerable personal initiative is expected as the course is designed for motivated students who are preparing for the Advanced Placement Exam in early May. Dual enrollment credit with St. Joseph’s College is available.

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

AP Environmental Science will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Prerequisites: Students should have completed two years of high school laboratory science. Due to the quantitative analysis required in the course, students should also have taken at least one year of algebra.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Prerequisites: Algebra II

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This introductory course presents many of the major concepts in the field of biology, the study of life. Students will develop an understanding about the science of biology and experimental design, the chemistry of life, cellular biology, metabolism, genetics, the central dogma of biology, and evolution. The course includes an exploration of the human body and promotes a critical analysis of current advances in medicine and science.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Biology Honors is intended for those interested in pursuing science. The goals achieved by each student through participation in the Biology Honors experience are a heightened awareness and interest in biology as well as an appreciation of both the broad scope and the enormous depth that the field of biology encompasses. Students will develop an understanding about the science of biology and experimental design, the chemistry of life, cellular biology, metabolism, genetics, the central dogma of biology, and evolution. The course includes an exploration of the human body and promotes a critical analysis of current advances in medicine and science, including the advancements in genetic engineering and the ethical decisions created by such advances.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This introductory course presents many of the major concepts in the field of chemistry, the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Laboratory investigations and collaborative classroom activities are used to illustrate the relationship between the structure of matter and its behavior, attempting to answer the question “Why does something behave a certain way?” A primary emphasis of the course is on the process of learning problem-solving techniques and strategies, both mathematical and investigative, in order to foster scientific habits of mind including curiosity, creativity, and objectivity. Students will begin to understand the interconnections of chemistry to the other sciences, society, culture, and technology.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Chemistry Honors is designed for students considering a career requiring further science education at the college level. This introductory course presents many of the major concepts in the field of chemistry, the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Laboratory investigations and collaborative classroom activities are used to illustrate the relationship between the structure of matter and its behavior, attempting to answer the question “Why does something behave a certain way?” A primary emphasis of the course is on the process of learning problem-solving techniques and strategies, both mathematical and investigative, in order to foster scientific habits of mind including curiosity, creativity, and objectivity. Students will begin to understand the interconnections of chemistry to the other sciences, society, culture, and technology. Personal initiative is expected in this fast-paced course.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Global Science combines the foundations of biology, chemistry, and ecology. Students will develop an understanding of the enterprise of science as a whole—the wondering, investigating, questioning, data collecting, analyzing, problem solving, designing, and communicating. Topics will include Earth systems, geochemical cycles, natural resources, and sustainability. An emphasis on environmental science, policy, and social justice helps students relate science to themselves, our community, and ultimately, the world.

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a hands-on laboratory course that investigates the forms, processes, and systems of the human body. Students will study the basic organization of the body, the biochemical composition and interactions, and the parts of the major body systems as well as how they work together. Case studies of infectious and genetic diseases and current discoveries in medicine will enhance our study. This class is designed for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the health fields, and for students who want to learn more about their own bodies and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Prerequisites: Biology

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)

This course is designed for students with special interest in marine biology and contains significant laboratory and field experience. Students study ecological concepts of the sandy beach, rocky shore and benthic communities, seaweeds, planktonic forms, plankton and their relationship to marine life cycles, nekton, benthos, marine bacteriology, marine biological resources, and marine pollution. Special attention is given to Maine’s coastal environment and working waterfront.

Prerequisite: Global Science

Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)

Physics is an algebra-based, introductory course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; momentum; and mechanical waves. Basic use of trigonometric functions can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the Physics course itself.

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Term: Full Year (1 Credit)