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Curriculum

Science

The Science Department has developed the following primary objectives:  to contribute toward the development of a philosophy of nature which tries to give meaning and purpose to the things of nature; to understand and to use the process of experimentation through laboratory work; to acquire an exact knowledge of the fundamental principles of science; to prepare the student to progress to more advanced work in science;to further general educational goals set down by the administration of the school.
  • Honors Biology - 305

    305 - Honors Biology Grade 9
    This course provides a rigorous introduction to the life sciences. As an introduction to general biology the course topics include cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. The course focuses on biological phenomena, in addition to providing an understanding of the structure and function of biological systems. Independent study and attention to detail is expected and will enhance student comprehension of the course 
    material.
    Prerequisite: Placement from the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Biology - 314

    314 - Biology (College Prep B) Grade 9
    This course introduces students to the study of living organisms and their environment. The course topics include cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Students will be introduced to laboratory experiences that enhance their learning of biology. These include laboratory safety, compound light microscope investigations, and invertebrate and vertebrate dissection.
    Prerequisite: Placement from the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Chemistry - 326

    326 - Chemistry (College Prep A) Grade 10
    This course is a study of matter and energy. General topics covered during the course include atoms, formulas, reactions, and application to chemistry in everyday life. A mathematical approach is used to support the investigations and discussions of chemical principles. The integrated inquiry-based lab methodology will help
    build proficiency in scientific reasoning. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed for continued study of science at an advanced level.
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I.
  • Physics - 341

    341 - Physics (College Prep A) Grades 11, 12
    This course offers the student the fundamentals of Newtonian physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and sound, optics, and heat and thermodynamics. The course will use laboratory and problem-solving methodologies in the above areas. Concepts from algebra and trigonometry will be utilized to increase 
    their knowledge of the fundamentals of physics through experiential learning.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of Chemistry.
  • Physics - 343

    343 - Conceptual Physics (College Prep B) Grades 11, 12
    This course is designed to help students understand their interactions with the physical world. It will discuss topics in kinematics, energy, light, sound, and magnetism. This course will take a hands-on conceptual approach to physics.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of Chemistry.
  • Honors Physics - 344

    344 - Honors Physics Grades 11, 12
    Honors Physics provides a mathematically rigorous introduction to physics, including kinematics, simple harmonic motion, waves, and energy. Building on a student’s interest in the sciences and a high level of mathematical ability, students will increase their knowledge of the fundamentals of physics through lab experiences. An algebra-based college textbook is used.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & a grade of 85 or higher in Honors Chemistry (335) or a grade of 93 or higher in Chemistry (326) and concurrent placement in an honors math course.
  • Marine Biology - 347

    347 - Marine Biology (College Prep A) Grades 11, 12
    This course of study guides students through an investigation of the marine environment as a diverse ecosystem. Students will begin the course as Oceanographers studying the make-up and creation of the oceans and its chemistry. Students will become Marine Biologists by studying the various organisms that live in the sea. From microscopic plankton to majestic whales, students will gain a deep understanding of the interconnected web of life beneath the surface and recognize how humans are called to be protectors of this delicate environment.
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. Physics is recommended prior to or concurrent with this course.
  • Anatomy & Phys - 350

    This course is an introductory course that examines the form and function of the human body. Throughout this year-long program, students will discuss the anatomical structures of the human systems with an emphasis on anatomical terminology.
  • Earth Science - 348

    This course provides and introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy.Specific topics include the study of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, & the composition and circulation of the ocean.
  • Honors Anatomy & Physiology Dual Enrollment - 351

    351 – Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology Grades 11, 12
    This course is an introductory course that examines the form and function of the human body. Throughout this year-long program, students will discuss the anatomical structures of the human systems with an emphasis on anatomical terminology, anatomical identification, and physiological processes. Using the principles of basic chemistry, and knowledge of cells and tissues, students will also understand human disease processes and their effect on systems of the body.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and grades of 85 or higher in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry or grades of 90 or higher in Biology (312) and Chemistry (326). Physics is recommended prior to or concurrent with the course.

    This course is designed as a Dual Enrollment course. If you sign-up for this class, you will be charged a fee of $300 and your grade will be transcribed on an NDMU transcript earning 4 college credits for successful completion. 
  • Honors Chemistry - 335

    335 - Honors Chemistry Grade 10
    This course is designed to aid students in their understanding of chemical principles and concepts developed from experimentation. Included in the topics are atomic theory, atomic structure, chemical formulas and equations, states of matter, energy changes, bonding, and acid-base theory. The laboratory is an integral part of the course. Students should emerge from the course with a fundamental knowledge of chemistry based on 
    mathematical and non-mathematical concepts.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & a grade of 85 or higher in Honors Biology (305) and Freshmen Honors Math or a grade of 93 or higher in Biology (312) and placement in an honors math course for sophomore year.
  • Intro. Engineering - 270

    270 - Introduction to Engineering (College Prep A) Grades 10, 11
    This hands-on, project-based course engages students in the mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering design and build process. Students learn four drafting methods to produce detailed engineering drawings, test materials under tension, compression, shear, torsion and bending to analyze failure and experiment with heating, pneumatics, and hydraulics in the mechanical/civil portion of the course. Students work with circuits, motors, amplifiers, and communication devices in the electrical portion of the course. Working individually and in teams, students learn how to identify needs and develop solutions to produce actual prototypes and finished products. In addition, several engineers from different fields visit the class each year to share their expertise with the students. This course is taken as a seventh course and in addition to the required course for each academic year. 
    Prerequisite: Recommendation by the current Science teacher and approval from Engineering Program Director.
  • AP Biology - 365

    365 - Advanced Placement Biology Grades 11, 12
    This course is meant to provide the equivalent education of a full-year college-level introductory biology curriculum. In general, all topics comprising modern biology will be addressed. The course is structured around four Big Ideas (evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and interactions of biological systems) and the enduring understandings identified in the AP Biology Curriculum Connections between concepts, facts, and investigation-derived information will be reinforced within the context of the Big Ideas and enduring understandings. In addition, students will be responsible for identifying the connections to the Big Ideas and the enduring understandings, enhancing this course’s thematic approach to life science. Significant independent study is expected to enhance student comprehension and appreciation of the course material. Students are required to take the AP Exam.
    Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Honors Biology (305), or a grade of 90 or higher in Biology (312) and Department approval.
  • AP Environmental Science - 380

    380 - Advanced Placement Environmental Science Grades 11, 12
    This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. It 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 manmade, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for 
    resolving and/or preventing them. There is a lab component to this course, as well as field study. Students are required to take the AP Exam.
    Prerequisite: A grade of 85 or higher in Honors Biology (305), or a grade of 90 or higher in Biology (312) and Department approval.
  • AP Physics I - 345I

    345I - Advanced Placement Physics I
    Grades 11 
    This course delves into the topics of kinematics and dynamics, mechanical energy and its conservation, momentum and its conservation, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, and sound, as well as electrostatics and circuits. Students are required to take the AP Physics I Exam. 
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & a grade of 90 or higher in Honors Chemistry (335) or a 95 or higher in College Prep A Chemistry (326), along with concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II (or higher). 
  • AP Physics II - 345II

    345II - Advanced Placement Physics II Grade 12
    This course delves deeply into the topics of thermodynamics, fluids, electrostatics and DC and RC circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, light, and optics, as well as atomic and nuclear physics. Students are required to take the AP Physics II exam.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & a grade of 95 or higher in Honors Physics (344) or a grade of 85 or higher in AP Physics I (345I), and a grade 90 or higher in Junior Year Honors Math Courses.
  • Biomedical Science - 386

    368 – Biomedical Science  Grades 12
    Biomedical Science is a one-credit, lab-based course that explores the fundamentals of human anatomy, exercise science, medicine, and disease. Through hands-on experiments, case studies, and problem-solving activities, students will investigate the structure and function of the human body, the physiological effects of exercise, and the principles of medical diagnosis and treatment. Topics include major body systems, common diseases and disorders, medical technologies, and the role of healthcare professionals. This course emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and practical applications in biomedical fields, preparing students for further studies in health sciences.
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.
  • Engineering III - 273

    273 - Engineering III (College Prep A) Grade 12
    This course will serve as a capstone to the Engineering program. The course focus is a more in-depth and detailed look at various segments of the Engineering industry (i.e.: mechanical engineering vs civil engineering). Students are expected to complete an independent project to reflect their interest in specific Engineering subsets. 
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of Intro to Engineering (270) and Engineering II (272).
  • Forensic Science - 395

    395 - Forensic Science Grades 11, 12
    Forensic science has become an important part of criminal investigation at all levels of law enforcement. It is one of the fastest growing fields of study for science and technology. Forensic science has applications to high profile cases in the criminal justice system and everyday crime scenes. In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of a crime scene investigation, the collection and analysis of evidence and associated lab techniques. Students will be actively engaged in learning as they process crime scenes, analyze lab data, and conduct scientific investigations. Students will use technology to participate in activities that closely resemble those used by law enforcement personnel and forensic scientists.
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. Physics is recommended prior to or concurrent with course.

Faculty

  • Photo of Lauren Urban
    Lauren Urban
    Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
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  • Photo of Mary Bondyra
    Mary Bondyra
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  • Photo of Jeremy Eaton
    Jeremy Eaton
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  • Photo of James Hoos
    James Hoos
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  • Photo of Claire Leonard
    Claire Leonard
  • Photo of Anthony Luczak
    Anthony Luczak
    Director, McMullen Scholars Program
  • Photo of Charles Motsay
    Charles Motsay
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  • Photo of Kelly Robertson
    Kelly Robertson
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  • Photo of Carolyn Rutishauser
    Carolyn Rutishauser
  • Photo of John Stewart
    John Stewart
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  • Photo of Luke Strom
  • Photo of Joseph Zaccagnini
    Joseph Zaccagnini
  • Photo of Christopher Zinn MEd., LAT, ATC
    Christopher Zinn MEd., LAT, ATC
    Head Athletic Trainer
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