High School Online Program of Studies
Science Department
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that science is a way of making sense of the universe through careful observation. Science is a dynamic process that relies on healthy skepticism and curiosity, where assumptions can be modified or abandoned when new evidence is discovered. Students will develop confidence in science, an appreciation of scientific discovery, and a sense of awe and wonder of the world around them. Students will use active inquiry, hands-on activities, field studies, individual research and experimentation to transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations. Students will solve problems, attain a high degree of scientific literacy and appreciate the importance of becoming responsible caretakers of our planet.
DEPARTMENTAL STANDARDS
The following standards are process-oriented standards that the high school science department feels all of our students need to achieve. In addition to these standards we also have content-oriented standards and benchmarks for each course.
- Students will be able to develop effective strategies for problem solving.
- Students will be able to further their own knowledge of science through critical analysis of a wide range of media.
- Students will become competent in handling a wide assortment of laboratory equipment.
- Students will be aware of, sensitive to, and evaluate current socio-scientific issues.
- Students will develop an awareness of how their behavior and choices affect their own well-being and that of others.
- Students will communicate a broad knowledge of the sciences.
Science Courses Offered 2023-2024
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (New course)
TOPICS IN LIFE SCIENCE (New Course 2024/2025) (To be offered in 24/25 School Year)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Offered in 24/25 School Year)
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (New course) |
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Course Description: |
SEMESTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES (Grades 11 & 12) Starting with the 2023/24 school year, the Science Department will offer two semester elective courses. The 2023/24 semester courses will focus on the physical sciences: Astronomy and Conceptual Physics. The semester courses for 2024/25 are yet to be determined but will focus on subjects in the life sciences. This is a semester physical science course that is open to 11th and 12th grade students. Students in this course will explore Newton's Laws of Motion, momentum & collisions, rotational motion, electricity and magnetism, and waves through projects, and problem-solving. Students will develop a deep, conceptual understanding of physics as they explore how physics relates to the real world. The focus of this course is to gain a practical, hands-on application of these concepts and be able to construct and create products to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of the physics concepts that were formally abstract to them. This course is for students that are interested in how the world around them works, but are not interested in IB Physics due to the mathematical components. The focus will be on deepening your understanding, not on solving math problems. Please Note: This course may not be considered a lab-science by some universities. Check with your counselor for more information. |
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Prerequisites: |
Integrated Physical Science 9 and Integrated Life Science 10 |
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Credit: |
0.5 Credit |
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Length of Course: |
1 semester |
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Recommendations: |
A desire to use your hands and minds as learning tools as you understand the world around you |
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