A minimum of nine credits in science is required for graduation including:
-three credits in biology
-three credits in chemistry
-three credits in physics
Juniors and seniors enrolled in AP Biology and AP Chemistry, can apply for college credit through the St. Mary’s University of Minnesota PACC Program.
The Science Department at the Academy of Holy Angels strives to develop scientifically literate students through a systematic study of the world around us. Through this, the department hopes to instill an appreciation for the wonders of the world and enable students of all abilities and learning styles to experience success in the science classroom.
Students will be able to:
The STEM diploma description can be found in Special Academic Programs.
The AHA Science Department agrees with ABET (The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), the leading authority in engineering education that the best high school preparation for a career in engineering includes a strong background in science and math. In addition to traditional courses, ABET suggests a focus on communication skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, an appreciation for cultural diversity, and the ability to drive change.
For students interested in a career in engineering, AHA offers the following sequence of courses:
|
Normal Sequence |
||
|
Grade |
Science |
Math |
|
9 |
Biology |
Intermediate Algebra |
|
10 |
Chemistry |
Geometry |
|
11 |
Physics |
Algebra II |
|
12 |
Elective |
Pre-Calculus |
|
Accelerated Sequence |
||
|
Grade |
Science |
Math |
|
9 |
Pre-AP Biology |
Advanced Intermediate Algebra |
|
10 |
Pre-AP Chemistry |
Advanced/Accelerated Geometry/Algebra II |
|
11 |
AP Chemistry/AP Biology |
Advanced Pre-Calculus |
|
12 |
AP Physics I |
AP Calculus |
Writing and Communications: Students interested in preparing for college engineering programs should take Public Speaking and Presentational Styles in addition to the required yearly English courses.
Suggested key electives: Computer Art, Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer Science.
3 credits
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory course to the biological sciences. Students will explore the world of living organisms and develop an understanding of how biology applies to everyday life. In this course, students will cover the following topics: biochemistry, the cell, cell metabolism, cell reproduction, DNA function/replication, genetics, protein synthesis, ecology, evolution, and biotechnology.
AP science courses are extremely rigorous, with rigorous homework weekly. It is advisable for the student and family to carefully consider the amount of time that will be available for the student’s classwork and co-curricular activities.
3 credits
Grade Level: 9
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisite: Passing score on Physical Science Proficiency Test or 90% on the entrance test science section, concurrent enrollment in Advanced Intermediate Algebra I or higher, and instructor approval.
This course is designed to be an introductory Biology class which will serve as the first-year course for those students who may plan to take the AP Biology course their junior or senior year at Holy Angels. In this course, students will cover the following topics: biochemistry, the cell, cell metabolism, cell reproduction, DNA function/ replication, genetics, protein synthesis, ecology, animal behavior, evolution, and biotechnology.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Biology and Pre-AP Chemistry, with a C+ average in both and instructor approval. (Upon instructor approval, students with a B+ average in Chemistry may be admitted.)
This is a second course in Biology to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology test. This course may be taken by juniors and seniors through St. Mary’s University for college credit. This is a rigorous course designed for the college-bound student who is considering majoring in medicine or other biological sciences. This course is for the self-motivated student who has a profound interest in biological sciences. Students will prepare for and take the AP exam in the spring. Students must purchase a college lab notebook for this class.
Successful completion of summer course work is required to be admitted to this class.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Biology and Chemistry.
Engineering and Technology in Science is a STEM based course designed to teach students the fundamentals of forensic science, DNA technologies, and environmental engineering.
The first trimester will focus on forensics, the application of science, engineering, and math for solving crimes. It will be rich in exploration and lab investigation which applies many disciplines of scientific study such as biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics to solving crimes. Labs include crime scene and evidence collection, time of death analysis, fingerprint analysis and blood splatter analysis.
The second trimester of the course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of DNA technology such as DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR. Students attain knowledge about the field of biotechnology and deeper understanding of the biological concepts used. In addition, students develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, students will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology through extensive readings, laboratory experiments, class discussions, and research projects.
The third trimester of the course will introduce the engineering and design process and the concepts of energy and energy issues focusing on sustainable and renewable energies such as ocean thermal technologies, wind power, biofuels, and solar energy. Projects include designing and testing passive solar homes, windmills, and will culminate in the design, construction, and testing of a solar boat that will compete in a solar boat regatta in May.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
Physics is the study of the motion in the natural world and is required by several college majors including: engineering, physical therapy, and nursing. Topics covered through the year include: kinematics in two dimensions and three dimensions, work and energy, circular motion, momentum, electric fields, electric circuits, wave phenomenon, sound, properties of light, and geometric optics. In addition to learning the concepts of physics, students will develop logical problem-solving skills and improve science communication skills that can be applied to situations ouside of the classroom.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher approval required for registration.
Physics is the study of the motion in the natural world and is required to develop 21st century STEM and lifelong learner skills. Topics covered through the year include: kinematics, work and energy, simple machines, circular motion, momentum, electric fields, electric circuits, wave phenomenon, sound, properties of light, and geomatric optics. In addition to learning the concepts of phsyics, students will develop logical problem-solving skills and improve science communication skills that can be applied to situations outside of the classroom.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisite: Algebra II; Students must apply algebra to solving complex problems.
AP Physics I is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Students are expected to be proficient in solving linear equations, working with ratios and proportions, and using basic trigonometry. Students will prepare for and take the AP Physics I exam in the spring for potential college credit.
3 credits
Grade Level: 12
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisite: Physics or AP Physics I (recommended)
AP Physics II is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course builds on the existing physics knowledge students already have and covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; atomic and nuclear physics.
Students are expected to be proficient in physics concepts involving forces, centripetal motion, simple electric circuits, solving linear equations, working with ratios and proportions, using basic trigonometry, and logarithmic functions.
Students will prepare for and take the AP Physics II exam in the spring for potential college credit.
3 credits
Grade level: 10, 11
Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in Intermediate Algebra and Geometry.
This course is for college-bound students desiring a strong background in science. Students should be self-motivated and like challenges. Problem solving skills are important, and will be developed through the year.
3 credits
Grade Level: 10, 11
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisite: C+ average in Pre-AP Biology, and a grade of B+ or higher in Advanced Intermediate Algebra. Students must pass a math skills exam given in the spring prior to enrollment.
This is an in-depth and fast-paced study of the laws and principles of chemistry. Problem solving is integral. Explored comprehensively are atomic theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, molecular structure and geometry, periodicity, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, redox reactions, and descriptive chemistry. An extensive lab program reinforces the principles. A scientific graphing calculator and college lab notebook are required.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Students must maintain a "C" average to remain in the class.
Prerequisites: Advanced Algebra II or Accelerated Advanced Geometry/Algebra II. An average grade of C+ or higher in Pre AP Chemistry. Concurrent registration in, or completion of, Advanced Algebra II and instructor permission are required. This class may be taken for college credit through the St. Mary’s University PACC program. Tuition fees for college credit will apply.
This college-level course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Topics include: The structure of matter, gas laws, redox equations, thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, equilibrium, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Descriptive chemistry is covered in depth and lab experiments reinforce the principles. Successful completion of the assigned summer work is required for admission. Studentsare expected to take the AP Chemistry exam in May. A graphing calculator is required. Students must purchase a college lab notebook for this class.
3 credits
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of C or better.
This course is for the student with a serious interest in the biological sciences and/or health careers. It builds on skills and knowledge gained in previously completed biology and chemistry courses. It provides an overview of the organ systems in the body as well as a look at how each system works down to the cellular level. It will provide a strong foundation for students going into medical fields. It is taught as a primer for a college anatomy course and will be offered for PACC credit through Saint Mary’s University. Students will study the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The course also includes the dissection of a cat.
