Science
Science is the process of seeking knowledge of truth and order in the universe. As one of civilization’s major intellectual achievements, science is fueled by the same creativity required of art, music, and literature. Strong scientific inquiry relies on curiosity, objectivity, and healthy skepticism. The study of science is an excellent preparation for college, regardless of a student’s career interests.
Catholic Memorial’s Science program is designed to provide a challenging and stimulating curriculum which meets the needs and abilities of our students. Advanced courses are offered for those who intend to major in science while in college and several courses have special sections designed for students with superior scientific ability.
Computer Science classes at Catholic Memorial offer students the ability to pursue proficiency or advanced skills in programming languages and web design.
Best Practices: Game Design Programming with Mr. Peltier
Courses
Integrated Science I (640)
This course initiates a two-year, inquiry-based introduction to the fundamental concepts of life, environmental, physical, and earth & space sciences. An organized and analytical approach to problem-solving, grounded in the scientific method, exposes students to the wonder and usefulness of critical observation. Hands-on experiments, concrete demonstrations, and creative projects are used to stimulate the natural curiosity of students. Students also compete in a peer and faculty evaluated science competition. Seventh grade students also explore the science of structure and design by building load-bearing spaghetti bridges.
Integrated Science II (631)
This 8th grade course builds progressively on the fundamentals mastered in 7th grade so that by 8th grade a more defined focus on life processes, matter, and energy can be pursued. By the end of the two-year (7th and 8th grade) program, students are well-prepared for the study of physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics in high school. Eighth grade students are also introduced to various aspects of aerodynamics and physics through the annual Egg Drop Contest.
Physical Science (413)
Physical science deals with the fundamental laws of the physical world. The goal of this course is to prepare students for further study of science at the high school level. Most class time is spent studying the basic principles upon which the study of biology, chemistry, and physics is built. Environmental science issues are also introduced at appropriate times as well as the study skills specific to the subject of science.
Biology (422)
Knowledge of biological function is an important facet in adolescent development. This college preparatory level course presents a survey of fundamental life processes. Taking the cell as the basic unit of life, the student learns about structure within cells and their function. In the discussion of genetics and heredity, the importance of DNA and its role in cellular control and protein synthesis is developed. The function and adaptation of multi-cellular organisms is followed along a phylogenic scheme with a view to Darwinian evolution. The mammal, especially man, is presented as the end of this scheme with an emphasis on development and function.
Biology Honors (414)
This rigorous and intensive course presents an overview of biology in both lecture and in the laboratory. Seven areas of concentration include: biochemistry, cell biology, phylogeny, ecology, evolution, genetics, and human anatomy and physiology. Students present formal laboratory reports at the end of each teaching cycle. During the third marking period, students are required to prepare a major research project.
Chemistry (432)
This chemistry course presents to the college bound student a fundamental picture of our atomic world. Although less rigorous than the Chemistry Honors course, this course completes a basic college preparatory program in lecture and laboratory. Topic areas include matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, nomenclature, chemical reactions, gas laws, solutions, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Although some algebraic computation is encountered in this course, students concentrate on the physical and chemical processes upon which chemical theories are based. In lab, students collect, organize, and interpret data. They also practice skills needed to present information in the form of written reports.
Chemistry Honors (424)
Emphasis in this course is upon the experimental aspects of chemistry. Students are provided with the opportunity to record and organize observations into patterns that reveal chemical principles. Central to this course is the development of modern atomic theory and the behavior of matter associated with electron configuration. Lecture material provides students with detailed knowledge of course content: nomenclature, chemical reactions, solutions, gas laws, equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Laboratory and detailed lab reports reinforce concepts learned in class. Prerequisite: teacher recommendation.
Chemistry II (455)
This honors course provides a comprehensive second year of chemistry. The syllabus is similar to that of a college course. Students who take this course may take an Advanced Placement Chemistry exam at the end of the course. This course requires a strong aptitude in chemistry.
Physics (442)
This college preparatory course is designed for the college bound senior. Topic areas include kinematics, energy, momentum, gravitation, electromagnetic theory, electricity, and atomic theory. Although similar in content to the Physics Honors course, this course presents a less rigorous treatment of problem solving skills. In the lab, students further develop their skills in collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting data.
Physics Honors (434)
In this course, a mathematical approach is used to present physics in a way which will enable students to achieve maximum comprehension. Emphasis is placed upon the development of an analytical approach to the solution of physical problems. In this course, greater attention is given to problem solving than would usually be encountered in a regular high school physics course. Lab work allows students to collect and organize data into meaningful patterns that confirm concepts learned in class. Topics include: mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, acoustics, optics, and nuclear physics.
Physics II (456)
This honors course presents a second year of physics for students interested in pursuing a college course of study in science or engineering. The course concentrates on the areas of mechanics and electricity. Students are exposed to the study skills, lab report writing, and examination preparation skills which will be needed for rigorous college-level science courses. Students taking this course should have a firm mathematical background and should have completed the Physics Honors course.
Anatomy and Physiology (444)
Anatomy and Physiology is a full year elective course for seniors who have an interest in science, medicine, physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise, physiology, or nursing. This regular level course will expose students to the study, lab, writing, and test-taking skills needed in a college-level science course. The following topics are included: micro and macro anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, cellular biology and metabolism, major body systems, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.
Introduction to Computer Applications (715)
The goal of this required freshman course is to produce students who have the skills and confidence needed to use the computer as a research tool. The course begins by introducing students to touch typing skills. It then moves on to word processing and Excel spreadsheets. By the end of the course, students will be proficient at using the Internet and Catholic Memorial’s considerable on-line resources for academic research.
Computer Business Applications (720)
This elective course for juniors and seniors focuses on financial and business problems. Students use computer applications (especially the spreadsheet and database) to solve problems. Economic topics such as stocks and investing, as well as practical money management, income taxes, and managing an on-line checking account are covered. Additional topics include: business letters, resumes, budgets, inventory, payroll, mortgages, investments, financial plans, profit and loss. This course is intended for students who enjoy working independently and are interested in studying business in college. Prerequisite: teacher recommendation.
Computer Science
Using Java (743)
This course serves as an introduction to the Advanced Placement Computer Science course. It is a technical and basic survey of modern computer science and a “must” for students planning to study computer science in college. Future engineering, computer science, math, and science majors should also consider this course. Students in this course prepare for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Examination. Students will learn advanced programming in JAVA. Basic methodology involves oral introduction to each section of new material followed by independent student work on practice exercises. Regardless of ability, all students are encouraged to proceed through the course material at their own pace. Once students have mastered the basic content, they are assigned projects that challenge them to apply the skills they have learned. Prerequisite: teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement Computer Science (722)
This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam. Using JAVA programming language, this course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus in preparation for the nationally administered Advanced Placement examination held in May. This course is intended for students interested in programming or computer science and builds on the material learned in the first course. The two courses are equivalent to first semester college courses. The student who takes this course must be prepared for difficult material and must be able to work independently. All students who plan to study computer science should consider this course. Prerequisites include a basic understanding of the Java programming language and a teacher recommendation.
Web Site Design (725)
This course will study the technical, artistic and journalistic aspects of designing a functioning website on the World Wide Web. Included will be the use of HTML, images, sound and motion, browser differences, Java Script and PERL. Students will lay out and design a dynamic, finished webpage.