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Science Department Courses

7th grade Life Science: Life Science encompasses who we are, what we are made of, how these components work together, and how living organisms interact with one another. The magic of God’s creation is all around us, and the better we understand it, the better we understand ourselves and our Creator. This course will explore the basic characteristics and necessities of life, the history and diversity of species, and the ecological communities with which we share this Earth.

8th grade Physical Science: Physical Science encompasses everything we see (and don’t see) in the universe. The magic of God’s creation is all around us, and the better we understand it, the better we understand ourselves and our Creator. Physical science is divided into two disciplines: physics and chemistry and this course will explore the concepts of matter and energy, motion, forces, and reactions. 

Biology and Honors Biology: Biology is a study of the living world. In this course, students begin with a study of the cell and end the year by studying the human body. Students have the opportunity to examine plant life, animal diversity, including in depth studies of the simplest animals to the most complex animals found on Earth, and a look at the ecological habitats where these organisms live. This biology course also involves units that cover the basic cellular processes of cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and genetics. Students have the opportunity to study all these principles through experimentation, inquiry, and independent study.

AP Biology: AP Biology is a course designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The goal of this course is to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and gain an appreciation for science as a process. The primary emphasis in this course is developing an understanding of concepts and the examination of science as a process rather than memorizing terms and technical details. This course will focus on the eight major themes and topics as stated in the AP Biology Course Description. Of particular importance to this class and each topic that is covered, is the role of the modern theory of evolution. This theme will serve as the unifying theme across the entire scope of this class and at the end of each unit all material will be tied to this theory.

Physical Science: This course is designed as an alternative to physics. Students will spend the first semester studying physics and will examine motion, optics, magnetism, thermodynamics, and waves. The second semester will focus on the chemical properties of matter. Students will have the opportunity to apply the physical science principles they learn to the physics behind how rockets work.

Chemistry: Chemistry deals with the fundamental particles of matter and the changes they undergo.  After developing an understanding of subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, and ions, students will progress to a knowledge of physical and chemical changes, acids and bases, and equilibrium systems.

Chemistry and Honors Chemistry: The aim of this course is to give students an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of chemistry and allow them to feel confident with the application of this knowledge.  It is the instructor’s hope that students will become self-directed learners with highly developed critical thinking skills.  This college preparatory course will enable students to have a smooth transition into any university system.

Organic Chemistry: The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fields of organic chemistry and biochemistry.  The importance of organic chemistry in the world today cannot be overstated.  Students will learn that they are surrounded by organic molecules and reactions: foods, artificial flavors, perfumes, plastics, clothes, pharmaceuticals, biological molecules and processes, etc.  This college preparatory course will enable students to have a smooth transition into any university organic chemistry course.  College students in chemistry, biology, and pre-medical programs are generally required to take at least 1 year of organic chemistry, and they often find it to be one of the most difficult courses they take.  The knowledge gained in this introductory course at Holy Spirit Prep will enable students to feel comfortable and confident in their college organic course.  For students who do not plan to pursue these paths in college, a basic knowledge of organic chemistry will still open their eyes to the fascinating discipline that forms the foundation for so many of the materials and processes in their everyday lives.

AP Chemistry: The aim of this course is to provide students with the experience of college level chemistry by gaining a more in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of the discipline.  Students will be reinforcing and building on topics introduced in first year chemistry, with a particular emphasis on mathematical calculations associated with chemical concepts.  The course will leave students prepared to take on the challenges of the AP® Chemistry Exam and college science classes. 

Physics and Honors Physics: In Physics and Honors Physics students will acquire a vision of the boundaries of our knowledge and learn the basic elements of physics that offer a functional explanation of the world in which we live. We will cover mechanics of motion, momentum, energy, waves, and some electricity and magnetism. The class will employ hands-on discovery (labs), guided discovery (demonstrations), and old-fashioned study of the text. Our studies will not require the use of Calculus.

AP Physics B: AP Physics B provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that students are familiar with algebra and trigonometry.  In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, Physics B can provide a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.

AP Physics C: AP Physics C is more intensive and analytic than AP Physics B.  This course uses calculus and completion of or concurrent enrollment in a calculus course is needed. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus, as well as continuing to develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. AP Physics C is intended to be equivalent to introductory courses taken by physical science and engineering majors and covers two major areas: mechanics, and electricity and magnetism, with equal emphasis on both.  This course is a strong foundation for further study in the physical sciences and engineering as well as a proving ground for critical thinking and problem solving. 

Anatomy and Physiology: This is a one semester course that provides an introduction into the concepts covered in a one year course. Students examine the major organ systems of the human body and study the structure and function of each of these systems ad how they work together in the functioning of the human body. Students have the opportunity to study structure through the dissection of mammalian organs and the function through various simulation exercises.  

Forensics: Forensic science is a one semester course that is designed to introduce students to the application of science to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in the criminal justice system. Students have the opportunity to examine how forensic science encompasses all branches of science. Students learn how to examine physical evidence found in a crime science, examine DNA, question documents, examine prints, identify trace evidence and analyze serological data. This course is a very lab intensive course that provides students with the opportunities to apply critical thinking skills to solving crime investigations. 

Astronomy: Introduction to Astronomy will be a 1 semester course divided into 2 quarters. The first quarter will be an examination of the Solar System and the planets beyond the Solar System. The second quarter will be a study of the Sun and its composition.

Some science courses have pre-requisites and/or co-requisites.

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