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Curriculum

Science

The goal of the Science Department’s curriculum is to encourage our students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from freshman through senior year. Students at St. Joseph’s Academy consistently use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, probe ware and data and graphing analysis software in conjunction with their laptops to investigate principles and develop their knowledge and mastery of science. Inquiry-based labs and direct manipulation of biological specimens are also used as STEM learning endeavors. Project-based design and engineering investigation is part of several classes from freshman through senior year. Courses for students that are particularly oriented toward current STEM initiatives include Engineering and Design Applications, ACC Forensics, ACC/AP Physics, ACP Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, Zoology, Marine Sciences, Independent Science Research, ACP/AP Chemistry, and Genetics.

Objectives:
  1. To observe and study the physical and biological aspects of the environment.
  2. To search for relationships among the observations.
  3. To develop curiosity about why these relationships exist.
  4. To apply acquired facts and concepts to new situations.
  5. To communicate new knowledge clearly and precisely.
  6. To develop an appreciation and respect for the surrounding world.
  7. To accept responsibility for acting on new knowledge.
Requirements:
Three credits of lab science are required for graduation. These required credits will be met by taking Biology in the freshman year, Chemistry in the sophomore year and Physics in the junior year.

Note: Any junior or senior choosing to take more than 1.0 science credit during any given school year must obtain departmental approval.

Courses Available for 2020-21

List of 17 items.

  • SC Biology

    Grade 9

    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This year-long lab-based course includes the study of cell structures and their functions, transport through membranes, energy and metabolism of cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cellular reproduction, heredity DNA, gene expression, technology, bacteria and viruses, plants, ecology and the theory of evolution. Instructional methods include laboratory experiments, lectures, discussion and an emphasis on problem-solving skills.

    Prerequisite: none

  • SC Honors Biology

    Grade 9

    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This course is designed as an intensive first year biology course in preparation for college. It will include a more comprehensive study of the concepts of biological principles than the general biology course as well as additional topics. (Instructional methods include laboratory experiments, lectures, discussion and an emphasis on problem-solving skills. Projects and research will be included.)

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Chemistry

    Grade 10, 11
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This course is designed as a first year chemistry course in preparation for college. It is an introduction to the science of chemistry, its concepts and methods of theory, states and properties of matter, chemical periodicity, equation writing, the mole concept, chemical bonding and other selected topics. The cycling of materials and the impact of human chemical activities on the environment will also be addressed. The subject matter is developed through lecture, class discussion, demonstrations, laboratory and problem-solving experiences.

    Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology

  • SC Honors Chemistry

    Grade 10, 11
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This course is designed as an intensive first year chemistry course in preparation for college. It will include a more comprehensive study of the concepts of chemistry principles and properties than the general chemistry course. Instructional methods include laboratory experiments, lectures, discussion and an emphasis on mathematical formulation and problem-solving skills. The course work will include an independent project.

    Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology and department approval

  • SC Physics

    Grade 11
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This is a laboratory-based course which will cover the topics of motion, acceleration, vectors, forces, Newton’s laws, the conservation laws of energy and momentum and circular/rotational mechanics. Energy topics in electricity, electrical circuits and light optics will be included. Students will investigate the properties of liquids, gases, static electricity, magnetism, sound, light and optics. The use of LabPro interface with Logger Pro software for lab data acquisition and analysis will be emphasized. The course will also study wave properties as they apply to the phenomena of sound, light and optics.

    Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and departmental approval

  • SC Honors Physics

    Grade 11
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This is a laboratory-based course which will cover the topics of motion and kinematics, vectors, forces, Newton’s laws, as well as the conservation laws of energy and momentum and circular/rotational mechanics. Topics in electricity, such as static electricity, current electricity, circuit analysis and electromagnetic induction will be investigated. Wave mechanics, sound, light and light optics will also be investigated through a lab-based, investigative approach. An independent project or research investigation will be completed. The use of LabPro interface with Logger Pro software for lab data acquisition and analysis will be emphasized.

    Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry as well as concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II and department approval

  • SC AP/ACP Biology

    Grade 11, 12
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This year-long biology course will engage the learner in the topics of molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms and populations. These three areas have been subdivided into major categories with percentage goals specified for each. The two main goals of AP/ACP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. The course will aim to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.

    Taking the AP exam is optional for this course. A combined 5 hours of lecture/lab credit is available through the ACP program at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

    Registering for college credit is optional for this course.

    Prerequisite: departmental approval

  • SC AP/ACP Chemistry

    Grade 11, 12
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    AP/ACP Chemistry is a year-long course designed for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM-related degree program, including pre-health fields and engineering. The course will review and add depth to concepts covered in the first year of Chemistry, and then add new topics that are typical of a college general chemistry course. Advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis and use of technology will play a critical role throughout the course. Topics covered will include advanced chemical reactions, thermochemistry, electronic structure, bonding theory, intermolecular forces, equilibrium and kinetics.

    Taking the AP exam is optional for the course.

    Registering for college credit is optional for this course.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC AP/ACP Physics

    Grade 11, 12
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    This college credit physics course will utilize algebra and trigonometry to explore the fundamental concepts of physics. Topics will include: mechanics, static and dynamic fluid properties, electricity and magnetism, harmonic motion, wave phenomena, sound, light, optics, and thermodynamics. Advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, and use of technology will play a critical role throughout the course.

    Taking the AP exam is optional for the course. A combined 4 hours of university lecture/lab credit is available through the ACP program at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

    Registering for college credit is optional.

    Prerequisite: successful completion of Honors Algebra II and Honors Chemistry and department approval

  • SC ACC Forensic Science

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    Forensic Science is a year-long course designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills of solving crimes through the use of scientific techniques and inquiry. The lab-based course will include laboratory investigations in the study of physical evidence, examination of the crime scene, fiber and hair analysis, drugs, forensic toxicology, the microscope, forensic serology, DNA, trace evidence, fingerprints, blood splatter, entomology, anthropology and document examination.

    Registering for college credit is optional for this course. 3 hours of college credit are offered through St. Louis University ACC program in Sociology.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Genetics

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Semester Course, .5 credit

    This course will include an in-depth study of heredity, DNA and gene expressions. Topics such as the Human Genome Project, genetically engineered crops and biotechnology will be an integral part of this course. Genetic counseling and the ethics concerning these issues will also be explored. Lab work will be included in this course. Priority will be given to seniors who register for this course.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Human Anatomy

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Semester Course, .5 credit

    May take Human Anatomy or ACP Human Anatomy and Physiology, but not both.

    This course is designed to increase knowledge of the human body. The students will explore the structure and function of the human body by examining different human body systems. Dissection of an animal, typically a cat, is an integral part of this course.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC ACP Human Anatomy and Physiology

    Grade 11, 12
    Year-long Course, 1 credit

    May take ACP Human Anatomy and Physiology or Human Anatomy, but not both.

    This course is designed to present an in-depth coverage of the structures and functions of the human body. Lab dissections of a cat are an integral part of this course. Students anticipating careers in biological sciences or medical fields, as well as students interested in increasing their understanding of the human body, should find this course beneficial.

    Registering for college credit is optional for this course. 4 hours of Biology credit is available through the ACP program at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. 

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Independent Science Research

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Semester Course, .5 credit

    This course is intended for students who are carrying out scientific research for an entry into the regional Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, for presentation at a research conference or for another science program or competition. This course provides the students the time and facilities to work on their projects, along with a faculty mentor. Students will be supervised by their mentor and be required to maintain a logbook of their research work. The student, with the advice of their mentor will develop a schedule of deadlines. All projects require students to design an experiment or device that meets certain requirements; included in this is the gathering of background research to better focus the project. This course is scheduled as a zero hour, however, students generally meet once a week at a mutually agreed upon time, not necessarily during zero hour, with their mentor to discuss their process and progress.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Marine Sciences

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Semester Course (2021-2022), .5 credit

    This course is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of the oceans and ocean life. Students will investigate topics related to the ocean such as properties of water, waves and currents, plants, animals, ecosystems as well as the interaction between humans and the ocean. Laboratory work and research skills will be included in this course. Priority will be given to seniors who register for this course.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Zoology

    Grade 10, 11, 12
    Semester Course (2020-21), .5 credit

    This is a one-semester course in which students will study the various biological aspects of animal life class by class. Evolution, body systems, physiology, ecology, behavior and reproduction will be addressed. Laboratory work will include identification and dissection of preserved specimens. Field study and research will also be an integral part of the curriculum. Priority will be given to seniors who register for this course.

    Prerequisite: department approval

  • SC Engineering and Design Applications

    Grade 11, 12
    Double Period Semester Course, 1 credit

    .5 Credit Mathematics and .5 Credit Science or 1 credit Computer Science and Engineering

    May be taken for SC/MT credit or CSE credit, but not both.

    This course is a project-based laboratory course. An understanding of math and science as applied to real systems will be developed. Critical thinking and problemsolving skills will be emphasized in a STEM approach using an engineering design model through individual and group projects. Projects will include the application of algebra, trigonometry and numerical analysis as related to topics in biology, chemistry, and physics. Engineering graphics and design software will be used when applicable.

    Prerequisite: successful completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II or Honors Algebra II or Precalculus and department approval

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The following co-curricular activities are available in this discipline. For more information, please click the link.
 

Departments

Science Department

List of 6 members.

St. Joseph’s Academy is a private, Catholic high school for girls in St. Louis, Missouri, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Our mission is to provide quality Catholic education for young women in an environment that challenges them to grow in faith, knowledge, and respect for self and others. Our community expects these young women to make a profound impact in the world.

St. Joseph's Academy

2307 South Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314-394-4300
Fax: 314-965-9114
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