Science Department
The Pius X Science program provides a variety of laboratory and inquiry-based courses designed to promote critical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as problem solving abilities and scientific literacy. The Science department aims to increase understanding of our natural environment and our complex technological and medical world to produce more informed citizens and to provide a sound foundation for students who want to pursue further study in science. The science curriculum provides a basic background in biology, chemistry, and physics, with opportunities for advanced studies in these areas.
College-bound students are urged to take biology, chemistry, and physics. Juniors and seniors may enroll for more than one science course.
Courses
Physical Science
Biology
Chemistry
Earth, Energy and Environment
Physics
Accelerated Physics
Anatomy and Physiology
AP Environmental Science
Advanced Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics (PACE)
Science Teachers
Stories from Science classes
Skin in the game: Hands-on experience with suturing techniques
Jenna Steenson’s Anatomy & Physiology students are learning all about the integumentary system (the skin) and how it heals. To gain hands-on experience, students are
Discovering how metal reacts with oxygen gas
Madalyn Youngers’ Advanced Chemistry class has been studying empirical formulas. In this lab, they are determining the empirical formula of a magnesium-oxygen compound by conducting
Vital learning of vital health signs in Anatomy class
Students in Jenna Steenson’s Anatomy and Physiology class have been learning about vital signs, which are essential indicators of a person’s health. As part of
Cars in motion allow for gathering empirical data
Students are engaging in a hands-on experiment designed to deepen their understanding of motion in Jeremy Scheffler’s Accelerated Physics class. Working in small groups, each
Course Descriptions
Physical Science
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Length: Year
This physical science course covers basic topics in chemistry and physics. Students will be introduced to scientific thought in these areas and perform labs to enrich their learning.
Biology
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: Year
This course will cover topics in ecology, the cell and cell processes, genetics, evolution, and diversity of life. This course requires extensive and technical reading; therefore, strong reading comprehension skills are recommended.
Chemistry
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: Year
This general course in first-year Chemistry places special emphasis on atomic structure, the mole concept, the theory of chemical reactions, laboratory techniques, and properties of common compounds.
Pre-Requisites: Biology
Earth, Energy and Environment
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year
This course introduces students to the concepts of Earth and Environmental Science. Topics of study include environmental issues, earth composition, rocks and soil, weather and climate, water issues, plate tectonics, geologic time and astronomy. The course will benefit those who are interested in the fields of geology, meteorology, agriculture or environmental science.
Pre-Requisites: Biology and either Physical Science or Chemistry
Physics
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year
This course will include the study of velocity, acceleration, forces, momentum, and energy. Students will perform numerous hands-on, inquiry-based lab activities and will complete several major projects, which typically include a timer, a toothpick bridge, an egg drop, and rockets.
Pre-Requisites: Chemistry and Geometry
Accelerated Physics
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year
The first semester of this course will include the study of velocity, acceleration, forces, momentum, and energy. The second semester of this course will include the study of fluids and thermodynamics, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. These topics will be discussed in-depth and at an accelerated pace. Students will perform numerous hands-on, inquiry-based lab activities and will complete several major projects.
Pre-Requisites: Chemistry, Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus concurrently
Anatomy and Physiology
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year
Anatomy and Physiology is for students interested in health careers or in careers aided by a background in anatomy and physiology. The course will cover the physiological and anatomical levels of organization of the human body. Medical terminology, diseases, and disorders will also be part of the course of study. Laboratory work, dissections, lectures, discussions and field trips will be utilized. This course will prepare students for a college anatomy and physiology course. Students strongly interested in medical careers should consider taking Anatomy and Physiology as a junior to maximize course options as a senior. Taking physics prior to, or concurrently, is strongly recommended.
Pre-Requisites: Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Year
AP Environmental Science is a one-year course that will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum. The course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Laboratory work, lectures, readings, class discussions, research, case-studies, and field trips will be utilized throughout the course. At the end of the year, students will have an opportunity to take the AP Environmental Science exam to earn possible college credit. Taking physics prior to, or concurrently, is strongly recommended.
Pre-Requisites: Chemistry and Algebra II
Advanced Chemistry
Grades: 12
Length: Year
Advanced Chemistry covers topics in stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, thermochemistry, etc. This course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory projects, as well as other activities that are arranged for the individual and group. This course is recommended for those wishing to pursue medical careers or planning a college major in Chemistry or Biology.
Pre-Requisites: Physics or Physics concurrently
AP Biology
Grades: 12
Length: Year
AP Biology will follow the Advanced Placement curriculum including interaction and energy use in biological systems, genetics and evolution. Laboratory work, lectures, discussions, field trips, and out of class reading will be utilized. At the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to take the AP Biology exam to earn possible college credit. Taking physics prior to, or concurrently, is strongly recommended.
Pre-Requisites: Teacher Permission
AP Physics (PACE)
Grades: 12
Length: Year
AP Physics (PACE) is equivalent to two one-semester calculus-based college physics courses and includes the study of motion, forces, energy, momentum, electrostatics, circuits, and magnetism. Students will complete several major projects and will compete in the Pius X Machine Contest. This course will prepare students to take the AP Physics C exams for possible college credit and is recommended for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Graphing calculator required. TI 83+ or TI 84 series is recommended. Taken concurrently with AP Calculus (PACE).
