Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School

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

Machines that make sandwiches using 20 steps

The annual Machine Contest at Pius X – involving students in the AP Physics (PACE) and Accelerated Physics classes – featured six machines built over multiple weeks, with planning lasting more than two months.

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).
Pre-Requisites: Physics and Pre-Calculus

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