Science

Science Department

Name	Phone Ext.	Room
Alex Hense	264207	D207
Alexis Pascual	264104	D104
Cheryl Cannon	264214	D214
Jaclyn Goussev	264208	D208
Kevin Gerardi	264204	D204
Louis Pires	264210	D210
Maryann Tietbohl	264209	D209
Patrick Kilby	264219	D219
Rachael Smith (Dept. Co-Chair)	269216	J216
Rachel Peacock	264203	D203
Robert Harrod	269220	J220
Stephanie Halter (Dept. Co-Chair)	269218	J218
Priscilla Coolbaugh	264100	D100

Science Courses

Biology

Grade 9
Levels: CP

This college-preparatory course guides learners to figure out the science of life through the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will engage in activities that will promote the discovery of knowledge that will scaffold a basic understanding of the science that rules living things. Major areas of study include matter and energy, structure and function in organisms, and the diversity of life on Earth. Interactive simulations, student-led discussions and modeling, and full-class investigations are an integral part of the course.

Honors Biology

Level: Honors

This rigorous course guides learners to figure out the science of life through the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will engage in activities that will promote the discovery of knowledge that will scaffold a deeper understanding of the science that rules living things. Major areas of study include matter and energy, structure and function in organisms, and the diversity of life on Earth. Interactive simulations, student-led discussions and modeling, and full-class investigations are an integral part of the course. In addition, summer assignments are required.

Physical Science

Grade 10
Level: CP

This college-preparatory class guides learners to figure out the science of Earth through the Next Generation Science Standards. Physical science is an integrated course that focuses on the physics and basic chemistry that define Earth. Topics include the formation of Earth, geological phenomena, and chemical processes, as well as how the basic laws of physics govern Earth and our solar system. Basic principles of the chemistry of Earth are also investigated. Laboratory investigations, student-led explorations, and discussions are an integral part of the class experience. Computational thinking, modeling, and graphical analysis are key practices for understanding the concepts that drive the world around us.

Honors Physical Science

Grade 10
Levels: Honors
Prerequisites: Completed Honors Biology with a Grade of 85 or better.

This rigorous class guides learners to figure out the science of Earth through the Next Generation Science Standards. Physical science is an integrated course that focuses on the physics and basic chemistry that define Earth. Topics include the formation of Earth, geological phenomena, and chemical processes, as well as how the basic laws of physics govern Earth and our solar system. Basic principles of the chemistry of Earth are also investigated. Laboratory investigations, student-led explorations, and discussions are an integral part of the class experience. Computational thinking, modeling, and graphical analysis are key practices for understanding the concepts that drive the world around us.

Chemistry

Grade 11
Level: CP

College Preparatory Chemistry introduces students to chemistry topics such as the structure of the atom, nuclear chemistry, the electromagnetic spectrum, the periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and chemical equilibrium. In accordance with Next Generation Science Standards, students will explore these topics through laboratory investigations and other inquiry-based activities to develop scientific practices and analytical skills.

Honors Chemistry

Grade 11
Level: Honors
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Physical Science with at least an 85.

Honors chemistry is a rigorous course that covers topics such as the nature of science, structure of the atom, periodic table, chemical bonding and equations and the behaviors of solids, liquids and gases. This course is organized around the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which promotes student-led investigations and discussions emphasizing the eight NGSS science practices. This course emphasizes mathematical and computational thinking. Students “discover” chemistry through whole-class discussions, laboratory investigations, small group work, and independent work. For those students who wish to progress to Honors Physics, it is important to note that Honors Physics relies heavily on math skills.

Physics

Grade 12
Level: CP

Physics is the study of the way the universe works. Conceptual understanding of the subject will be emphasized. Although mathematical relationships will be used, they will not be the focus of the course. The topics covered will include motion, forces, gravity, energy, and momentum. The course may also include a study of heat, fluids, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, and/or atomic structure. The study of physics is a valuable part of the general education of any student. Learning to examine the parts of a problem in order to find a solution will be useful throughout a person’s life. Classroom activities will include laboratory experiments, classroom discussions/lectures, readings, and assessment activities.

Honors Physics

Grade 12
Level: Honors

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that determine the workings of the universe. The topics covered include motion, force, gravity, momentum, energy, heat, fluids, waves, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of the atom. Although fundamental concepts are emphasized, many practical applications of physics are included. Math is regularly used in physics and the needed trigonometry is taught as part of the course. The study of physics is a valuable part of the general education of any academic student. Honors Physics is taught at a level that prepares students to study science or engineering in college.

Earth & Space Science

Grades 11-12

This course will investigate all things "Earth" and "Space." The first semester will cover "space," topics include the Big Bang Theory and how our Solar System came to be. We will study NASA’s Apollo Missions, NASA’s space shuttle initiative and Elon Musk and his goal of colonizing Mars through his latest venture of SpaceX. The second semester will be a research-based approach centered around Earth. We will research Earth’s spheres, weather and climate change. We hope to plan a field trip to Wallops Island, VA to visit the NASA facility as well as a trip to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Marine Science

Grades 11-12
Levels: CP and Honors

Taught with a partnership from the University of Delaware, this course is designed to relate all the disciplines of science into an exploration of the marine environment. It is designed as a junior/senior science course for those students interested in careers in marine science. Topics discussed will include ocean exploration, the foundation of life in the oceans, classifications of organisms, the chemical and physical properties of water, ocean currents and tides, and the health of the marine ecosystem. Laboratory investigations and discussions are an integral part of this course.

AP Science Courses

These AP courses are equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course taken by students majoring in biological science, chemistry, engineering, or physics and targets students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in science, biological science, medicine, or engineering. These courses use college-level
textbooks, includes a greater range and depth of topics covered at a faster pace of instruction, involves more sophisticated lab work and require more time and eﬀort from students. The ability to succeed in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics gives students the confidence and a knowledge base to be successful in future science classes. These courses have been approved by the College Board. Summer work in preparation for the school year is required for these courses.

AP Physics

Level: Advanced Placement

AP Physics is a college-level algebra-based first-year physics course. Students should have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II, or an equivalent course. Examples of topical areas discussed and experimented with are Kinematics, Dynamics, Gravity, Harmonic Motion, Impulse, Energy, Rational Motion, Waves, and Electric Charge & Circuits. Laboratory experience will account for at least 25% of the course. This course is designed to prepare a student for the AP Physics exam in May. Completion of a summer assignment is required.

AP Chemistry

Level: Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry

AP Chemistry is equivalent to a
two-semester introductory college chemistry course taken by students majoring in biological science, chemistry or engineering. This course is approved by the College Board and follows the College Board curriculum, to cover elements as the building blocks of matter, chemical, and physical properties of materials, the transfer of electrons, reaction rates, thermodynamics, intermolecular attractions and intramolecular bonds. This course also includes intensive laboratory experiments and write-ups. Students will be expected to complete summer work and demonstrate a consistent work ethic throughout the year.

AP Biology

Level: Advanced Placement

AP Biology is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course taken by students majoring in biological sciences, premed, or other health-related programs. This course is approved by the College Board and follows the College Board curriculum to cover biology through the lens of four “Big Ideas” - unifying themes organizing the study of living things, biological systems, and the natural world. This course also includes intensive laboratory experiments and write-ups driven by seven science practices including; data collection, data analysis, and communicating scientific information. Students will be expected to complete summer work and demonstrate a consistent work ethic throughout the year.

AP Environmental Science

Level: Advanced Placement

AP Environmental Science (ES) provides students with the scientific principles and methods required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made, evaluate risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these issues. Students apply their knowledge of the environment to current environmental issues in their own communities. Students apply skills gained through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, FFA leadership activities, and career and leadership development events to better serve the community through a school-based three-component agricultural education model.

Dual Enrollment Science Courses

BIO 101: Essentials of Anatomy

BIO 101: Essentials of Anatomy

Delaware Technical Community College Course
Grades 11-12

This DTCC articulated course is the final level of the Allied Health Pathway. The class dynamic mirrors DTCC Bio110, Essentials of Anatomy. The successful completion of this capstone course (final grade 80% or above) will award future DTCC students advanced standing at all three campuses. This course is not a dual enrollment course to earn college credit for other institutions.

The Essentials course focuses on the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on gross anatomy as well as all organ systems and their relationship to homeostasis. The course highlights the integrated nature of body systems that work together to keep the human body alive. Coordinated laboratory activities, such as dissections, are an integral part of this course. Success in the course will require some out-of-class commitment from enrolled students.

This course is open to ALL students that have interest in understanding the structures and functions of the human body.