| Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (New)
Science Department Course Descriptions SCI71 - Science 7 and 1 year The Middle School Science Program is designed to allow students to explore key areas of science (Life, Physical, Earth, and Chemistry) through a thematic approach. The seventh grade's theme for the year is the major cycles that occur on our planet: The Life Cycle, the Geological Cycle, and the Atmospheric Cycle. Some of the topics covered during the year are evolution, biology, ecology, geology and weather. The eighth grade's theme is water. Some of the topics covered during the year are properties of matter, atomic structure, properties of water, the water cycle, water environments, ocean motions and zones, and aquatic animals. This course of study emphasizes hands-on examination of the world with the scientific method serving as the basis for inquiry. This method leads to the reinforcement of the following skills: classification, observation, hypothesizing, analyzing, graphing, interpreting, concluding, contrasting and comparing. Students investigate science using a variety of tools including written lab reports, simulations and models, problem solving and dissections. Research and class presentation projects on relevant science issues enhance computer skills as well as deepening science knowledge. SCI101 - 9th Grade Physics 1 year Honors 9th Grade Physics is an introductory course to a formal study of the physical sciences, with emphasis on mathematical problem solving, and serves as the prerequisite for AP Physics. Students will develop major concepts in motion, forces, energy, electricity and wave motion. Students will learn to develop conceptual scientific models to describe the physical world by analyzing the results of laboratory experiments. The skills of experimental design, data collection, and graphical analysis will be emphasized, enabling students to express these models in words, in diagrams, graphically and algebraically. This course moves at an accelerated pace and it requires excellent reasoning skills and well-developed work and study habits. Fluency in the application of algebra is essential. Students will build a laboratory portfolio, which includes results of each of the major investigations throughout the year. The foundation will be laid for scientific principles that will continue in their following science courses. SCI201 - Biology I (10-12) 1 year SCI301 - Chemistry (10-12) 1 year SCI303 - Anatomy and Physiology (11-12) 1 year Anatomy & Physiology is a specialized science course designed to explore the major organ systems of the human body. The course uses an inquiry-based approach to learning with emphasis on two major conceptual themes: the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms within the body. Several dissections will be required. Health issues and diseases will be researched and discussed throughout the course. This course is designed as an extension of the concepts learned in Integrated Physics. The fundamentals of physics are emphasized with topics chosen from among the following: kinematics, dynamics, wave motion, and light. The course is laboratory based as students will build physics concepts through laboratory investigations. Students will be expected to gather data, interpret data, summarize the results and draw conclusions. Emphasis will be placed on the graphical analysis of experimental data. Experimental results will be documented in laboratory reports and organized as a laboratory portfolio. Solving physics problems using Algebra and Trigonometry will be a significant component of the course. A scientific calculator capable of performing scientific notation and trigonometric functions is required. This course is excellent preparation for students considering the study of science or medicine in college. Successful completion of the course will prepare students for success on the SAT II in physics. This course is offered in conjunction with the Missouri Botanical Garden which provides the training for the students. Students undergo intensive training/outdoor education for three weeks in the summer on a variety of topics relating to the environment and human stewardship of our planet. This training, along with monthly meetings during the school year, prepares the high school student for taking on the role of instructor in ecology and environment for fourth grade students on a regular basis throughout the school year. Villa teachers will supervise the high school students. Enrollment in this course requires commitment to the training and to the instruction of the younger students. Students will pay a fee of $500 for the summer training program. Enrollment will be limited to 12 high school students. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general biology course. The cognitive content of this course is divided into three major areas: biochemistry and cytology (first quarter), genetics and evolution (second quarter), and population biology (second semester). This content is related to the organizational levels of the cell, the organism, and the population. The laboratory activities, including required dissections, are designed to emphasize specific content objectives. Written laboratory reports are required. This course can prepare the student to take the nationally normed Advanced Placement Examination in Biology. This pass/fail course is a full year course designed for the science oriented student who is interested in gaining experience working in a science/laboratory science course. Duties include organizing inventory, cleaning, storing and maintaining equipment and teaching material, preparing materials for laboratories and courses, similar activities. (Specific duties will vary with each science course. However, these duties will be confined to the school day.) There are a limited number of positions for this course, therefore applicants will be screened and the position filled based on review of pre-registration materials. |