McDonell Central Catholic High School

Science Courses
Course Name and Information

Grade Level

Science 9: An introduction to the study of the methods

and tools of the scientist. Environmental issues, energy,
consumption, pollution and population distribution are
studied first quarter. Second quarter is a study of
Grade 9
Physical Science the structure of matter and other
basic chemistry concepts, along with an exploration of
work, power, energy, force and motion from basic
Physics.
Principals of Biomedical Science (PLTW): This
course uses curriculum designed by Project Lead the
Way. In the introductory course students explore
concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors
that led to the death of a fictional person. While
investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports,
Designed for
investigate medical history, and explore medical
grades 9 & 10
treatments that might have prolonged the persons life.
The activities and projects introduce students to human
physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research
processes while allowing them to design their own
experiments to solve problems.
Biology: An introductory study of Life. Students delve
into topics on the scientific method, characteristics of
living things, cell structure and function, cell division,
Grade 10
protein synthesis, Mendelian genetics, human genetics,
evolution, classification of life, viruses, bacteria,
Need Science 9
protists, fungi, plants, animals, and some human
physiology. Students partake in multiple lab activities
throughout the semester as well.
Human Body Systems (PLTW): This course uses
curriculum designed by Project Lead the Way. Students
examine the interactions of human body systems as they
Designed for
explore identity, power, movement, protection, and
Grades 10 or 11
homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build
organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken; use data
Need PBS
acquisition software to monitor body functions such as
muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and
respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical
professionals to solve real-world medical cases.
Chemistry: A study of the composition and behavior of
Grade 11
matter. Included are the methods of scientific inquiry,
data analysis, properties of matter, atomic structure, the
Need
Periodic Table, chemical behavior of elements and
Biology
compounds, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical
reactions and equations, acids and bases, and the basics
of nuclear chemistry. Topics are explored through
lecture/ demonstration, laboratory work, AV

Instructor Duration

Credit

Mr. Sahs

2
Quarters

1
Required

Mr.
Jacobson

2
Quarters

1
Elective

Mr.
Jacobson

2
Quarters

1
Required

Mr.
Jacobson

2
Quarters

1
Elective

Mr. Sahs

2
Quarters

1
Required

presentations and special projects.

Earth Science: This course begins a study of Earth
structure, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
The course will also explore oceans movements of the
oceans, characteristics of the atmosphere and weather.
Astronomy: A study of the universe at large, the
methods by which we find out information about it, the
earths place among its neighbors, and the processes
which influence the formation, change, and ultimate end
of star systems and their planets. Topics include basic
earth statistics, sky motions, historical astronomy; size,
distance, and structure of the universe; radiation and
observing equipment; earth-sun-moon relations
including seasons, tides, lunar phases and eclipses and
solar system objects and orbital characteristics.
Physics: Involves the study of mechanics, heat, light,
electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Recommended for college bound students. Students
have the opportunity to take the Advance Placement
Physics Exam.
Advanced Placement Biology: This Advance
Placement Biology class will provide students with an
expansive background in biology. This course is
designed around the AP Biology Curriculum
Framework, and is centered on the four big ideas:
1) The process of evolution drives the diversity and
unity of life
2) Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular
building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain
dynamic homeostasis
3) Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond
to information essential to life processes
4) Biological systems interact, and these systems and
their interactions possess complex properties
Each big idea is supported by enduring understandings
and essential knowledge, which are taught in
relationship to each other and to the associated big
idea(s). A minimum of 25% of total instructional time is
devoted to inquiry-based laboratory investigations. The
type of inquiry will vary (structured, guided, open)
depending on the investigation or activity.
Human Anatomy & Physiology: An in-depth study of
the human bodys anatomy and physiology. Students
focus on the structure and function of the eleven organ
systems of the human body. Students who take A.P.
Biology are suggested to take this course.

Need Science 9

Mr. Sahs

1 Quarter

.5
Elective

Need Science
9, Algebra,
Geometry

Mr. Sahs

1 Quarter

.5
Elective

Need Science
9, trigonometry

Mr. Reiter

2
Quarters

1
Elective

Need Biology
& Chemistry

Mr.
Jacobson

3
Quarters

1.5
Elective

A.P. Biology
Suggested

Mr.
Jacobson

1 Quarter

.5
Elective