Science

Notre Dame High School offers a cohesive science program with courses offered on all academic levels. All students begin their science education with Integrated Science: a STEM approach, on either the CP or Honors level. The overarching goal of the Integrated Science course is to provide a foundation that will allow all students to achieve greater success in all levels and disciplines of science. This course, designed by both the science and the math department, allows students to experience authentic science in a format that introduces and cultivates a competency in problem solving skills as well as an appreciation for the problem solving techniques and methods that are the hallmark of STEM fields and careers. The concepts and skills introduced in the daily classroom environment become the intellectual toolbox they will carry with them throughout the remainder of their academic career allowing them to achieve greater success in their future science and math classes here and in college.

After their experience with the STEM program, students can plan for a course of study that includes Chemistry, Biology, and Physics at varying levels, including Honors and Advanced Placement. They are also offered the opportunity to opt for special interests such as AP Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Robotics or a Science-centered, mentored Senior Project.

Throughout their science education at Notre Dame High School, students are supported with opportunities to see and experience the integration of the many disciplines of science with the technology around them. This allows Notre Dame students to advance into their college career as scientific thinkers versus students that simply completed science classes.

Integrated Science - A STEM Approach

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
A mandatory, laboratory science introductory course designed to allow students to explore the fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics and environmental science. The goal of the course is to foster a learning environment in which students are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures according to certain specifications using concepts and skills from math, science, and technology. These concepts and skills will function as a conceptual toolbox that will be utilized in all future science classes taken while at Notre Dame. Investigations into the process of science, inquiry-based laboratory activities and project-based learning opportunities will be used to introduce students to the problem solving methods employed by engineering fields. Students will generate lab reports to accompany their projects and activities. Students will be further encouraged to explore the relationship between science and everyday life. (NCAA)

Honors Integrated Science - A STEM Approach

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This laboratory science course is open to students who are placed in both Honors Math and Honors English. The goal of Honors STEM is to foster a learning environment in which students are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures according to certain specifications using concepts and skills from math, science, and technology. These concepts and skills will function as a conceptual toolbox that will be utilized in all future science classes taken while at Notre Dame. Investigations into the process of science, inquiry-based laboratory activities and project-based learning opportunities will be used to introduce students to the problem solving methods employed by engineering fields. Students will be expected to have above average ability in Algebra 1. Topics from Algebra 2 and Geometry will be introduced and incorporated into classroom activities and into assigned projects. Students will also be required to perform significant amounts of independent reading, study and research as well as produce more frequent written analysis of projects and activities. Co-requisite: current placement in Honors English and Honors Math (NCAA)

Chemistry

Honors Chemistry

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is a more rigorous course in the principles of Chemistry with an emphasis on problem solving. Topics covered include: properties of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, the Periodic Table, bonding, molecular architecture, gases and acid/base. Laboratory experiments focus on quantitative analysis and laboratory journals are required. This course is the prerequisite for AP Chemistry (if a student completed STEM at the CP level), AP Biology and AP Environmental Sciences. Prerequisite: 80 average in freshman honors math course or new placement in honors-level math. Minimum 90 in STEM or an 85 in Honors STEM. Grade 9 students may only take Chemistry in the Spring Semester. (NCAA)

AP Chemistry

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed as a first-year college chemistry course for science majors and will prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: Minimum 85 average in Honors Chemistry; concurrent semester enrollment in or completion of Honors Pre-Calculus or 92 in Pre-Calculus. (NCAA, Applied Science Concentration)

AP Chemistry Seminar

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This second semester course will complete and supplement the AP Chemistry curriculum covering topics of atomic structure, quantum mechanics, molecular geometry, states of matter and organic chemistry. It will provide preparation and practice for the AP test. It is required for all students who intend to take the AP Chemistry test in May. Prerequisite: 75 average in AP Chemistry. (NCAA)

Biology

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course includes the study of the structure and functions of living things and their interrelationships. The course will focus on general principles in modern biology. Emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular biology, introductory biochemistry, evolution, and basic ecological principles. Laboratory investigations reinforce concepts presented in the lecture. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Chemistry, not concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. (NCAA)

Honors Biology

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is open to students who show a proficiency in both Math and English and have a genuine interest in Science. This course introduces fundamental biological and scientific principles and is an extensive and comprehensive approach to the concepts and principles governing living things. The topics of cellular biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, human biology and the environment are treated in depth. Basic chemistry and the mathematical skills associated with it are expected as prerequisite knowledge and the concepts will be applied throughout the curriculum. Laboratory investigations reinforce concepts and math skills presented in the lectures. Pre-requisites: 90 or above in Chemistry or 85 in Honors Chemistry, minimum 85 in STEM or completion of Honors STEM with an 80. (NCAA) This course is a required pre-requisite for AP Environmental Science.

AP Biology

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course for Biology majors. The aim is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Major areas of study include: molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, organisms, and populations. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: 85 in either Honors Chemistry or completion of AP Chemistry, 85 in Honors STEM or 90 in STEM. (NCAA)

AP Biology Seminar

Physics

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed to present a meaningful approach to the study of basic concepts of physics as they apply to matter and energy. The course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, electricity, and if time permits, electricity. There is a strong correlation between the grade earned in Geometry with the grade earned in Physics. This is a math-intensive course; students who have struggled with Geometry and Algebra 2 tend to continue to struggle with Physics. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry with a 75 or better in both. (NCAA)

Honors Physics

AP Physics - Mechanics

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
AP Physics: Mechanics is an 80-minute, Fall semester course that focuses on exploring concepts such as kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Students will be challenged to develop a deep understanding of foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple aspects of physics. They will be asked to design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through first-hand observations, data collection, analysis and interpretation fostering the development of critical thinking skills through applying methods of differential and integral calculus to formulate physical principles and solve complex physical problems. Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Calculus with an 85 or better or completion of AP Calculus or concurrent fall semester placement in AP Calculus. (NCAA)

AP Physics - Mechanics Seminar

AP Physics - Electricity & Magnetism

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
AP Physics: Electricity and Magnetism is an 80-minute, Spring semester course that focuses on exploring concepts such as electrostatics, electric circuits, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. This course applies both differential and integral Calculus, and builds upon the AP Physics-Mechanics course. Students establish lines of evidence and use them to develop and refine testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena. Focusing on these disciplinary practices and experimental skills enables students to use the principles of scientific inquiry to connect the broad range of concepts found in the typical college Physics course. Prerequisites: Completion of either AP Physics Mechanics or Honors Physics with a minimum grade of 75. Completion of Calculus. (Applied Science Concentration)

Robotics

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is a hands-on introduction to robotics and robotics programming. Students will be using LEGO NXT Mindstorms Robots and RobotC programming platform developed by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy. Students will be introduced to the basic robot elements for movement and control while working in teams to meet a number of robot challenges. Prerequisite: An 80 average in Honors math or an 85 average in College Preparatory Math. (NCAA, Applied Science Concentration)

Anatomy & Physiology

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This is an introductory lecture/lab course in Anatomy & Physiology of the human body designed to give students a selective overview of human anatomical structures and the physiology of those structures. This course is for the students who are highly interested in the fields of medical or biological sciences. Prerequisite: Completion of a Biology and Chemistry offering. (NCAA)

Exercise Physiology

5 credits 80 minutes, 1 semester
This course is designed as an introduction to the branch of Physiology that deals with the function of the body during exercise and the adaptations that occur within. Knowledge and application of scientific principles will help explain how to develop peak performance in athletes and maintain health in the general population. Included will be an examination of the scientific theories behind the body’s responses to exercise. Topics will include exercise metabolism, respiration, circulation, neuromuscular, hormonal and environmental influences on exercise. The factors that limit exercise performance and the role of genes in determining athletic performance will also be considered. Through laboratory investigations, students will gain a better understanding of current evidence-based interventions that help to improve overall health. The lab component of class will include inquiry-based analyses into a multitude of physiological processes and an exploration of the students’ own physiology. Prerequisites include: Completion of Biology and Chemistry. (NCAA)

AP Environmental Science

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
AP Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. This course concerns itself with both the ecological principles by which the environment works and the human relationship with that environment, and prepares students to sit for the College Board AP exam in May. Topics include: ecology, ecosystem sustainability, population, public policy, resources, land, air and water pollution. Through inquiry-based laboratory investigations students will gain a greater understanding of ecological principles including management of natural resources and sustainability. This is a Spring semester course. Prerequisite: Minimum 80 average in Honors Biology or completion of AP Biology, AND minimum 80 average in Honors Chemistry or completion of AP chemistry. (NCAA)

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