In their science courses at St. Agnes, students are encouraged to explore the interactions among society, technology, and science. By understanding past achievements, present projects and future possibilities in scientific study, students will lay foundations for a lifetime of interest and possible career in science.
St. Agnes students must take four years of science and will follow either a regular science program or an honors program. All students in the regular college preparatory program take Biology in 9th grade and Chemistry in 10th grade. Students must also take Physics before graduation. Beyond this course, students will choose from the following: Biology 2, Physiology, Chemistry 2, Aquatic Science, Geology, Environmental Systems, and Astronomy.
Students with a strong science aptitude can follow one of two programs depending on their capabilities and the results of their science placement test. Ninth graders may be placed into Honors Biology. After 9th grade, the following honors courses are available: Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry. Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry students are encouraged to take the SAT II test. |
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Department Members
Josephine DeForke, Department Chair
Cynthia Boratko
Kathryn Brozek-Streit
Harold Burris
Saundra Coffey
Deborah Crank
Jeff Hollinger
Kimberly Scoville
Lisa Stinson
Jocelyn Vincent
Science Courses
410 BIOLOGY 1 (1 credit)
Biology is a one-year laboratory and lecture based course of study of the science of life from the sub-molecular level to the level of the biosphere. In this course, students will study ecosystems and the environment, fundamental biochemistry, cells and cellular reactions, the microscope, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, plant biology, and the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems. The unit of genetics includes research on The Human Genome Project. Laboratory investigations will be used to reinforce class work, to demonstrate scientific principles, to reconfirm hypotheses discussed in class, and to teach science process skills. Students will use their laptops in the course, using presentation, word processing and spreadsheet programs. They will also do research using the Internet. The course will include an in-depth dissection and study of the fetal pig.
415 HONORS BIOLOGY 1 (1 credit)
This course covers such major topics as scientific method, classification, evolution, biochemistry, genetics, cell theory, reproduction, heredity, anatomy, and physiology. Students will develop a deeper understanding of biology with major emphasis on how life processes evolved and on the research which has led to our current knowledge in the field of biology. Students are expected to demonstrate this understanding by application in laboratory work. The course will include in-depth dissection and study of the cat anatomy and physiology. Students are also expected to communicate their understanding of these concepts in written form. Students will use their laptops to present projects in PowerPoint, create spreadsheets, word process and do research using the Internet. All students are required to prepare a project every quarter.
Placement is based on entrance exam reading scores, science placement test score and math placement. Students must take the science placement test to be considered for Honors Biology.
423 BIOLOGY 2 - GENERAL BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course continues, reinforces and extends many topics from Biology 1. The course begins with a study of organic molecules and the importance of chemistry in understanding living organisms, followed by an in-depth look at cellular biology. In addition, the course will focus a considerable amount of time on DNA, RNA, genetics and genetic disorders, biotechnology, evolutionary biology, and microbiology. The course concludes with a unit on human anatomy and physiology and includes a mandatory cat dissection.
Prerequisites: Strong C or better in Biology 1 and successful completion of Chemistry 1.
425 PHYSIOLOGY(1 credit)
This course studies the physiology (function) of the different systems found in the human body, for example, digestive, cardiovascular, etc. Lectures are accompanied by a rigorous laboratory schedule designed to enhance the student's understanding of the class topics. Includes an animal dissection and at least three formal laboratory reports.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1. Taken at Strake Jesuit.
426 HONORS AP BIOLOGY (1 credit)
This honors course in Biology covers all topics recommended by the College Board in order to successfully take the AP test in Biology. Topics include: cell functions, biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, etc. Laboratory work is performed in a demanding schedule. This class will also meet during lunch 1 or 2 times per week in order to fulfill the required number of lecture/lab hours. Attendance at these lunch classes is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Strong B or better in Honors Biology 1 or strong A in Biology 1. Strong B or better in Honors Chemistry 1 or strong A in Chemistry 1.
AP Course fee (includes AP exam): $90
430 CHEMISTRY 1 (1 credit)
Chemistry is a course designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of basic chemistry such as matter and energy, phases of matter, atomic structure and bonding, chemical formulas and equations, solutions, the kinetic theory, acids, bases, salts, and organic chemistry. Laboratory work is an important part of the course; it emphasizes the skills to do precision work and an awareness of safety in the laboratory. Chemistry challenges the student to develop her reasoning skills and ability to assimilate new material.
440 HONORS CHEMISTRY 1 (1 credit)
This course is designed to interest and challenge the outstanding science student. The course includes an in-depth study of chemical formulas and equations, quantitative relationships of energy and matter, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, gas laws and the kinetic theory, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, and oxidation reduction. Laboratory experiments are emphasized as a means to illustrate information presented in lecture. A solid background in mathematics is needed as chemical calculations are stressed.
Prerequisite: Honors Math or a strong B or better in Algebra 1. Strong B or better in Honors Biology 1 or strong A in Biology 1.
443 CHEMISTRY 2 (1 credit)
This is a continuation of Chemistry 1. Concepts in inorganic and organic chemistry, thermochemistry and kinetics are covered in depth. Laboratory work corresponding to lecture topics is an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1.
444 HONORS AP CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
This accelerated course in chemistry covers all topics recommended by the College Board in order to successfully take the AP test in chemistry. Laboratory work includes qualitative and quantitative chemistry. This course has a required summer reading set which covers Chemistry I topics essential for this course. This class will also meet during lunch 1 or 2 times per week in order to fulfill the required number of lecture/lab hours. Attendance at these lunch classes is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Honors Math or strong B or better in Algebra 1, strong B or better in Honors Chemistry 1 or strong A in Chemistry 1, successful completion of Biology 1.
AP Course fee (includes AP exam): $90
450 PHYSICS (1 credit)
This course gives the student an introduction to the important concepts of classical physics, including objects in motion and at rest, balanced and unbalanced forces, as well as critical concepts in the areas of sound, light magnetism and electricity. In addition, there are special units that cover lasers, high-energy physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. This is a conceptual/experimental course in which students will learn the basic principles to their everyday lives.
Prerequisites: Current enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher math course and a strong C or better in Chemistry 1.
Course fee: $20
455 HONORS PHYSICS (1 credit)
This course is designed for students interested in majoring in math, science or engineering in college. It gives the student a strong conceptual, experimental, and mathematical background in classical mechanics. Some of the topics covered are force, acceleration, velocity, rotational motion and wave motion.
Prerequisites: Current enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus or Calculus. Successful completion of Biology 1 and Chemistry 1.
465 GEOLOGY (1/2 credit)
Geology is a one-semester course. The approach of this course is from the physical and historical viewpoint so it is the study of Earth's materials, their origin and evolution. Topics such as geologic time, plate tectonics, mineral and rock identification, the causes and effects of volcanoes and earthquakes, sedimentary deposition and deformation and mapping will be part of this course. The course will include one overnight field trip (optional).
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1. Offered in the Fall and Spring. Open to Strake Jesuit students.
475 AQUATIC SCIENCE (1 credit)
In the Aquatic Science course, students will investigate a variety of topics that include: components of an aquatic ecosystem; relationships among aquatic habitats and ecosystems; roles of cycles within an aquatic environment; adaptations of aquatic organisms; changes within aquatic environments; geological phenomena and fluid dynamics effects; and origin and use of water in a watershed.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1. Taken at Strake Jesuit.
480 ASTRONOMY (1/2 credit)
This course will provide students with an overview of the history of astronomy and the tools used to investigate the universe. We will also examine the formation of the solar system and the nature of the planets. We will explore the birth, evolution, and death of stars, the nature of galaxies, and extreme objects in space, including neutron stars and black holes. We will investigate the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. In addition, the course will examine the history of the exploration of the planets by robotic spacecraft and the possibilities of space travel by humans both within the solar system as well as to other star systems. The primary focus of this course will be on details and concepts with occasional calculations required in certain sections.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Algebra 2, Physics or concurrent enrollment in Physics. Offered in the Fall and Spring.
485 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (1/2 credit)
Humanity is an agent of environmental change. How can we survive on this planet, meet our basic needs, and allow for economic growth without causing irreparable harm to Earth's resources? Facing these urgent challenges, students explore environmental issues on global, national, and local scales, while developing a personal understanding of the responsibilities of stewardship. Course topics include climate change, energy resources, and sustainability. The class format integrates lectures and activities with laboratory investigations and field work.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1. Offered in the Fall and Spring. Open to Strake Jesuit students.
