The Science Department endeavors to provide students with experiences of a variety of sciences through which they will discover the beauty of God’s creation and attain a fundamental understanding of how nature works. From the earth and its inhabitants to the expanse of the universe, concepts are presented in ways that foster an understanding and appreciation for the complex systems necessary to sustain life. Students learn that scientific discovery is borne of grasping basic principles and applying curiosity, intuition, creativity, tenacity and logic; and that science leads to outcomes more fascinating than can be imagined. Such potential requires instruction in the moral responsibilities of science so each course includes a discussion of ethical implications. The result brings science into conformity with the mission of Palma School while developing higher-order thinking, an ability to problem solve, as well as an affinity for life-long learning.
Junior High Life Science
Prerequisite: 6th Grade standing
Credits: 10
The 6th Grade Life Science course is meant to be an introduction into biology with a heavy emphasis on animal and plant kingdoms, ecosystem interactions, cell theory, genes and hereditary, reproduction, and human impacts on the natural world. Main themes are supported by labs, field trips, and activities in the school garden. Sixth graders also get the opportunity to participate in a multi-day outdoor school program.
Junior High Earth Science
Prerequisite: 7th Grade standing
Credits: 10
This course consists of a study of earth’s geological processes and energy resources, oceanography, and astronomy. Environmental applications are covered with global and societal implications.
Junior High Physical Science
Prerequisite: 8th Grade standing
Credits: 10
This course is an introductory physical science course designed to prepare students for high school science courses. It provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. Topics covered include introduction to matter, motion and forces, work and machines, the atom, interactions of matter, electricity, waves, sound and light. Environmental applications are covered with global and societal implications.
Biology
Prerequisite: 9th Grade standing with approval of Science Department and concurrent enrollment in Algebra I Honors or higher.
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
Biology is an inquiry-oriented course in which lectures and laboratory experiments are designed to introduce the student to the diversity of living things, their structure and function, and their inter-relationships. A major approach includes biological problem solving using scientific methods. This course focuses on the study of energy flow, plant and animal classification, microorganisms, aspects of the cell theory, biochemistry, heredity and genetics, and evolution. This will be supplemented by information on marine biology and oceanography of local interest.
Integrated Science
Prerequisite: 9th or 10th Grade standing. Placement determined by Science Department.
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course provides a foundational understanding of physical science by exploring key principles in Biology, Earth and Space, Physics and Chemistry. Students will investigate the structure and properties of matter, the laws of motion, energy transformations, and the behavior of waves, electricity, and magnetism. The course emphasizes data collection, critical thinking, and the use of mathematical reasoning to analyze scientific phenomena. Students will also explore how integrated science connects to technology, engineering, and everyday life, preparing them for advanced science courses and careers in STEM fields.
Chemistry
Prerequisite: 10th Grade standing or above, and completion of Biology with a “B” grade or better, and approval of the Science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course places an emphasis on the application of concepts and the ability to utilize critical thinking skills. The course includes the following: atomic theory; principles of chemical reactions, solids, liquid and gas phases; molar method; solutions; introductory stoichiometry; chemical bonding; periodic table; valence and oxidation state; acids and bases; energy; molecular structure; polarity of molecules; hydrogen bonding; introduction to organic compounds. Labs and exercises, coordinated with classroom topics, are required.
Chemistry Honors
Prerequisite: 10th Grade standing or above with an “A” grade average in Biology and concurrent enrollment in or completion of Geometry Honors and approval of the Science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course is designed to challenge students on an individual basis. In addition to a mastery of the areas listed below, the course features extended content and additional workload. Scientific research papers, oral and written reports are required. Independent inquiry in specific interest areas is emphasized. The course includes in-depth application of the following: scientific principles, atomic theory, stoichiometry and dimensionalysis, chemical and nuclear reactions, energy; solutions, periodic table, chemical bonding, valence numbers, equilibrium constants, and organic compounds. Labs and exercises, coordinated with classroom topics, are required.
Conceptual Chemistry
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and approval of Biology instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
Conceptual Chemistry is a year-long high school chemistry course for college-bound students. The course is organized around societal issues involving chemistry concepts. Along with basic inorganic chemistry, students learn organic and biochemistry and how these concepts are applied in environmental and industrial situations. The course is laboratory based and features decision-making activities that give students practice in applying their chemistry knowledge.
Physics
Prerequisite: 10th Grade standing or above
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course is study of fundamental physics concepts, such as measurement, calculation, and graphing in kinematics and dynamics, propagation and conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation and circular motion, waves, sound, light and electromagnetic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, graphical, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. This course serves as a foundational course to upper-level science classes. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on the modeling/learning cycle, hands-on laboratory experiences, and the integration of other disciplines of science. Students will use reasoning and problem solving skills which will include, but not exceed Algebra I concepts.
Sports Medicine and Exercise Science
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th Grade standing
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This full-year science course is designed to incorporate and expand upon the essential knowledge learned during the student’s biology course. It will explore the science components of sport and exercise including biomechanics, exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition, and performance techniques. It will also include the specifics of sports medicine with the exploration of therapeutic careers, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology as they relate to sport and injury, kinesiology, detailed evaluation skills, first aid competencies, the healing process, injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, and therapeutic modalities. Multiple laboratory activities and scholarly article reviews are integrated as essential aids in the learning process to extend the students comprehension and application of the current technology and information associated with the science. Course runs pending sufficient requests.
Anatomy & Physiology
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th Grade standing with a “C” grade in Biology and Chemistry and/or approval of the science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
A second-year inquiry-based Biology course designed for students interested in an allied health career, kinesiology, athletic training, etc. Lectures and laboratory experiments guide students through the underlying principles of structure and function of the human body. The course is divided into three sections, emphasizing structure and function of cells, the 10 subsystems of the body, and growth and development. Course runs pending sufficient levels of requests.
AP Biology
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th Grade standing, minimum “B” grade in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, sufficient score in reading comprehension on school-wide test and approval of the science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course for able and motivated students who are committed to taking the AP examination in the spring. The course content follows the suggested outline for college Biology developed by the College Entrance Exam Board. The topics covered include: molecular biology, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations. It aims to provide the student with the conceptual framework and the analytical skills to understand the current advances in the field of biology. Labs and exercises, coordinated with classroom topics, are required. Course runs pending sufficient levels of requests.
AP Chemistry
Prerequisite: minimum "B" grade in Chemistry Honors, Biology, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Science/Math GPA of 3.5 and approval of Science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
Advanced Placement Chemistry is based upon the College Board's curriculum which is the foundation for discussion of the following complex topics: chemical kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, materials science, buffer systems, coordination complexes, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Weekly laboratory investigations and classroom demonstrations will supplement these lecture topics. A minimum of six review sessions will be conducted as well as two Saturday sessions whereby students practice taking the AP Chemistry exam. Labs and exercises, coordinated with classroom topics, are required, as is taking the AP Chemistry exam at the end of the year. Course runs pending sufficient levels of requests.
AP Physics
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th Grade standing, minimum “B” grade average in Chemistry Honors or “A” grade average in Chemistry, concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics and approval of the Science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course covers topics in Newtonian mechanics: kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, linear and angular momentum, circular and rotational motion, oscillations, and gravitation. A heavy emphasis is placed on advanced mathematical treatments involving trigonometry and some calculus and data acquired from laboratory experiments. Labs and exercises, coordinated with classroom topics, are required. Course runs pending sufficient levels of requests.
AP Environmental Science
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th Grade standing, minimum “B” grade in both Biology and Chemistry, and a minimum “B” grade in Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors fall semester, and approval of the science instructor
Credits: 10 | UC/CSU: D
This course is the equivalent of a semester-long college-level introductory course in Environmental Science with a laboratory component. Main topics include Earth systems and resources, ecology, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. The AP exam in Environmental Science, a minimum of 5-6 hours of homework per week, and a summer assignment are required. Course runs pending sufficient levels of requests.