Science

Science Department

Mr. Ochoa's Class Page

Science Instructors

The goals of the science department are an extension of its philosophy, which is to prepare the students for the modern world while fostering a love of science

Our first goal is to cultivate in the student a love of science Projects, laboratory experiments and demonstrations develop a sense of discovery and accomplishment in the student Rote memorization and trivial detail smother the student’s natural enthusiasm for science.

The second goal is to provide a strong base of scientific knowledge to prepare the student for his adult life The emphasis is on useful information and ideas, and in the upper level classes, on material that forms a strong foundation for college.

The third goal is to exercise and develop the students reasoning abilities. Students perform laboratory experiments and exercises where the instructions are not cookbooks. This forces the student to think for themselves. Students must answer questions that they have not practiced but have the tools to solve. This forces the student to synthesize his knowledge.

The fourth goal is to develop the student’s ethical sense by highlighting real life examples of ethical questions in science. Discussions explore these ideas and allow the student to articulate his beliefs

Course Descriptions

Biology (2 semesters)10th Grade

This course introduces the natural world and the diverse community of life within it to the student. The student will learn about the structure and laws that hold the world together as well as genetics and human development. There will be many labs, induding several animal dissections and other experiments to aid in the learning of thematerial.

Chemistry(2 semesters) 11th Grade

This course deals with the laws of the chemical world that govern the composition of matter and chemical reactions. The emphasis of the course is on chemical reactions and the factors that influence them. The student will work in the laboratory conducting chemical experiments and interpreting the results.

AP Biology (2 semesters)12th Grade

This course is a college level biology class It surveys the major areas of biology as taught in the first year of college. These subjects include genetics, evolution, animal physiology, plant growth, ecology and cell biology. At the end of the course the students take the Advanced Placement Exam to see if they have mastered the material.

Chemistry in the Community (2 semesters) 11th Grade

This course is for students who do not want to pursue science as a career. The course is less theoretical and more practical than general . chemistry. Subjects ~indude conservation, nu~fion, nudear power and resource management. All 11th grade students must take either this course or general chemistry.

Physics(2 semesters) 12th Grade

This course introduces the student to the laws that govern the physical world.

Subjects covered in this course include: gravity, acceleration, light and sound, quantum physics and electric phenomena. This course is an elective for students who are serious about a technical education.