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Science Dept Course OfferingsAstronomyThe course will be an exploration of the day and night sky. Utilizing the resources at Payton and current literature, we will explore our universe and the tools humans have used to learn about it. The course will cover a wide variety of topics from ancient astronomy to the newest discoveries and theories. Topics may include familiarity with the night sky; Technology; Cosmology; Starts and Galaxies; Past and Future Explorations; Star Systems (solar systems). Emphasis will be placed on modeling, inquiry learning, and technology. Students are expected to participate in nighttime observations.Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in physics and chemistry and permission of the Instructor BiologyLIFE! Can it be defined? What are the processes that occur daily in all living organisms? Biology students will use the tools of science such as the metric system, the microscope and graphing to develop observational skills. Computer probes will be used to study the methods of science and to answer questions about the organisms in the world around us. They will explore the chemical reactions within living cells and learn how cells work together in multicellular organisms. Through studying the relationship between genetics, DNA and biotechnology, the patterns of evolution will be clarified. As spring arrives and the organisms within our ecosystem reappear, the interactions of individuals within populations, communities and ecosystems will be discussed.ARISE BiologyARISE Biology examines the living world using the knowledge and skills students have acquired in Physics and Chemistry. The explosion of information that occurred since the elucidation of the structure of DNA exemplifies the connections among the sciences. Students in this course will examine cell structure and function, energy relations within and among cells, genetics, evolution and the relationship between organisms and their environment. The threads that unite the sciences will be emphasized and students will be encouraged to make connections with prior knowledge.Prerequisite: Physics and chemistry ChemistryChemistry explains everything from how our muscles contract to why water boils at a higher temperature when salt is added. Chemistry can explain these and other burning questions. Chemistry is an exciting science based on the discovery of molecular interaction through spectacular reactions. Lectures are minimized, and students spend most of their time working in groups; small-group classroom discussions are the norm and encouraged. Chemistry is a great opportunity for students to use their deductive reasoning skills within the laboratory to figure out the riddle behind the reaction. We will explore atomic structure in our investigation of matter and this exploration will lead us into constructing, evaluating, and balancing chemical reactions using stoichiometric relationships and a study of the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature of gases.Earth and Space SciencesThis course will investigate topics in geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Students will develop their ability to analyze, manipulate and synthesize scientific data through a variety of learning experiences. Topics to be explored include plate tectonics and volcanoes/earthquakes; dynamics of weather and climate; exploration of space and the universe; earth’s geologic history and fossil evidence; features of the ocean floor, topography of the Earth and the natural forces that reshape it.Prerequisite: Completion of two years of science Human Anatomy and PhysiologyThis course presents the study of basic biochemical principles as applied to the lymphatic, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, musculoskeletal, integument, and reproductive systems. The study of cytology, histology, osteology, and arthrology will also be included. This course is recommended for those interested in majoring in the health professions and is taught at the level of an introductory college course. Dissection is required, the specimens appropriate for each field studied.Prerequisite: Completion of three years of Science with a grade of B or better in each course. Freshmen (ARISE) PhysicsFreshmen Physics provides a firm foundation for future studies in the physical and biological sciences by exposing students to fundamental scientific concepts, developing students’ hands-on laboratory skills and mathematical reasoning abilities, and instilling habits of mind that are vital to learning in all contexts. The first semester introduces students to data collection and error analysis through the study of vibrations and waves of many kinds. Work and energy conclude the first semester. The second semester provides an exciting exposure to electricity and magnetism and the broad subject of force and motion. Basic algebra skills are important for all topics studied in this course. Students who have successfully completed this course will be eligible to enroll in Advanced Placement Physics B or C with a recommendation from the teacher.Prerequisite: Placement in geometry PhysicsPhysics is an introductory course intended for students, typically juniors or seniors, who have not taken Freshman Physics. It differs from ARISE Physics in its inclusion of two-dimensional motion and the use of trigonometry. Topics include forces and motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, and light. As in ARISE Physics, we emphasize mathematical, verbal, and graphical representations of physical phenomena through data collection and analysis using a wide range of tools and technology. Mathematical problem solving is also used as a vital tool for a student’s conceptual development. Students who have successfully completed this course will be eligible to enroll in Advanced Placement Physics B or C with a recommendation from the teacher.Advanced Placement BiologyAdvanced Placement Biology is the equivalent of a college level introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors. Passing the AP Biology exam in May normally qualifies the students for college credit. The course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The topics covered include those of high school biology as well as the anatomy and physiology of both plants and animals. Topics in this AP course are covered in a much broader range and in greater depth than in high school biology. The lab work required is inquiry-based and time intensive as in a college class. Most homework concerns the daily reading of the college level text. Students, who have an interest in biology, are highly motivated and have a great deal of self-discipline will do well in this course. In order to accommodate the extensive class and lab work required, students must enroll in AP Biology as a double period. Dissection is requiredPrerequisite: Grade of B or better in biology and chemistry, and consent of instructor Advanced Placement Physics CAdvanced Placement Physics C is an intensive study of two disciplines within Physics: mechanics (force, motion, and energy), and electricity and magnetism. This course roughly equates to two semesters in a three-semester sequence of university physics for physics and engineering majors involving a semester each of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and vibrational physics. Because the focus of the course is narrower, students study concepts in greater depth than in AP Physics B. Calculus is used explicitly to advance understanding and solve problems. This course is very intensive mathematically, moves at a very fast pace, and provides a heavy homework load. In order to accommodate the extensive class and lab work, students must enroll in AP Physics C as a double period.Prerequisites: ARISE or Honors Physics with an A in at least one semester and no lower than a B in the other semester. Concurrent enrollment in Calculus (AB or BC), or completion thereof. Recommendation of current-year science teacher. Recommendation of ARISE Physics or Honor Physics teacher. Advanced Placement Physics BIn Advanced Placement Physics B, students will advance their understanding of how our universe works, including our immediate surroundings. This course roughly equates to two semesters of introductory university physics, and students will build on their prior knowledge (from ARISE Physics or Honors Physics) of kinematics, force, momentum, energy, vibrations, waves, sound, light, and electricity and magnetism. In addition, two topics new to Payton physics students, thermodynamics and fluid physics, will be studied. While calculus is not explicitly used in this course, the student taking calculus or pre-calculus concurrently will appreciate the application of calculus concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is mathematically intensive, moves at a very fast pace, and provides a heavy homework load. In order to accommodate the extensive class and lab work, students must enroll in AP Physics B as a double period.Prerequisites: ARISE or Honors Physics with a B or better Concurrent enrollment in Calculus or completion thereof with a B or better, or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus ARISE or Honors Physics teacher recommendation Advanced Placement ChemistryAdvanced Placement Chemistry is an in-depth, critical examination of the study of matter. There are five specific segments: Structure of Matter, States of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Descriptive Chemistry, and Laboratory. Specifically, the AP Chemistry course is an extension of Honors Chemistry, and introduces new concepts such as computer modeling of molecules, crystallization, organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, reaction equilibria, quantitative analysis, thermochemical analysis and thermodynamics. This course is equivalent to an introductory collegiate chemistry class, and the comprehensive laboratory will include experiment design, instrumental analysis, and formal presentation of data in written and verbal formats. In order to facilitate the extensive class and lab work, students must enroll in AP Chemistry as a double period.Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in chemistry and consent of instructor |
TEACHER BIOSMarilyn HavlikJackie Barge Nikolaus Barge Sam Dyson Maggie Folk William Lyons Walt Kinderman Gloria Ma Matt Silvia COURSESAstronomyBiology ARISE Biology Chemistry Earth and Space Sciences Human Anatomy and Physiology Freshmen (ARISE) Physics Physics Advanced Placement Biology Advanced Placement Physics C Advanced Placement Physics B Advanced Placement Chemistry |
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