Catholic Central News Flash: Mrs. Michelle Dean Science Department

Science

Catholic Central High School has a variety of hands-on, laboratory science courses that allow you to explore the natural world. Mrs. Dean teaches Freshman Integrated Science (required for all freshman) and upper level elective courses such as Environmental Science, Physical Geology, Biotechnology and AP Biology. Here is a brief description of some of what you will be studying in each course.

Integrated Science – You will perform labs to reinforce the scientific experimentation process. Several of the labs allow you to decide how to set up the experiment and support your hypothesis. Topics covered come from chemistry and physics such as heat and temperature and Newton’s laws. There are also several design labs in which you will design egg cars, balloon racers and bridges.

Environmental Science – You will explore the history of the environmental movement and examine ways society can become more sustainable. Ecosystems will be examined along with the flora and fauna in them. Topics will include predator-prey relationships, endangered species and the importance of water sheds. If you enjoy nature and want to help our planet out, this is the class for you.

Physical Geology – This class is all about the solid Earth. You will learn about the history of our earth, earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building and rock formation. It is our earth at its finest. The class includes a project that takes the class on virtual trips to several of our national parks.

Biotechnology – Biotech allows you to take life science concepts and apply them. You will study DNA and proteins in a heavily lab based class. In the labs you will extract your own DNA and enzymes from tissues. You will use gel electrophoresis to examine DNA and solve a crime. You will transform bacteria and make it glow in the dark. Now that is cool science!

AP Biology – If you are interested in pursuing science in college and are up for a challenge, take this class. You will study biology concepts in detail and learn how these concepts are connected to your health and to making your environment a better place. Several labs allow you to ask a question and design an experiment. You will fine tune your lab skills and data analysis skills. Data analysis is important for the ACT. You will also be better prepared for college science courses and possibly earn college credit.

Integrated science gives all students the background knowledge and science skills to succeed to in future science courses. The upper level science courses give students the opportunity to study various science disciplines that they may not be familiar with or that that have a desire to learn more about. The AP biology course is preparing students for college level science courses through a rigorous study of life and the possibility of earning college credit. All these courses connect science knowledge with real world issues.