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.
Allen Johns and Matt Stevens in Integrated Science
Physical
and Chemical Changes Lab
Kourtney Mulhollon and Brendan Goethal in Environmental
Science
Field Study
Jacob Webley in Physical Geology
Presentation on Volcanic Eruptions
Sarah March and Bridget Bittmann in Biotechnology
Performing
Gel Electrophoresis
Jana Krien, Nick Seib, and Alexa Paleka in AP Biology
Group Work on Photosynthesis