Science

Themes in Life Science

This is an introductory lab-based science designed to give students the necessary skills to serve as a foundation for a smooth transition to high school biology, as well as, other sciences. Topics students will explore include but are not limited to: experimental design, ecosystems, cells, photosynthesis, and introductory genetics. Themes in Physical Science

An introductory science that deals with the fields of chemistry and physics. In the chemistry units students will explore matter- its states, classifications, combinations, and separation. In addition to many science experiments, students will perform a chemistry matters show for their schoolmates to showcase what they have learned. In the physics units students will explore force, motion and energy.

Themes in Astronomy (Grades 9+)

Themes in Astronomy is high school level physical science that explores the nature of Earth’s place in space. Students will explore the earth and the solar system, focusing on relationships among the earth, moon and the sun - their scale properties, motion and how scientists learn about these from the earth. They will take a close look at the sun and how it is similar to and different from other stars in the universe, including how stars change through time and how they create elements. Students will learn about other objects found in the universe, how the universe is organized and how it is changing, including the current scientific evidence supporting the Big Bang theory. 

Students will see the role of both physics and chemistry in our growing understanding of the science of astronomy.  Students will be most successful in Themes in Astronomy if they have completed or are currently taking Algebra 1.

Themes in Biology (Grades 9+)

Students are scientists as they explore living systems at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. Centering around how organisms maintain homeostasis, we will take a close look at the circulatory and respiratory systems. Students will learn how we get energy through the processes of cellular respiration and food from the process of photosynthesis. Students will also investigate how we process food through digestion. Utilizing their understanding of DNA, students will engage in the study of genetics. Major topics covered include: homeostasis, circulatory and respiratory systems, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, digestion, DNA, protein synthesis, genetics and genetic engineering. Students will be most successful in Biology if they have previously completed a lab-based science. 

Themes in Chemistry (Grades 10+)

Themes in Chemistry focuses on the study of matter. We start with a look at the physical properties of matter focused around the density of matter. Next the students explore at the structure of matter considering both atomic structure and the structure that results when atoms bond with one another. Students learn to use the periodic table as a valuable tool. Chemical reactions and equations enable students to combine their understanding of the observable world with the particle and symbolic world of chemistry. Students focus on the quantitative aspects of chemistry as they learn how chemists are able to count atoms and molecules and use this information to predict the mathematical aspects of chemical reactions. Then students will explore the role of energy in chemical reactions. As time allows, students will finish their chemistry studies with a closer look at acids, bases, and salts and/or nuclear chemistry. Students will be most successful in Themes in Chemistry if they have previously completed a lab-based science and Algebra 1.