Curriculum Detail

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Science

The ultimate goal of the science curriculum is for all students to become scientifically literate citizens who are aware of their moral and social responsibilities about the use of science in a just society. To that end, students are provided opportunities to develop understanding about scientific theories and apply this understanding to scientific problems. They also utilize the skills of the scientist in laboratory investigation while considering the ethical dilemmas associated with the application of science.

Middle school students take a course in science each year. Each course includes aspects of life science, earth science, and physical science. In the high school, three laboratory science courses are required before graduation. This coursework begins with Biology followed by Chemistry and then Physics. Advanced Placement and upper level science electives are also offered.

  • Anatomy and Physiology

    This elective course is intended to provide an “owner’s manual” for the human body. Through lecture, project-based learning and laboratory activities, students focus on how vertebrate animals fulfill their basic needs of life.  Topics include the skeletal, cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory and digestive systems, metabolism and histology.  Whenever possible, common injuries, medical issues and public health concerns are integrated into the curriculum.  This course has a prominent laboratory component.

  • Anatomy and Physiology Honors

    This elective course is a capstone experience that integrates biology, chemistry and physics through the study of anatomy and physiology.  Lecture, readings, project-based learning and laboratory activities are used to focus on how vertebrate animals fulfill their basic needs of life.  Topics include the skeletal, cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory and digestive systems, metabolism and histology; particular attention is given to the regulation of physiological systems.  Students who select this course should have a good understanding of basic cell biology and chemistry.   The course has a prominent laboratory component.

  • AP Biology

    For students desiring a more intensive study of core subjects in the science curriculum, AP level courses are offered in Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry and Physics. Successful completion of a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course is required before taking any AP course in Science. A primary component of each AP course is to prepare students for the corresponding National AP Examination offered by the College Board each May. High achievement on this exam may allow students to enroll in an accelerated or advanced course at their respective college or university. To be eligible for these courses, students must demonstrate above average work in mathematics and the introductory science courses. Approval to enroll in an AP course must be obtained from the student's current science teacher and/or the chairperson of the science department. 

  • AP Environmental Science

    The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. 

    Prerequisites 

    Students should have completed two years of high school laboratory science, one year of biology and one year of chemistry. At least one year of algebra.  

    Students should have achieved at least a B+ if their previous science course was Chemistry Honors or Physics.  

    Students should have achieved at least an A if their previous science course was Chemistry. 

  • AP Physics 1

    For students desiring a more intensive study of core subjects in the science curriculum, AP level courses are offered in Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry and Physics. A primary component of each AP course is to prepare students for the corresponding National AP Examination offered by the College Board each May. High achievement on this exam may allow students to enroll in an accelerated or advanced course at their respective college or university. To be eligible for these courses, students must demonstrate above average work in mathematics and the introductory science courses. Approval to enroll in an AP course must be obtained from the student's current science teacher and/or the chairperson of the science department. This course is open to a limited number of students. 
     
    This course is open to a limited number of students. To be eligible for this course a student must have:
    Any of the following: Geometry Honors with a minimum grade of 87 in Term 1, Algebra II Honors with a minimum grade of 87 in Term 1, Chemistry I Honors with a minimum grade of 87 in Term 1 

  • AP Physics 2

    This course is open to students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement Physics I or College Preparatory Physics with the recommendation of their Physics teacher.

  • AP Physics C

    AP Physics C is a calculus-based, college-level physics course designed for students with a strong interest in science, engineering, or mathematics. The course is divided into two separate sections: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. Each section is equivalent to a semester-long introductory college physics course and prepares students for the corresponding AP exams. 

    In the Mechanics portion, students explore concepts such as kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, linear and angular momentum, rotational motion, gravitation, and oscillations. 

    In the Electricity & Magnetism portion, students study electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, and Maxwell’s equations. 

    Prerequisites 

    Completion of pre-calculus. 

    Concurrent enrollment in calculus. 

     

  • Biology I

    General Biology is open to freshmen. An honors level and an advanced honors level of this course are offered. Placement into Biology I Honors or a Biology I Advanced Honors is based on the student’s application record and teacher recommendation. In Biology, laboratory work is an integral part of the program. This course focuses on the characteristics of living things. Topics include the chemical building blocks of life, cellular organization, energy transformations, cellular reproduction, genetics, and evolution. Ecology, anatomy, and systematics may also be included. Course work stresses the sanctity of life and aims to develop an appreciation in the student for the natural world. 

  • Biology I Honors

    To be enrolled in Honors Biology students must meet the following criteria:
    • Earned a grade of B- or better in middle school science.  
    • Scored in the 80th percentile or better on the 9th grade placement test. 
    • Scored in the 80th percentile or better on middle school standardized tests.  
    • Any student who does not meet these criteria may still earn placement in Honors Biology by taking an Honors Biology Placement Test and scoring a grade of 70% or better on both an objective test of science knowledge and skills. In addition, prospective students must demonstrate competency in their ability to utilize higher order thinking skills in science by scoring a grade of 70% or better on a short answer portion of the placement test. 
    In Honors Biology, laboratory work is an integral part of the program, both as prescribed lab activities as well as self-designed laboratory experience. Biology focuses on the life found on our planet and the processes that allow those organisms to thrive. Topics include the chemical building blocks of life, cellular organization and function, energy transformations, cellular reproduction, genetics, and evolution. Ecology, anatomy, and systematics may also be included. 

  • Chemistry I

    This course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the nature of chemical reactions, the mole theory, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution theory. Students will be introduced to the concepts of reaction kinetics, equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction.  Algebra based problem solving is an integral part of this class. Students will use conversion factors, find percentages, determine rates of reaction, use ratios, create and use various graphs, and solve problems using formulas. Laboratory experiments and formal laboratory reports are vital and will be used to supplement and illustrate chemical concepts.  

  • Chemistry I Honors

    This course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the nature of chemical reactions, the mole theory, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution theory. Students will be introduced to the concepts of reaction kinetics, equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction.  Algebra based problem solving is an integral part of this class. Students will use conversion factors, find percentages, determine rates of reaction, use ratios, create, and use various graphs, and solve problems using formulas. Laboratory experiments and formal laboratory reports are vital and will be used to supplement and illustrate chemical concepts. Students will also read a novel to connect Chemistry to their everyday lives.  


    To be enrolled in Honors Chemistry students must meet the following criteria:
    • A in CP Algebra 1, A in Algebra and Analytic Geometry, or A in CP Geometry 
    • B in Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra 2 or higher 
    • B in Honors Biology with Instructor approval 
    • A in CP Biology with Instructor approval 

  • Chesapeake Bay Watershed Ecology

    This is a one year elective course. The students will study the plants and animals that thrive in the Chesapeake Bay. The students will also examine the factors that contribute to the health or lack of health of the Bay. The Bay is a wonderful resource in our backyard. We will learn how to “Think Globally, but Act Locally”. No video, picture or description can beat hands on interaction so this course will have a field trip each quarter and there will be independent visits to local parks and watershed areas. This is also a service learning course. Students will do outdoor volunteer service learning with a local park or organization. This is a required integral part of the course.

  • Conceptual Physics

    College Preparatory Physics is open to students who have completed Chemistry and Basic Geometry. Two levels of Physics are offered: Conceptual Physics and College Preparatory Physics. Placement into one of these levels is based on performance in completed math and science courses as well as teacher recommendation.   The Physics program strikes a balance between emphasizing the principles and concepts of physics and the solution of problems encountered in everyday life involving physics. Laboratory experiences serve as models for these concepts and examples of real life situations. Students are challenged to apply these physics principles by constructing devices to use in their physics Olympics competitions.

    This class is open to a limited number of students. To be eligible for this course a student must have:
    • Earned a grade of B or less in their previous math class.
    • Earned a grade of B or less in College Preparatory Chemistry.
    • Received a score below 45 on their PSAT test.
    If students meet only TWO of the criteria for a particular course, they may obtain placement by recommendation of their Chemistry teacher.

  • Engineering I

    The course will allow students to learn introductory concepts, methods and principles of engineering practice. The course will focus on using an engineering perspective to view and solve a problem with an integrated approach. Students will be required to design, plan, and communicate, while solving problems and considering the ethics and professionalism that would be required. 

  • Engineering II Honors

    This course is designed to provide students with aptitudes and competencies in structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering as evidenced by completion of the Introduction course or strong completion of AP Physics I or AP Computer Science course work Students will need to be able to engage in complex projects that incorporate structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering elements; investigate additional areas of engineering in covered in the Introduction to Engineering course such as aeronautical, environmental, computer, electronic and automotive; better incorporate the Universal Apostolic Preferences and social justice lenses into the project section and experience. Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering and AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A.

  • Forensic Science

    This course is a one-year elective that presents the science behind the criminal justice system. Through lecture, case study analysis, and laboratory activities, students will learn how to utilize forensic techniques to analyze physical evidence.  DNA fingerprinting, blood spatter, tire tread analysis, virtual drug analysis are all examples of techniques that will be explored. Additionally, new advances in brain science will be studied to examine the value of eyewitness testimony, the identification of psychopathic behavior, as well as the increase proliferation of opioid addiction. The intersection between the analysis of evidence and the criminal justice system will be a central theme of this course. This course is open to all students who have completed at least two years of laboratory science. 

  • Game Design & the Neuroscience of Fun

    Game Design and the Science of Fun is a one semester elective course where students will be introduced to principles of game design, neuroscience, and psychology related to fun in its many forms. Students will learn about why people play and why fun is so crucial to mental health and well being. Students will investigate topics including game elements, health benefits of fun, evolutionary basis of play, parts of the brain and nervous system, psychology of fun, and types of games. Students will engage in analysis of existing games, both popular and obscure, to understand what game designers are trying to achieve and why games are received differently by different players. The class will culminate with a game-jam style project where students will be able to try their hand at game design. 

  • General Science 6

    Sixth grade science has three areas of focus. First, students examine the characteristics of living things including a specific look at plants, animals and bacteria. This is followed by an introduction to physical science with a specific focus on sound and light waves. Finally, students complete an earth science component in which they examine our weather and climate. 

  • General Science 7

    Seventh grade science likewise has three areas of focus. First, students study earth science with a particular focus on understanding of Earth’s geology and formation. This is followed by an introduction to basic chemistry. Finally, students study the human body and their health. A hands-on methodology and problem solving skills are utilized in every aspect of the course.

  • General Science 8

    The eighth-grade science curriculum is designed to introduce physical sciences and further develop students’ understanding of life science.  The objective is to build upon students’ prior middle school science knowledge and skills, thus providing a foundation for high school sciences.  Following STEM principles, students will study scientific concepts through numerous discovery methods and hands-on techniques.  Students begin exploring the structures and properties of matter while closely examining atoms and reactions.  Next, motion, forces, and energy are investigated utilizing real-world contexts.  Lastly, students study cell systems and processes within ecosystems; these final concepts directly prepare students for ninth-grade biology and are discovered to identify diversity of life through examination of genes and heredity. 

  • Ignatian Honors Biology

    This course is part of the Ignatian Honors STEM Program. Biology topics will work cooperatively with Math, Technology and Engineering to develop cross curricular understandings of overarching concepts. In Biology, laboratory work is an integral part of the program, both as prescribed lab activities as well as self-designed laboratory experience. Biology focuses on the life found on our planet and the processes that allow those organisms to thrive. Topics include the chemical building blocks of life, cellular organization and function, energy transformations, cellular reproduction, genetics, and evolution. Ecology, anatomy, and systematics may also be included.

  • Ignatian Honors Chemistry

    This course is part of the Ignatian Honors STEM Program. Chemistry topics will work cooperatively with Math, Technology and Engineering to develop cross curricular understandings of overarching concepts. This course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the nature of chemical reactions, the mole theory, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution theory. Students will be introduced to the concepts of reaction kinetics, equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction.  Algebra based problem solving is an integral part of this class. Students will use conversion factors, find percentages, determine rates of reaction, use ratios, create, and use various graphs, and solve problems using formulas. Laboratory experiments and formal laboratory reports are vital and will be used to supplement and illustrate chemical concepts. Students will also read novels to connect Chemistry to their everyday lives.  

  • Industrial Arts and Woodworking

    Are you fascinated in using different tools to assemble things? Dream of becoming an inventor?  Industrial Arts and Woodworking is a hands on class where students learn how to use a variety of handheld tools to make creations out of wood and other materials. Students learn proper and safe procedures for working with tools, apparatus, equipment, and materials. Students complete projects through the  problem-solving, design and production process.   This course has limited enrollment.

  • Physics

    College Preparatory Physics is open to students who have completed Chemistry and Basic Geometry. Two levels of Physics are offered: Conceptual Physics and College Preparatory Physics. Placement into one of these levels is based on performance in completed math and science courses as well as teacher recommendation.   The Physics program strikes a balance between emphasizing the principles and concepts of physics and the solution of problems encountered in everyday life involving physics. Laboratory experiences serve as models for these concepts and examples of real life situations. Students are challenged to apply these physics principles by constructing devices to use in their physics Olympics competitions.

    To be eligible for this course a student must have:
    • Earned a grade of C- or better in their previous math course.
    • Earned a grade of C- or better in a Chemistry course.
    • Received a score above 40 on their PSAT test.

Department Faculty

500 Chestnut Ave. Towson, MD 21204
communications@loyolablakefield.org
(410) 823-0601