Science
Science Department Philosophy
The primary goal of the Bishop Kelly High School Science Department is to provide each student with a solid understanding of basic scientific knowledge, concepts, and processes. Consequently, all students will be provided opportunities to follow a program provided them by linking mathematics, written expression, laboratory experiences, and research skills. Students are highly encouraged to take at least an introductory course in each of the three main areas of science: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
In the society in which they will live and work, the number of decisions they will be required to make involving an understanding of the products, process, ethics, and relationships of science to society are increasing. To prepare them for their responsibilities, the department will address current issues and encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking in the study of those topics which are covered by the curriculum.
The evolution and continual adaptation of scientific knowledge and technology – along with historical, cultural, and ethical perspectives – will be presented within the framework of the varied course offerings contained in the school’s science curriculum. Given the direction of today’s world, the science department believes that an extensive academic preparation which contains a strong presence of science, mathematics, and technology – bound by the Catholic Christian ethic provided at Bishop Kelly – will best prepare the school’s graduates to pursue post-secondary education or to enter the workplace.
Recommended Science Sequence
RECOMMENDED SCIENCE STARTING POINTS
- Students who are not interested in a math or science career or who struggle with grades in any subject should take ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE in ninth grade.
- Students who might be interested in a math or science career, but who are studying Algebra I in ninth grade should take BIOLOGY in ninth grade.
- Students who definitely want to pursue a career in science or math and are taking Geometry or higher math in ninth grade should take CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS in ninth grade.
Students will consult with their science teachers each spring to help them with their course selection for the following year.
Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisites: None
First Semester 35300A (S1) AND Second Semester 35300B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
The Environmental Science and Society course focuses on the study of our natural environment, with an emphasis on humanity’s impact on the environment. The goal of the course is to introduce and engage students in the science behind today’s environmental issues. Students will be immersed in labs, hands-on science activities, group work, discussions of current scientific research and case studies, as well as decision-making based on their critical thinking skills. The course will encourage students to think and act at both global and local levels. Topics and labs will focus on basic biological, ecological geological, physical, chemical, and technological components that directly impact living systems.
Grade Levels: 9, 10
Prerequisites: None
First Semester 35010A (S1) AND Second Semester 35010B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
Biology is a laboratory class which explores various aspects of life. The principles of living matter, cell structure and functions, energy processes, reproduction and genetics, will be covered during the first semester. During the second semester, knowledge of these principles will be applied to a survey of representative organisms found in the five kingdoms: monera, protista, fungi, plantae and animalia. An introductory-level class, the course will provide preparation for more advanced studies in biology.
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: None
Recommended: Geometry (completed or concurrent).
First Semester 35040A (S1) AND Second Semester 35040B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
Conceptual Physics is a laboratory course which will address the main topics of that course: motion, forces, light, energy, sound, electricity, etc. The curriculum will concentrate on providing students with a strong conceptual understanding of physical events. In contrast to AP Physics, with its traditionally heavy emphasis on mathematics, this course will make use of mathematical equations only to the extent necessary to guarantee understanding of the concept under study.
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1
Recommended: Biology or Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35020A (S1) AND Second Semester 35020B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
Chemistry is an introductory course in which students will study the structure of matter and the physical and chemical changes it may undergo. Topics covered in this course will include atomic theory, chemical bonding, states of matter, reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, colligative properties, acid-base chemistry, and reaction energy. Laboratory work and the scientific process will be emphasized.
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra II (completed or concurrent)
Recommended: Biology or Conceptual Physics (with an A or high B)
First Semester 35120A (S1) AND Second Semester 35120B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
Accelerated Chemistry is a more rigorous introductory chemistry course in which students will study the same topics as regular chemistry in more detail and will add units covering equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, and/or electrochemistry. Laboratory work and scientific process will be emphasized. This course is highly recommended for all students interested in pursuing a degree in the sciences and/or planning to take AP Chemistry later on in their high school career.
Either Accelerated Chemistry or Chemistry is highly recommended for all college-bound students.
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35331 (S1); Second Semester 35332 (S2)
Horticulture is a hands-on curriculum. Students will experiment with different aspects of the horticulture field, including greenhouse management, landscape design and maintenance, plant propagation, pest control, and growing a variety of plant species. Students can expect several required design projects, such as flower arrangement, Christmas wreath, landscape plan, and terrarium. The class objectives are to provide job skills for students and to improve the landscaping at Bishop Kelly High School.
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35321 (S1); Second Semester 35322 (S2)
An innovative, science-based semester course designed to develop student awareness of Forensic Science and the applications, techniques and authentic processes used. This course is lab-based and exposes students to Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as they apply to criminal investigations. Topics include crime scene protocol, fingerprinting, blood evidence analysis, other physical/trace evidence and DNA analysis.
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites:
(1) Chemistry (with an A or B)
(2) Biology or AP Biology (with an A or B)
First Semester 35050A (S1) AND Second Semester 35050B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
This Anatomy and Physiology course will focus on both the structures and functions of the human body. As the year progresses, we will work through each system of the body including the skin, muscular system, skeletal system, nervous system, sensory system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, lymphatic system, and reproductive system. These systems will be covered through lecture, group work, labs, and case studies to help prepare students for more advanced studies in the field of medicine and other related fields.
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites:
(1) Biology (with an A or B) or concurrently taking AP Biology
(2) Chemistry (with an A or B)
Recommended: Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35230A (S1) AND Second Semester 35230B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the negative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems. The class will be inquiry driven with hands-on labs applying concepts learned through research and instruction. Students should be prepared to invest a great deal of time and energy into the course. In order to succeed on the AP exam, it is imperative that students remain consistently focused and organized throughout the entire year.
AP BIOLOGY
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry (with an A or B)
Strongly Recommended: Conceptual Physics (with an A or B)
First Semester 35210A (S1) AND Second Semester 35210B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY) and the AP exam
DC BIOLOGY
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry (with an A or B)
Strongly Recommended: Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35310A (S1) AND Second Semester 35310B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
Dual Credit: Boise State BIO 191
AP Biology and DC Biology (BIO 191 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology), will be taught in the same class period with different expectations. Students selecting AP Biology will be expected to take the AP exam and have outside class expectations to meet the curriculum expectations.
This is a two-semester, college-level course. This course is a detailed survey of the main concepts of biology with an emphasis on cellular processes, genetic principles, evolution, and ecology. This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields. The college-level course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done, and the time and effort required of students. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Students and parents should be prepared for the unusually high demands on time and energy this course requires. It is imperative that students remain consistently focused and organized throughout the entire year.
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Accelerated Chemistry (A or A-) or Chemistry (A), Algebra II,
First Semester 35220A (S1) AND Second Semester 35220B (S2)
Two Semesters (FY)
Dual Credit: Boise State CHEM 101
This second year class will focus on the theoretical aspects of chemistry. Topics, which will be covered in depth, will include the structure of matter, chemical bonding, states of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and descriptive chemistry. Problem solving and application of theoretical concepts will be emphasized. Because AP Chemistry is a very rigorous course, it is imperative that students remain consistently focused and organized throughout the entire year. This course is highly recommended to those college-bound students who plan to study medicine, chemistry, or chemical engineering.
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 (completed or concurrent),
Strongly Recommended: Conceptual Physics
First Semester 35240A (S1); Second Semester 35240B (S2)
Two Semester Required (FY)
AP Physics 1 is the equivalent of the first semester of introductory, algebra-based college courses. This course explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Because this course is taught over an entire year, there is more time to foster deeper conceptual understanding through increased hands-on laboratory work. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Special projects and topics of particular interest to students will be included as time permits.
AP Physics 1 and 2 are highly recommended for students interested in science, engineering, or medicine. Though not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Physics 1 exam in May.
