Science – Geibel Catholic

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
7	Science 7 Life Science	—	Level I

Seventh Grade Life Science course will continue to build upon the disciplinary core ideas and science & engineering practices. The NGSS based curriculum covers units on cells to organisms, cell processes & reproduction, heredity, interactions within ecosystems, and biological unity & diversity. Students explore structural and functional development and growth in cells and organisms, cell processes, and the inheritance and variations of traits. Finally, students investigate interdependent relationships in ecosystems and adaptations and biodiversity within populations. Bioethical issues are examined with a Catholic worldview.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
8	Science 8 Physical Science	—	Level I

The overall objective of this course is to provide content aligned to the NGSS that prepares students for their upcoming science curriculum concerning physical science. The content units consist of matter and its interactions, motion and stability, energy, and waves. Students will be able to develop and use models, plan, and conduct investigations, analyze, and interpret data, use mathematical and computational thinking, and construct explanations; and to use these practices to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas. Students are also expected to demonstrate understanding of several of engineering practices including design and evaluation. The instructional approach of the course is one of constructivist inquiry where students master key concepts and skills through the pursuit of essential questions using explorative activities, experimentation, concept writing and substantive classroom discussion.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
9	Biology I	1	High School I

The Biology I curriculum emphasizes the unifying concepts between all areas of biology. Biochemical, cellular, genetic, evolutionary, and ecological concepts are presented as the students survey all domains of organisms. Lab experiences challenge students and demand the development of extensive microscope skills, dissecting skills, observational skills, analytical and interpretative skills. The lab work allows the student to further his/her knowledge of topics discussed in class. Concepts learned in biology connect to real world applications as students analyze the Catholic viewpoint concerning various bioethical dilemmas.
Biology I OR Honors Biology I is required for graduation.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
9	Honors Biology I	1	High School II

Honors Biology I will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. Honors Biology I students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of biological concepts. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The Biology I curriculum emphasizes the unifying concepts between all areas of biology. Biochemical, cellular, genetic, evolutionary, and ecological concepts are presented as the students survey all domains of organisms. Lab experiences challenge students and demand the development of extensive microscope skills, dissecting skills, observational skills, analytical and interpretative skills. The lab work allows the student to further his/her knowledge of topics discussed in class. Concepts learned in biology connect to real world applications as student analyze the Catholic viewpoint concerning various bioethical dilemmas.
Biology I OR Honors Biology I is required for graduation.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
10/11/12	Honors Biology II	1	High School II

Honors Biology II will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. Honors Biology II students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of biological concepts. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The Biology II curriculum builds on the foundational knowledge gained in Biology I. Biology II focuses on the organism: the structure, function, ecology and evolution of the organism. Units will focus on the increasing biological complexities found in five of the six classification kingdoms; Eubacteria, Achaea, Protista, Fungi and Animal. This course relies heavily on hands-on dissection labs. Students are expected to participate fully in the lab activities. Students will build on and improve their dissection, observation, and analytical skills.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology I, high achievement in Biology I, or teacher recommendation.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
10/11/12	Chemistry I	1	High School I

The Chemistry I course provides content aligned to the NGSS. The content units consist of structure of atoms, electron behaviors, atomic interactions, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, particle arrangement and behaviors, and ion interactions. Students will be able to develop and use models, plan and conduct investigations, analyze, and interpret data, use mathematical and computational thinking, and construct explanations; and to use these practices to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas. Students will also learn lab safety practices, gain knowledge and practical application of common lab equipment during laboratory experiments and activities. The instructional approach of the course is one of constructivist inquiry where students master key concepts and skills through the pursuit of essential questions using explorative activities, experimentation, concept writing, modeling, and substantive classroom discussion.
Chemistry I OR Honors Chemistry I is required for graduation.

Prerequisite: Biology I or Honors Biology I

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
10/11/12	Honors Chemistry I	1	High School II

Honors Chemistry I will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. Honors Chemistry I students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of chemical concepts. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The Chemistry I course provides content aligned to the NGSS. The content units consist of structure of atoms, electron behaviors, atomic interactions, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, particle arrangement and behaviors, and ion interactions. Students will be able to develop and use models, plan and conduct investigations, analyze, and interpret data, use mathematical and computational thinking, and construct explanations; and to use these practices to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas. Students will also learn lab safety practices, gain knowledge and practical application of common lab equipment during laboratory experiments and activities. The instructional approach of the course is one of constructivist inquiry where students master key concepts and skills through the pursuit of essential questions using explorative activities, experimentation, concept writing, modeling, and substantive classroom discussion.
Chemistry I OR Honors Chemistry I is required for graduation.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology I or Honors Biology II

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	CHS Chemistry	1	High School III

CHS Chemistry will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. CHS Chemistry students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of chemical concepts. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The CHS Chemistry course builds on the foundational material learned in Chemistry I. The content units consist of atomic structures & properties, molecular & ionic compounds, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and acids & bases. Lab experiments will be conducted with increased focus on in-depth data analysis, graphical representation, and relationships to core concepts.
This College in High School course is offered through Mount Aloysius College.

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry I, Algebra I, and Geometry

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	Environmental Science	1	High School I

The students enrolled in this course will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills necessary to identify and analyze environmental issues, engaging with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires students to 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 science, chemistry, and geography. The students will focus on environmental issues in local, state, national, and global areas.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	Introduction to Engineering Design	0.5	High School I

Using a nature-based approach, this course presents the case that engineering education is not just for those interested in engineering careers. By fostering a connection with God’s designs in nature, students will discover engineering principles and how natural phenomena has inspired human innovation. Students will also explore the engineering design process to find successful solutions to engineering and design problems. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students apply systematic and scientific philosophy of engineering design, including relevant research, materials selections, sustainability, and manufacturability. Students will build competency in professional practices such as project management, peer review, and environmental impact analysis. Ethical issues, presented with a Catholic world view, will be discussed in terms of engineering practices and product development.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	Introduction to Forensic Science	0.5	High School I

The Introduction to Forensic Science course is designed for students who are interested in forensic science and related crime scene analysis. Topics may include a selection of the following (depending on time and class interest): observational skills, evidence collections, hair & fibers, plants – pollen & spores, fingerprints, DNA, blood & blood spatter, toxicology, handwriting, manner of death & decomposition, soil & bugs, bones, tools & impressions, arson, and ballistics. Students engage in laboratory activities and view documentary case files related to the course units. Related guest speakers and field trips may be included.

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	CHS Human Anatomy & Physiology	1	High School III

CHS Human Anatomy & Physiology will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. CHS Human Anatomy & Physiology students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of the human body. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The CHS Human Anatomy & Physiology course explores the human body from chemical and cellular components to major organ systems. Each human body system will be explored through proper identification of major anatomical structures, physiological processes, and how structure and function contributes to the body’s homeostasis. Specific attention will be given to diagrams, anatomical terms, and case studies. Additionally, a long-term human growth and development project will investigate the changes that occur during human pregnancy, from pre-conception through post-delivery.
This College in High School course is offered through Mount Aloysius College.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology II (may be taken concurrently)

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	CHS Physics	1	High School III

CHS Physics will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. CHS Physics students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of physical concepts. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The CHS Physics course explores the study of energy and matter, and the related interactions. Units include kinematics & dynamics, work & energy, thermodynamics & fluids, optics & sound, electrical energy, magnetism, and nuclear energy. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge using dimensional analysis, calculations, data analysis, and practical application to problem-solving. Students should have a strong mathematics background.
This College in High School course is offered through Mount Aloysius College.

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Grade Level	Course Name	Credits	Weight
11/12	CHS Cybersecurity	0.5	High School III

CHS Cybersecurity will require consistent effort and a mature approach to challenge. CHS Cybersecurity students will work more independently and demonstrate a more in depth understanding of digital presence. Students enrolled for this class should be self-motivated and willing to engage in critical and analytical thinking.

The CHS Cybersecurity course is designed to introduce students to the basic skills of cybersecurity. Students will work to understand and apply the skills necessary for a successful future in Cybersecurity. In partnership with St. Vincent College and RING (Regions Investing in the Next Generation), the course is a web-based cybersecurity course that offers interesting and engaging content specifically for students and schools seeking to provide an introduction to an ever-growing and necessary field. RING aims to mentor students down their career path, instilling ethics and pride in their profession along the way. Through a collection of labs and presentations, the curriculum forges students with the tools that will shape the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

This College in High School course is offered through Saint Vincent College.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

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