![Sciences]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1593212004/josephinum/jzfquu7jftiipm8ruwip/science.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1593212004/josephinum/jzfquu7jftiipm8ruwip/science.jpg","width":273}])
Science courses taught at Josephinum Academy are designed to engender a deep appreciation of the contribution of science and technology to personal, social and global issues relevant to students’ lives currently and in the future. Students will learn that science is not only a body of knowledge but a process that is inquiry-based and requires practical skills and techniques. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary through a rigorous program in Grade 9 through Grade 12 that emphasizes a practical approach through experimental work and hands-on activities. Each year students will build further upon the skills and knowledge learned from the previous year in a spiral curriculum model. In the Freshman and Sophomore years, students are cultivating their skills, knowledge and understanding in core sciences to prepare them for success. In addition to science specific practical skills, students will develop a broad range of capacities that enable them to become critically aware, open minded, and actively engaged citizens. The focus of these acquired skills is for future application in a real world setting. A young woman that graduates from science courses at Josephinum Academy will be college-ready and more importantly, have the ability to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective and responsible contributors to society.
Biology (Essentials)
Grade 9
The Biology program is an introduction to the study of living organisms and their interdependence with the environment, both at the micro and macro level. This course will emphasize the development of student’s scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental processes of living organisms. It also challenges students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers by integrating content with scientific inquiry and real world applications. The utilization of higher order thinking, interactive experiences, scientific inquiry, collaborative projects, and a variety of assessments will aid the student in ultimately demonstrating an ability to investigate, study, analyze, and explain the importance of Biology in the world around them.
Biology (Honors)
Grade 9
Prerequisite: Strong placement exam score.
Honors biology is a rigorous science course providing a solid foundation of the biological sciences. This course will emphasize the development of scientific process skills, inquiry based learning, laboratory techniques, and an overall understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles. This course challenges students to become reflective critical thinkers and problem solvers by integrating content with scientific inquiry and real world applications. In addition, students will practice higher order thinking with collaborative projects and real world application through labs and a variety of assessments that will ultimately aid the student in demonstrating the understanding of the importance of Biology in the world around them; thus enabling them to apply these properties to their everyday lives.
This course takes a more intensive approach than Biology (Essentials). Students will be required to cover more material and in greater depth.
Chemistry (Essentials)
Grade 10
Chemistry is a year long course that studies all the different areas of Chemistry. Students will learn about atoms, molecular structures, elements, the periodic table, compounds and substances, physical and chemical properties, chemical reactions, and mathematical applications. The course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion.
Chemistry (Honors)
Grade 10
Prerequisites: Students participating in Honors science courses after freshman year must earn a minimum grade of ’B’ in the prior year science course and have teacher recommendation to continue in the Honors track.
Chemistry is a year long course that studies all the different areas of Chemistry. Students will learn about atoms, molecular structures, elements, the periodic table, compounds and substances, physical and chemical properties, chemical reactions, and mathematical applications. The course is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion.
This course moves at a faster pace than Chemistry (Essentials), and consequently includes topics not covered at in the Essentials level course.
Physics
Grade 11
Physics is a semester long course that explores the physical world around us and is designed to for students who want a well rounded scientific education. In this class, students will learn about motion, forces, momentum, gravitation, work, and energy. Students will use mathematical principles throughout this course, as such a solid foundation of Algebra is essential to success in physics. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. This class is excellent for students interested in Engineering, Architecture, Computer Sciences, Manufacturing, Construction Management, Trades, and other related fields.
NOTE: Josephinum Physics curriculum does not cover Electro-Magnetism
Ecology
Grade 11
Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment. It is a branch of biology that focuses on understanding the relationships between living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms), their surroundings, (both living and non-living components). We will also explore how organisms interact with each other and with their physical surroundings, such as the atmosphere, water, soil, and climate. Ecology also explores the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients within ecosystems.
Nutrition
Grade 11
This course is designed for students to learn the relationships between science, food, and nutrition. Students will investigate how food science is an integral part of our daily lives and explore the characteristics of each component found in food. Experiments done in class will help students understand and analyze how scientific principles are applied to creating nutritious food products. Understanding the relationship between food and science will help students evaluate the health impact of different foods.
Anatomy & Physiology
Grade 11
Anatomy and Physiology is a year long that covers the Human body, Cells, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Organ Systems, and much more! It is designed to give students experience learning more in depth knowledge of the human body and what really makes the body work. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. This is an excellent course for students interested in Nursing, Medicine, Physical Therapy, and other related fields.
Exercise Sciences
Grade 12
Exercise Sciences is a year long course comprising studies in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Biomechanics and much more! It is designed to give students experience interpreting data and arriving at scientific principles. Laboratory work is closely correlated to text and class discussion. This course is excellent for students interested in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Sports Management, and other related fields.
AP Biology
Grade 12
Prerequisites: A Grade of ‘B’ or better is required in all previous sciences and mathematics classes in order to be entered in AP Biology. Further, teacher recommendation is also necessary.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The textbooks used for AP Biology are specifically designed to mimic those found in first year biology lectures. Limited laboratory work is hands-on, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.
The two main goals of the AP Biology course are [1] to provide a learning environment that helps students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and [2] to help students gain an appreciation for science as a process. This course will teach the following topics: evolution, cellular process (communication, energy, etc), genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course is excellent for students interested in pursuing a biology related major.
Testing Requirement: All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam in May of the academic year. Students and families are responsible for the AP exam fees.