Science Department
It is the philosophy of the Science Department of Central Catholic High School to acquaint the students with the processes of science and provide them with the scientific methods to seek out and solve problems objectively and thoroughly. The integration and interdependence of physical and life sciences are stressed, rather than treating each science independently. Students are confronted with situations that promote independent thinking and the ability to make judgments based on the data gathered. The Department demands rigorous academic performance while promoting the interest and enthusiasm in science which will foster life-long learning. It is the intention of the Department to develop scientific literacy so that students:- Have a greater awareness, respect, and concern for the natural world
- Be adequately prepared for future science studies in college
- Be better world citizens and more responsible voters
Although CCHS only requires the successful completion of four semesters of science for graduation, most of our students take more than the minimum. Many take science each of the four years, while some take five years of science by taking two science classes in one year. The courses offered here at CCHS include college-prep and honors levels of biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. In addition, we offer Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Chemistry. Our AP Biology class was one of the first in the nation to have a permanent Recombinant DNA laboratory on campus. All of our classes are oriented toward experimentation and exploration and each laboratory classroom uses computer-interfaced data gathering techniques. Beyond the classroom, science students and faculty are conducting a three-year study of the biological and chemical health of Dry Creek, as well as other field projects. The strength of our programs is largely the reason behind our continued success in the country- and state-wide Science Olympiad competition.
Science Department Goals
- Provide students with a variety of hands-on laboratory experiences
- Utilize community resources, such as outside speakers, to enhance classroom learning
- Encourage student participation in scientific activities such as field trips and star parties
- Develop an awareness of current scientific events and issues
- Develop scientific background and language so that students can engage in life-long learning and appreciation of science
- To be able to use the scientific method (hypothesizing, testing, drawing valid inferences, theorizing) to solve everyday problems
- Provide students with an information and process base to enable them to further their scientific education at the college level
- Enable students to apply science to everyday life
- Produce experiences which will develop students ability to think logically and analytically and draw valid conclusions
- Introduce and teach the metric system so that students come to think in and use the system proficiently
- Encourage scientific curiosity in our students
- Develop an awareness and appreciation for the natural world and the order in the universe
