Science
MISSION STATEMENT
The science educators at St. Thomas Aquinas aim to provide students with a solid background in the major branches of science to prepare them for their roles as stewards of the environment, scientists, and informed decision makers in an ever-changing world. Students are introduced to the key concepts, techniques and theories in the natural sciences, and an opportunity to pursue personal interests through elective courses and independent study. Whenever possible, subjects are integrated in a manner that emphasizes connections to other courses and our professed faith as a Christian community. Graduates will possess a firm foundation in scientific knowledge and attitudes, an appreciation for the ethical, moral, and religious implications of science, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems, and the capacity to make a positive impact on local and global issues that affect members of society.
COURSE OF STUDY
All students are required to have at least 3.25 credits in Science. It is highly recommended that college-bound students acquire 4 credits in Science. The normal course sequence is Biology, Integrated Physical and Life Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Ninth grade students who enroll in the Honors Program take Biology Honors as freshmen, Chemistry Honors as sophomores, Physics Honors as juniors, and advanced courses as seniors. Students will have the opportunity to review which course of study best suits their educational objectives. The science department offers a number of elective courses for enrichment as well as Advanced Placement courses for college credit. Advanced Placement courses are open to qualified juniors and seniors.
HONORS PROGRAM
Students enrolling in the honors program in science perform at a higher level in the following areas: recall of subject detail; utilization of the hypothetical-deductive reasoning process; comparison and contrast skills; analysis of conceptual topics and reading comprehension. Characteristics that make successful honors students include: being a self-directed and motivated learner, possessing a willingness to ‘wrestle’ with academic challenges, and having the ability to manipulate and apply mathematics to scientific phenomena.