Science

The goal of the science program at St. Thomas’ is to provide our graduates with a fundamental and integrated knowledge of those sciences that explain the nature of our Creator’s orderly universe.

Department Members

Dr. David Castillo
Dr. Cettina Halsey
Mrs. Lynn Millikan
Mr. Tim Russell
Mrs. Belinda Stanley, Dept. Head

9th Grade

Biology

A detailed and intensive study of biology is required of all ninth grade students. The first semester includes the fundamentals of ecology, biochemistry, cellular structure, and microbiology. Botany, zoology, and human anatomy and physiology are studied in the second semester.

Text: Biology: The Dynamics of Life, Biggs, et. al.

10th Grade

Chemistry

Chemistry is studied from both the theoretical and mathematical perspectives. Much attention is given to acquiring a thorough background in the language of chemistry: learning symbols, writing formulas, and writing and balancing chemicals equations. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on mastering the concepts required to solve various types of chemistry problems.

Text: World of Chemistry, Zumdahl

11th Grade

Physics

Physics is the study of the principles that are observed in the physical world. The purpose of this course is for the students to develop a conceptual understanding of the major topics of physics (mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism) and to investigate these topics in experimentation and problem solving.

Text: Physics: Principles and Problems, Zitzewitz

Science Electives

Environmental Science

This course is designed to cover various topics of environmental science including water, land, and energy usage. The class brings together fundamental concepts of chemistry and biology, and will require students to apply these concepts to local, regional, and global environmental issues while focusing on topics that are most relevant to current events. The course is lab-based and requires that students make time after school for laboratory work once each week.

Prerequisite: Three years of science

Text: Living in the Environment, by Miller & Spoolman

Geology

This course is an introduction to physical geology. Topics that are covered include: matter and minerals; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; weathering; ground water; glaciers; plate tectonics and mountain building; energy; and mineral resources. Students participate in a field trip visit to sites of various geological processes in the central Texas area. Geology is offered in the summer, based on student interest.

Text: Earth, Tarbuck, et. al.

AP Biology

The course covers three main topics: molecules and cells; genetics and evolution; and organisms and populations. Students complete 20 after-school lab sessions during the year. Students are required to take the AP exam.

Prerequisite: Biology and chemistry with a B or better average (or concurrent enrollment in chemistry)

Text: Biology, Mader

AP Chemistry

The purpose of this course is for the students to understand the fundamental models of chemistry, to learn how chemistry is involved in the real world, and to develop skills as a problem solver. The major topics are chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Each student is required to complete 14 laboratory sessions and write formal lab reports. The students are required to take the AP exam.

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II, with a B or better average in both subjects

Text: Chemistry: A molecular Approach, Navaldo

AP Physics

This course is primarily for students considering a major in science or engineering. Calculus is applied wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and applying them to physical problems. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems. The subject matter is primarily mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. Students are required to take the AP exam.

Prerequisite:Physics and Calculus (or concurrent enrollment in Calculus), with a B or better average in both classes

Text: Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday, Resnick, and Walker