Science
The Science Department at St. Pius X Catholic High School aims to foster a deep understanding of the physical and biological environment, integrating scientific study with spiritual and ethical awareness. Our curriculum encourages students to think critically, become independent learners, and appreciate the evolving nature of scientific knowledge. We prepare students for higher education and inspire awe in the universe as part of God’s creation. Through science, students learn to make informed decisions, understand ethical implications, and recognize the intersection of science and other academic disciplines.
CORE COURSES
Biology
Introductory biology course exploring human activity, evolutionary history, structure, function, behavior, and molecular biology. Focuses on scientific thinking, problem-solving, and understanding life's complexities.
Biology H
Advanced biology course starting with molecular and cellular biology and progressing to organismal and ecological biology. Focus on scientific methods, lab skills, research, technology applications, and scientific writing.
Chemistry
Traditional chemistry course using labs to study atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, and states of matter. Emphasizes problem-solving, disciplined study, and lab report writing using mathematical skills.
Chemistry H
Advanced chemistry course covering principles, concepts, and operations. Emphasizes logical and abstract thinking, math reasoning, and analytical problem-solving. Includes lab reports and independent learning.
Conceptual Physics
Focuses on understanding physics concepts with minimal math. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
Physics
Emphasizes mathematical solutions and conceptual understanding of physics. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
AP Physics 1
Equivalent to a first-semester college algebra-based physics course. Covers Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, and introduces electric circuits. Includes lab activities and AP exam.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
College-level physics course focusing on mechanics, using calculus. Includes designing experiments, data analysis, and AP exam.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Biology
Introductory biology course exploring human activity, evolutionary history, structure, function, behavior, and molecular biology. Focuses on scientific thinking, problem-solving, and understanding life's complexities.
Biology H
Advanced biology course starting with molecular and cellular biology and progressing to organismal and ecological biology. Focus on scientific methods, lab skills, research, technology applications, and scientific writing.
Chemistry
Traditional chemistry course using labs to study atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, and states of matter. Emphasizes problem-solving, disciplined study, and lab report writing using mathematical skills.
Chemistry H
Advanced chemistry course covering principles, concepts, and operations. Emphasizes logical and abstract thinking, math reasoning, and analytical problem-solving. Includes lab reports and independent learning.
Conceptual Physics
Focuses on understanding physics concepts with minimal math. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
Physics
Emphasizes mathematical solutions and conceptual understanding of physics. Includes lab activities, data analysis, and detailed lab reports. Requires completion of a physics project each semester.
AP Physics 1
Equivalent to a first-semester college algebra-based physics course. Covers Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, and introduces electric circuits. Includes lab activities and AP exam.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
College-level physics course focusing on mechanics, using calculus. Includes designing experiments, data analysis, and AP exam.
