Science
SCience Courses
Intellectual curiosity is a hallmark of an Ursuline student. Asking “why” is at the heart of the study of science, and at Ursuline, students engage in the major scientific disciplines as well as enjoy the opportunity to explore other areas of science through an array of electives. Teachers rely on a variety of teaching methods to engage scientific inquiry, utilizing Ursuline’s well-equipped laboratory spaces to encourage exploration. Technology such as virtual reality is seamlessly incorporated to yield additional experiences that transcend the physical space, and students work together to develop collaborative strategies for design and problem-solving. Students graduate from Ursuline with a firm base of knowledge, in addition to critical thinking skills and analytical skills deepened through experimentation.
Life Science
In this course, seventh grade students study living organisms and how they survive, building a strong foundation in fundamental principles and concepts of the natural world. Topics covered include: the cellular basis of life, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, and ecology.
Physical Science
In this course, eighth grade students learn the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics including the properties and classification of matter, atomic structure, elements and compounds, chemical bonding and reactions, motion, force, simple machines, and energy. Students have a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between motion and forces recognizing the interdependence of work and energy.
Biology Honors
In this course, designed to provide grade 9 students with active laboratory-based challenges, students develop their understanding of the natural world through critical thinking skills and problem solving. Students learn about cell structure and function, biochemistry, metabolism, cell reproduction, animal and plant physiology, evolution, and genetics. At the end of the course students are able to synthesize the details of each topic into the larger conceptual framework of the biological world.
Chemistry Honors
In this course, “What if?” is an essential question in chemistry. This course gives grade 10 students the opportunity to investigate fundamental concepts in the discipline. Topics include atomic structure, periodic law, chemical bonding and reactions, molecular geometry, stoichiometry, gas behavior, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. In their weekly labs, students rely on analytical thinking strategies to take on the challenge of translating theoretical concepts into real world applications.
Anatomy and Physiology Honors
In this course, students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body comprehensively, learning anatomical terminology, nutrition, tissues, homeostasis, and select systems. Through topics in this course, students recognize common human diseases and learn about the many career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Students study physiological concepts through active experimentation including microscopy and dissection. The course culminates in the dissection of a fetal pig, synthesizing student knowledge of the various body systems and demonstrating how those systems interact within an organism.
Physics Honors
In this course, critical thinking, mathematical problem solving, and laboratory investigation form foundational experiences in physics. Students develop an analytical and quantitative skill set as they gain a deeper understanding of how the natural world works. Physics includes the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles and includes an understanding of motion, force, energy, and waves. Students apply their theoretical knowledge through demonstrations, experimentation and laboratory work.
AP Biology
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. This course includes hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. Students learn to design experiments and procedures, test predictions and theories, collect and analyze data, interpret data to draw conclusions, and support a scientific claim with evidence.
AP Chemistry
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. This course includes hands-on lab investigations and chemical calculations to solve problems. Students design experiments and procedures to test predictions. Students learn to create graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena, explain how the microscopic structure of a substance determines its chemical properties, balance a chemical equation, and support a scientific claim with evidence.
AP Physics
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students learn about the foundational principles of physics as they explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. This class includes hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena. The coursework emphasizes interpreting and describing representations and models, using mathematics to solve science problems. Students formulate scientific questions, design experiments to answer scientific questions, analyze data, and evaluate evidence.
AP Environmental Science
In this course, students follow the curriculum as set by the College Board and may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) exam taken in the spring. Students explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. This course includes laboratory investigations and fieldwork. Lessons utilize data, visual representations, and text. Students learn to explain environmental concepts and processes, apply quantitative methods in solving problems, propose solutions for environmental problems, and support ideas with evidence.
Forensic Science Honors
In this course, students will focus on the science of gathering and processing evidence that is used to solve crimes, such as hair and fiber analysis, fingerprints, DNA analysis, and blood spatter/analysis. Forensics is a fast-paced and interesting field of study in the criminal justice system, popularized by TV series such as NCIS and Law and Order. Students will learn the science behind these courtroom dramas, working actively as investigators in class. Visiting lecturers, readings, case activities, and video presentations augment the class experience with real-world projects.
