Science
The acquisition of scientific knowledge proceeds through the assimilation of domain-specific (e.g. biology, chemistry) knowledge into categories, concepts, rules, or principles that are then used to interpret situations. Students are trained to advance hypothetical solutions (propositions) and to test and examine conditions, define problems, collect and organize data, and propose solutions. Students evaluate the results of their scientific examination by measuring them against hypothetical solutions. These procedures are applied in experimentation and research projects that allow the students to discover rules and principles specific to their branch of science and to create analyses based on data. Each science course is strategically aligned with a math course so that students interpret science coursework as a true application of mathematics. Data interpretation and analysis is integrated throughout each course to assist in preparing students for the ACT assessment.
REQUIRED COURSEWORK:
INTRO TO STEM - Eighth Graders - ½ credit
The Intro to Stem course uses project-based and hands-on learning activities to prepare students for real-world applications. Each of the units in the course includes relevant, rigorous and blended instruction through project-based and hands-on learning. Units include baseline experiences like teamwork, problem solving and design and modeling as well as more specific areas of study like Medical Technologies, Engineering, Agriculture and related Biotechnologies and Coding/3D Design.
GENERAL SCIENCE - Eighth Graders - 1 credit
This course is an inquiry and laboratory-based study of the scientific method. Students embark on several experiments to master skills in observation, experimental design, organizing and recording data, and data analysis to draw evidence-based conclusions. Students will also be exposed to the rules for creating and analyzing data tables, charts and graphs. Mathematics skills from pre-algebra are used in problem solving.
INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE/INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE H - Eighth Graders - 1 credit
This course is an inquiry and laboratory-based study of how several science disciplines – biological, physical, chemical, earth, and environmental - relate to one another in the everyday world. This course provides a strong foundation in the sciences by exposing students to the knowledge and skills necessary for a more in-depth discovery into physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Students will learn how to create and carry out scientific experiments by performing detailed observations, formulating hypotheses and predictions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Students will also be exposed to the rules for creating and analyzing data tables, charts and graphs. Mathematics skills through pre-algebra are used in problem solving.
PHYSICS/PHYSICS H - Freshmen - 1 credit
The primary objective of this course is to follow the Physics First Curriculum to increase the cohesiveness of the SSA science curriculum and to provide students with a strong foundation in the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. This course paves the way for a more in-depth study of chemistry and biology. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding of the physical laws and the application of algebraic and geometric principles to solve problems. Concepts to be covered include waves and wave behaviors including light and sound), electricity, motion (kinematics), and force interactions.
CHEMISTRY/CHEMISTRY H - Sophomores - 1 credit
Chemistry is a laboratory-based exploration into the substances of which matter is composed. Students design and conduct experiments to investigate the properties of these substances as well as how they interact, combine and change with other substances.
BIOLOGY/BIOLOGY H - Juniors - 1 credit
This course is designed to prepare students for an introductory college-level biology course. It is presented as a comprehensive study of life from the molecular and cellular levels to the complexities of human systems. It focuses on four big ideas: evolution, cellular processes (energy and communication), genetics, and information transfer and interactions. Special emphasis is given to current topics in the research world and to the development of advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting and analyzing data and connecting concepts in and across disciplines.
INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE/INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE H - Eighth Graders - 1 credit
This course is an inquiry and laboratory-based study of how several science disciplines – biological, physical, chemical, earth, and environmental - relate to one another in the everyday world. This course provides a strong foundation in the sciences by exposing students to the knowledge and skills necessary for a more in-depth discovery into physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Students will learn how to create and carry out scientific experiments by performing detailed observations, formulating hypotheses and predictions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Students will also be exposed to the rules for creating and analyzing data tables, charts and graphs. Mathematics skills through pre-algebra are used in problem solving.
PHYSICS/PHYSICS H - Freshmen - 1 credit
The primary objective of this course is to follow the Physics First Curriculum to increase the cohesiveness of the SSA science curriculum and to provide students with a strong foundation in the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. This course paves the way for a more in-depth study of chemistry and biology. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding of the physical laws and the application of algebraic and geometric principles to solve problems. Concepts to be covered include waves and wave behaviors including light and sound), electricity, motion (kinematics), and force interactions.
CHEMISTRY/CHEMISTRY H - Sophomores - 1 credit
Chemistry is a laboratory-based exploration into the substances of which matter is composed. Students design and conduct experiments to investigate the properties of these substances as well as how they interact, combine and change with other substances.
BIOLOGY/BIOLOGY H - Juniors - 1 credit
This course is designed to prepare students for an introductory college-level biology course. It is presented as a comprehensive study of life from the molecular and cellular levels to the complexities of human systems. It focuses on four big ideas: evolution, cellular processes (energy and communication), genetics, and information transfer and interactions. Special emphasis is given to current topics in the research world and to the development of advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting and analyzing data and connecting concepts in and across disciplines.
ELECTIVE COURSEWORK:
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ( HONORS) - Seniors - 1 credit
This course is designed to meet the needs and interests of students intending to pursue careers in the health sciences. This course exposes students to the structure and function of human body systems. Coursework includes lab practicals and clinical case studies. Students are expected to perform several dissections.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH & INDEPENDENT STUDY (HONORS) - Freshmen/ Sophomores - Elective- 1 credit
This first half of this course will serve as a venue to research a large range of mechanisms, such as addiction and disease, to determine the effects of certain microbes or chemicals on a biological system, such as a flatworm or other similar animal. In the second half of the course, students will choose a topic of interest to research and design their own experiment using an animal model.
BIOLOGY AP (HONORS) – Seniors - 1 credit
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course. The course differs significantly from introductory high school Biology with respect to the textbook, the range and depth of topics, laboratory work, and the time and effort required of students. AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to develop an understanding of modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation for science as a process. Four big ideas are presented in the course: evolution, cellular processes (energy and communication), genetics and information transfer, and interactions.
CHEMISTRY AP (HONORS) - Juniors / Seniors - 1 credit
AP Chemistry exposes students to the underlying principles, or big ideas, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing the chemical world. It is equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course for those majoring in science. Students will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for scientific exploration into the chemical world and the application of mathematical routines to concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in chemistry.
BIOLOGY AP (HONORS) – Seniors - 1 credit
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course. The course differs significantly from introductory high school Biology with respect to the textbook, the range and depth of topics, laboratory work, and the time and effort required of students. AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to develop an understanding of modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation for science as a process. Four big ideas are presented in the course: evolution, cellular processes (energy and communication), genetics and information transfer, and interactions.
CHEMISTRY AP (HONORS) - Juniors / Seniors - 1 credit
AP Chemistry exposes students to the underlying principles, or big ideas, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing the chemical world. It is equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course for those majoring in science. Students will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for scientific exploration into the chemical world and the application of mathematical routines to concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in chemistry.
COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES AP - Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - Elective - 1 credit
AP Computer Science Principles focuses on the 5 “Big Ideas” in computer science using project-based approaches. This course introduces students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity, and how computing impacts our world. Students will develop the computational thinking skills needed to fully exploit the power of digital technology and help build a strong foundation in core programming and problem-solving. No prior computer science knowledge or experience is necessary. This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam.
ENGINEERING (CP or HONORS) DE - Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - 1 credit
This course introduces students to the engineering design process. Students embark on several inquiry-based laboratory exercises in which they design, fabricate and test a scientific concept. Students will also participate in seminars and workshops on special topics of science and engineering as deemed appropriate by the instructor. This course may be taken for dual enrollment credit through the University of Texas at Austin.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - Freshman / Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - Elective - 1 credit
This is a field intensive course with instruction provided through outdoor activities and data collection. The central theme of study is the interactions of organisms with each other and with their surroundings. Parallels are drawn between the balance of life in nature and the balance, or lack of balance, in the "human” system of life. As part of the course, students participate in two service learning initiatives whereby they grow and harvest produce in SSA’s community garden to donate to the Covington Food Bank and they transplant and grow the marsh grass, Bitter panicum, to plant on the beaches of Grand Isle in an effort to slow down coastal erosion.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP (HONORS) - Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - Elective - 1 credit
This is a field intensive course with instruction provided through outdoor activities and data collection. The central theme of study is the interactions of organisms with each other and with their surroundings. Parallels are drawn between the balance of life in nature and the balance, or lack of balance, in the "human” system of life. As part of the course, students participate in two service learning initiatives whereby they grow and harvest produce in SSA’s community garden to donate to the Covington Food Bank and they transplant and grow the marsh grass, Bitter panicum, to plant on the beaches of Grand Isle in an effort to slow down coastal erosion.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP (HONORS) - Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - Elective - 1 credit
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE - Freshmen / Sophomores / Juniors / Seniors - Elective - 1 credit
This course serves an interactive introductory course for students brand new to programming and teaches the foundations of computer science using the Python language. This course prepares students for future computer science courses using the Java language and will teach students how to think computationally and solve complex problems; skills that are important for every student. No prior computer science knowledge or experience is necessary.
This course serves an interactive introductory course for students brand new to programming and teaches the foundations of computer science using the Python language. This course prepares students for future computer science courses using the Java language and will teach students how to think computationally and solve complex problems; skills that are important for every student. No prior computer science knowledge or experience is necessary.
PHYSICS I AP (HONORS) - Juniors / Seniors - 1 credit
AP Physics I is an algebra-based course in general physics. It is equivalent to a one-semester introductory level college physics course. Topics covered include Newtonian mechanics, energy and momentum, mechanical waves and an introduction to DC circuits. The primary emphasis of this course is twofold - the development of physical concepts to solve multi-step algebraic problems and to gain personal experience in scientific inquiry.
St. Scholastica Academy is a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school located in Covington, Louisiana. Founded in 1903, SSA perpetuates the Benedictine tradition of balancing prayer, work, study, and community in developing adolescent girls into Christian women grounded in the Gospel values of the Catholic faith. St. Scholastica Academy is a Catholic girls high school of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. As such it admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students at its schools. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.
