The Science department strives to teach science by "doing." This philosophy guides our inverted curriculum in which students begin their science education with conceptual physics, move to chemistry and complete the three-year requirement with biology.

Conceptual Physics
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra and Instructor Consent
Credit: Requirement/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Conceptual Physics is a college preparatory course, which increases the student's understanding of the world around her by studying the fundamental laws of physics. Topics studied include mechanics, energy, wave motion, light, and electricity. Concepts and lab experience will be the focus of this class.

Chemistry
Grade: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics
Credit: Requirement/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Chemistry is designed to introduce the student to the world of matter, its composition, and interactions. The goals of the course include these: to prepare the college-bound student for college chemistry, to arouse interest in the world of matter, to present basic theory, to present laboratory techniques, to provide lab experience, to increase scientific literacy, and to stimulate the student to ponder the relationships among science, technology, and decisions of today's leaders.

Honors Chemistry
Grade: 10,11,12
Prerequisite Conceptual Physics and Instructor Consent
Credit: Selective/1.0

Honors Chemistry provides a more in-depth coverage of content and a more extensive laboratory experience than Chemistry.

Biology
Grade: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics and Chemistry
Credit: Requirement/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Biology is the study of all living things. Understanding life and life processes depends on mastering the unifying principles and concepts applicable to all life forms. The course emphasizes cellular and molecular biology. The subject matter includes living chemistry, structure and function of cells, genetic continuity, evolution (change through time), and organisms and their environments. The class is structured to involve students in the inquiry process and in the development of higher-level thinking.

Honors Biology
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics and Honors Chemistry and Instructor Consent
Credit: Selective/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Honors Biology provides a more in-depth presentation of content and a more extensive laboratory experience than Biology.

Advanced Chemistry — offered every other year
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: B or above in Conceptual Physics, B or above in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, and B or above in Advanced Algebra; or Instructor Consent
Credit: Selective/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Advanced Chemistry builds upon the material in Conceptual Physics and Chemistry. Topics include solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and organic chemistry. Students participate in lab experiments, research, and independent problem solving. This course is offered every other year: 2006-07; 2008-09.

Advanced Physics — offered every other year
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: B in Advanced Algebra, B in Chemistry, and B in Conceptual Physics or Department Recommendation
Credit: Selective/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Advanced Physics is a college preparatory course that builds upon the topics covered in Conceptual Physics and Chemistry. Students must be able to apply math concepts learned through Advanced Algebra. Topics include Newtonian Mechanics, Thermal Physics and properties of Matter, Wave Theory, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, and Special Relativity. A sixth topic is selected from Electronic systems, Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Thermodynamics, Geometric Optics, Time-Varying Currents, or Solid State Physics. Lab experience, research, and independent problem solving are integral parts of this course. This course is offered every other year: 2007-08, 2009-10.

Scientific Research Methods
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or concurrent enrollment in Biology and Instructor Consent
Credit: Selective/1.0
Length: 1 Year

Scientific Research Methods is an advanced science course in individualized science investigations and problem solving. Students engage in readings, discussions, research lab tours, lectures, mini-projects, and presentations by guest speakers. Students learn about science at its cutting edge and will see how scientists solve problems. Students select a problem they wish to research, contact scientists for guidance and materials, budget time and resources, and plan a methodical approach in collaboration with other students and the instructor. Then students design an experiential procedure, collect and analyze data, write a scientific paper, create a graphic display, and prepare and deliver an oral presentation.

Science Honors Criteria

Criteria for Honors Chemistry
Students are ranked by their physics percentage, application essay, and additional assignments.

• Must have an A in Conceptual Physics for 1st semester
• Must complete a short application including a 100 word essay
• Are expected to maintain Conceptual Physics grade throughout the second semester

Criteria for Honors Biology

• Must take Honors Chemistry and earn an A or B
• Are expected to maintain Chemistry grade throughout second semester
• After the end of third quarter, the students in regular Chemistry may be contacted and invited to apply for Honors Biology if they have an A for first semester, A for the semester exam, and an A for third quarter.

Criteria for Science Research Methods (SRM)

• Must have an A or B in Honors Biology for first semester - OR -
• Must have an A in regular Biology for first semester
• Are expected to maintain Biology grade throughout second semester

Science Department

Maureen Daschel, Department Chair (Teacher's Website - Chemistry)

                             (Teacher's Website - Honors Chemistry) 

• St. Mary's Academy Alumna
• BS Science, Oregon State University
• MAT Science, Lewis & Clark College
• Teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Science Research Methods
• TIES Adviser

• BA Chemistry, Portland State University
• MA Education, University of New Mexico
• Teaches Biology and Conceptual Physics

Nancy Johnston (Teacher's Website)

• BA Biology, Linfield College
• Teaches Conceptual Physics and Advanced Physics

Kirsten Thiel (Teacher's Website - Biology)

• BS Biology, George Fox University
• MAT Biology and Secondary Education, George Fox University
• Teaches Biology and Honors Biology

                     (Teacher's Website - Chemistry)

                     (Teacher's Website - Science Olympiad)

• BA Chemistry, Rice University
• MS Chemistry University of California, Berkeley
• MA Teaching, Pacific University
• Teaches Algebra and Chemistry

Faculty and staff may be contacted by phone at (503) 228-8306 or by e-mail: webmaster@stmaryspdx.org. Address subject line to the specific teacher.