Faculty

Mrs Jarra Dennis - Chemistry
Mrs. Cindy Long - Environmental Science & Biology
Mr. Rich Kolka - Biology
Dr. Beth Kroa - Chemistry
Miss Audrey Smeltzer - Physics
Mr. Charles Stricker - Principles of Technology
Mrs. Elizabeth Villareal - Biology
Mr. Robert Wolfe - Physical Science, Biology

Extracurricular Activities

The Science Olympiad team is coached by Dr. Kroa and Mrs. Villareal. The Division C team is composed of 9th-12th graders, and the Division B team is for 7th-9th grade. Teams are selected in October, and practices occur weekly after school from November through March.

The Division C team competes at the Berks County Science Olympiad the first Thursday in January at Kutztown University. Both Division B and C teams compete at the Regional Science Olympiad in mid-March at Moravian College. Top teams qualify for states and possibly national competition.

The 23 events change from year to year, but basically cover the major disciplines of science, including biology, environmental science, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, and engineering. The list of events can be obtained from the official Science Olympiad web site: http://www.soinc.org/.

Environmental Science Forum

The Environmental Science Forum is a team the prepares for events and compete at Nolde Forest among other Berks County teams.

Science Club

Science Club meets monthly for regular meetings and schedules special activities such as field trips for the group and fundraisers to subsidize the expense for members.

Courses

The science program is designed to provide each student with the opportunity to take the fundamental courses in each area of science. In addition, the science program provides electives in the biological, chemical and physical sciences for those students who are interested in a scientific career. The science program is mostly lab-oriented with emphasis on discovery as a means of learning.

BIOLOGY - HONORS

This course is designed to make students aware of and comprehend the significance of the interrelationships between living things and their environment. The course covers the main elements of fundamental biology: molecular and cell biology, genetics, reproduction, evolution, and the classification of organisms. The approach is practical to all, yet can be modified to meet individual special interests. Accompanying dissections may include the earthworm, clam, starfish, grasshopper, crayfish and perch. This course has a lab period attached each cycle. During this time, students have an opportunity to explore concepts through a "hands-on" approach.

BIOLOGY COLLEGE PREPARATORY

This course is designed to make students aware of and comprehend the significance of the interrelationships between living things and their environment. The course covers the main elements of fundamental biology: molecular and cell biology, genetics, reproduction, evolution, and the classification of organisms. The approach is practical to all, yet can be modified to meet individual special interests.

BIOLOGY CAREER PREP

This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to learn the fundamental elements of biology through a "hands-on" approach. Major units of study include molecular and cell biology, genetics and reproduction, classification of the living world, and anatomy.

ADVANCED BIOLOGY

The course content includes subject matter beyond the scope of general biology. This course includes an in-depth look at comparative vertebrate anatomy and physiology, indicating evidence of possible pathways of evolution. Accompanying dissections may include the frog or mudpuppy salamander, fetal pig, shark, turtle, and snake. Other general areas studied include, but are not limited to, a taxonomic overview of the five and six kingdom systems, the biochemistry of cells, genetics and botany. Throughout the course, various current environmental issues and medical/bioethical issues will be presented. The course meets seven periods in a six-day cycle.

AP CHEMISTRY

Many colleges and universities grant admission with advanced standing in chemistry to students who have passed the Advanced Placement Chemistry test. In addition to covering topics in inorganic chemistry that were not covered in the basic chemistry course, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Test. Students who are enrolled in AP Chemistry will meet for eight periods in a six-day cycle.

CHEMISTRY -- HONORS & CHEMISTRY - COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Chemistry - "An Experimental Science," is the theme of this one-year course. A clear and valid picture of the steps taken by scientists is carefully presented and repeatedly used. Observations and measurements lead to the development of unifying principles and then these principles are used to interrelate diverse phenomena. Heavy reliance is placed on laboratory work so that chemical principles can be drawn directly from student experience. Not only does this give a correct and non-authoritarian view of the origin of chemical principles, but gives maximum opportunity for discovery, the most exciting part of scientific activity. The course meets seven periods in a six-day cycle.

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY

Recommended for students who are considering science as a career or for students who would like to continue the study of chemistry. Topics in inorganic chemistry that were not covered in the basic chemistry course are emphasized including atomic theory, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and acid/base theory. Lab techniques will be emphasized. The course meets seven periods in a six-day cycle.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COLLEGE PREP

Recommended for college bound students with an interest in the environment and problems that face it. Course content includes an in-depth look at topics such as ecosystems, global problems, pollution, human population and current environmental topics and legislation. Other general areas of study include, but are not limited to, alternative energy sources and possible solutions to environmental problems. This course also includes project-oriented studies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE -- CAREER PREP

This course content includes topics related to ecosystems, human population, global problems, pollution, and the environment and society. Other general areas of study include, but are not limited to, climate, alternative energy sources, soil and water pollution, and possible solutions to environmental problems.

GENERAL PHYSICAL SCIENCE

This course meets the needs of non-academic students who do not intend to pursue a career in science or technology. Students who have passed chemistry or physics may not schedule this course. Algebra 1 is recommended, but not required, as a prerequisite. The emphasis of the course is on the basic concepts and applications of chemistry and physics.

PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY I

Principles of Technology is an integrated approach to providing students with real world applications of math and science in a technological setting. It blends an understanding of basic principles with practice in "hands-on" applications wherever possible. Targeted toward career level and tech-prep students, this science course is offered to students ranging from grades 10-12. Principles of Technology is team-taught with a science and a technology education teacher. Concepts including force, work and rate will be discussed through mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. Students will design, construct and implement a culminating project. Students interested in trade or technology should enroll in this course.

PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY II

A continuation of Principles of Technology I. Concepts discussed include: resistance, energy and power in mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems.

PHYSICS

Physics is a course offering concerned with the principles and laws governing the behavior of the inanimate world around us. As a science, it is a process where one learns more and more of the seemingly endless detail of natural phenomena through experimentation, reasoning, mathematical analysis, and hard academic effort. Recommended for all students anticipating a career in science, mathematics, engineering, or science related areas. The course meets seven periods in a six-day cycle.

ADVANCED PHYSICS

Recommended for students who intend a science or mathematics career. Emphasis is on extending physical concepts introduced in the basic physics course, a more rigorous mathematical treatment of the development of these concepts, experimenting using more sophisticated equipment which will yield more precise results than that available to basic physics students, and communicating and developing ideas through lab reports. The course meets seven periods in a six-day cycle.

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

This class includes the subject area of biology, mathematics, physics and health. The course explores the components of physiology, anatomy and kinesiology -- areas that comprise the human body as a whole. This course looks at the complex components of the body and shows how they work together to provide functioning and a total well-being. The student will be challenged to understand how bodily systems work together to maintain homestasis, know gross and surface anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems and, with this knowledge, analyze movement. This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue a profession in the medical field.