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"We can sometimes love what we do not understand, but it is impossible to understand completely what we do not love."
The major goal of the Cathedral High School Science Department is to instill an understanding of the planet on which we live as well as the inhabitants of this planet to our students. If students gain an understanding of our planet and the life forms that inhabit it as well as the role chemistry plays in our lives, then they will begin to comprehend how they all interact to create a very delicate balance. This in turn should help them to make more informed choices both now and in the future.
Students are required to take a minimum of three full-year courses in science in addition to a semester of Health and Wellness. Typically students begin their science program with a course in Earth Science, where students become familiar with the physical planet on which they live. In there second course, Biology, they study the structure and function of organisms as well as the delicate balancing act, which is life. The third year of study is a course in Chemistry. In this course, students will be exposed to the various areas of Chemistry, learn how chemistry affects us, and further develop their skills in analysis and abstract thinking.
An Honors-AP program is available for students who have demonstrated both high ability and motivation. This program is designed for those students who are interested in participating in a more challenging program and may also have a desire to pursue a career in science. Students in this program take courses in three main areas of science, beginning with a course in Honors Biology, followed by a course in Honors Chemistry and in the third year they may choose to take a course in either AP or Honors Physics.
There are a variety of courses available for those students who choose to take a fourth year of science. Students may choose from Physics, Environmental Science or Anatomy & Physiology. Students in the Honors-AP program may choose from Honors Biology 2, AP Biology or AP Chemistry as well as from the courses listed previously.
Science is learned by doing. Therefore, there is a laboratory program integrated into each of the full year courses. In each course, specific laboratory techniques and skills are emphasized.