Science

Department Goals

The student will:

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of science.
• Develop a feeling of respect with regard to science and scientific principles within society.
• Be provided with the knowledge and interest to prepare for his or her future endeavors.
• Meet a wide variety of academic needs as well as be provided with ample learning opportunities.

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Course Sequence

Grade	Regular	Advanced	AP	IB
9	Physical Science	Physical Science / Biology Honors
10	Biology	Biology/Chemistry Honors
11	Chemistry or Elective	Physics Honors, Honors Anatomy	AP Biology, AP Environmental Science	IB Biology HL/Physics SL
12	Physics or Elective	Physics Honors/ Anatomy Honors	AP Biology/AP Environmental Science	IB Biology HL/Physics SL
Elective:   Marine Biology

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The Science Department Faculty

• Science faculty is certified and very experienced in their teaching areas. Three members have their Masters Degree.
• Department members evidence commitment to their students as demonstrated by additional support time before, after and outside school business hours.
• The diverse backgrounds and specialties of department members provide students with a “kaleidoscope” of learning styles and course offerings to meet their varied needs and interests.
• Coordination and support within and across courses demonstrates strong department unity and a cooperative spirit.
• Department members are well-prepared, enthusiastic, and maintain a good rapport with the students.
• Provides laboratory investigations in each class to broaden and enhance “hands-on” knowledge and skills.
• More than 100% of the student body chose a science course in 2004-2005 school year as a result of students selecting two or more science electives concurrently. This situation has basically remained the same through the past 10 years.

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Department Highlights

• The science faculty pride themselves on preparedness, enthusiasm and good rapport with students.
• The semester electives provide students with flexibility, meeting the needs of different learners.
• The science classrooms are equipped with computers and laser disk technology.
• Field work and "hands-on" experience include trips to the Florida Aquarium, and marine studies in the Sawgrass Lake when available.
• Most of the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from the past eight years have been "Science/PreMed" majors.
• AP Physics is now offered.
• A new “State of the Arts” science building equipped with internet access throughout.
• Animal dissections in Zoology and Marine Biology.
• Use of “on-campus” nature trail for Ecology and Advanced Placement of Environmental Sciences (APES) classes.