Science
Overview
The science curriculum at John Carroll provides an academic, college preparatory program which seeks to create a scientifically literate student. The program provides electives in the four major fields of science. In an effort to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of the student population, all electives have at least two levels and advanced electives are available.
Curriculum
Earth Science
This freshman course is a study of the earth’s environment with emphasis on geology, meteorology, astronomy, oceanography, energy, and changes in the earth’s surface. The Earth Science course explores the relationship between the physical characteristics of the earth and man.
Biology
This sophomore course emphasizes biological principles in a framework of supporting laboratory investigation. Emphasis is on basic biological concepts while developing an understanding and appreciation for the spirit and methods of scientific inquiry.
Inorganic Chemisty
This course, an in depth study of fundamental chemistry principles, is a junior level course. Whenever possible, theories are demonstrated with laboratory experiments. Topics covered include atomic theory and structure, gas laws, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, periodic properties of elements, chemical bonding, and energy changes.
Physics
This course is a general introduction to the fundamental physical ideas of time, space, and matter. The study of physical behavior, including that of light (optics), motion (kinematics) and its causes (dynamics), reveals that it is ordered and predictable. Frequent analysis of physical behavioral data provides a conceptual framework of contemporary physics.
Environmental Science
This course enables students to appreciate the complexity and precise functioning of natural world-wide ecosystems. Environmental science will integrate important investigative techniques and knowledge, enabling the student to be more informed and to make future environmental global and local impact problem decisions
Advanced Elective Courses
Honors Biology
Qualified ninth and tenth grade students are invited to take Honors Biology. The course is an accelerated first-year Biology program. The acceleration is in terms of the pace of the class, the quantity of information presented, and the number of techniques to which the students are exposed. The development of critical reasoning is stressed in this class.
Advanced Placement Biology
The course has been designed as a second-year biology course for the highly motivated student. AP Biology is taught on the level of freshman college biology. It utilizes a regular college textbook and incorporates a series of laboratory activities. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam.
Honors Chemistry
This course is designed for the highly motivated student with above average math skills. Students will be prepared to take the Chemistry Achievement Test at the end of the year. Chemistry topics will be covered in depth and more advanced laboratory work will be expected. Students who meet the qualifications will be invited to enroll in the course.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
This course is the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The course is an in-depth study of the theoretical aspects of chemistry, including topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. The course also includes substantial laboratory work. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam.
Advanced Placement Physics
This is a study of the fundamental physical principles in greater depth with an emphasis on higher mathematics (including calculus). Emphasis is placed on inquiry and critical reasoning through a series of laboratory activities. Topics include optics, motion (kinematics), and dynamics.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
This AP course is designed designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in Environmental Science. It is an in-depth and intense interdisciplinary study of the principles and applications of the sciences of ecology and human ecology.
Semester Electives
Marine Biology
This course is an introduction to the diversity and ecology of marine organisms. It includes the origin, evolution, and classification of marine life along with the study of marine communities and the complex interrelationships of marine organisms. Laboratory work will be emphasized as well as outside reading.
Freshwater Ecology
A survey of aquatic life and ecological relationships in both field and laboratory, this course is a senior elective. The program will involve studies of local aquatic communities (streams and ponds) and tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Identification of organisms, their interrelationships, adaptations to environmental conditions, and the physical and chemical aspects of water will be emphasized.
Understanding the Chesapeake
This course offers a study of the Chesapeake Bay as a total working system, analyzes the Bay as a commons and considers its natural as well as its human history. Part one deals with the Bay’s physical aspects and how they mold the biological community. Part two considers human interaction with the Bay – historical and economic. The course also considers the present problems of the Bay and its future. This course can be applied to either a science or social studies credit.
Activities
Several extracurricular activities which extend the science program are sponsored by members of the Science Department. Students taking environmental science or chemistry are encouraged to participate in the Envirothon and Chemathon teams, respectively. Helping to take care of the school’s greenhouse is an opportunity that is open to any student. Students may also apply to be in the Environmental Homeroom.
- Chemathon
- Environmental Homeroom
- Envirothon
- Greenhouse Management
Awards
The Science Department annually selects students to receive the following awards for achievement in the sciences:
- Bausch and Lomb Award
- Judith Resnick Award
- Rensselaer Award
- Science Department Award
- Outstanding Physics Student of the Year
| Science Department Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Linda Andersen | B.S. Franklin and Marshall |
| Lyle G. Brennen | B.A. College of Great Falls (Master’s Equivalent) |
| William Forester | B.S. Towson University |
| John E. Hughes | M.S. Johns Hopkins University |
| Joseph A. Iacchei | M.S. Georgia Institute of Technology Mr. Iacchei’s Web Page |
| Rebecca Jansing-Kaestner | M.Ed. University of Louisville |
| C. Gregory Kachur | M.A. Towson University |
| Susan Kraft | B.S. Chestnut Hill College M.Ed. Towson University |
| Shane Lawler, '00 | B.S. University of Maryland, College Park |
| John R. Low | M.S. Towson University |
| Timothy L. Perry | M.A. University of Notre Dame |