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Teachers Classroom - Math & Science Departments
Math, Science

 

Kletonette Artero	Noel Casilao	Amanda Gima	Matthew Limtiaco
Algebra II/Geometry/Honors Biology	Physical Education	Anatomy/World History/World History Honors	Technology Education
Department Chairperson
Jadeline Mullikin	Keith Sablan	Edward Tan	Caralyn Walsh
Health/Speech	Biology/Honors Chemistry/Chemistry	Algebra II/Pre-Calculus/AP Calculus Honors	Algebra I/General Science

 

SCIENCE

Lab time: The National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) recommends that high school students have the opportunity to learn in a laboratory setting for at least ninety minutes each week. Notre dame high school teachers will put in at least three lab period/blocks per quarter. 

General Science: The universe has rules. Science discovers these rules. Science is both a body of knowledge and a set of many different processes for revealing this knowledge. General science aims to develop an inquisitive and explorative mind by knowing, understanding, and reflecting on various science topics in Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. Subject matter is delivered through a coordinated, integrated approach with an emphasis on the development of the major science themes of systems, change, and models. Students will engage in active inquiries, investigations, and hands-on activities to develop their conceptual understanding and research and laboratory skills.  Awareness of current research and developments in science and technology are tackled to make students aware of present-day issues. In addition, reading of fiction and nonfiction is undertaken to assist students in furthering their science education.

Biology: This course provides students with an understanding of the living environment. The student will apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the living environment, and recognize the historical development of these ideas. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Some topics covered are: similarities and differences among living and nonliving things; inheritance of genetic information, and changes in organisms and species over time; continuity of life, dynamic equilibrium in living organisms, and dependence of plants and animals on each other; and the effect of human decisions and activities on the physical and living environment.

Chemistry:  Chemistry standards are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the interaction of matter and energy. This interaction is investigated through the use of laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities, and problem-solving applications. Chemistry is an enriching program that assists students in realizing how chemical concepts and principles are developed through the scientific method. This course familiarizes students with the fundamentals of chemistry while sharpening mathematical calculation skills. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of general, inorganic, organic, physical, and nuclear chemistry. Scientific methodology is employed in experimental and analytical investigations, and concepts are illustrated with practical applications. The student is required to complete a minimum of at least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation. Technology including calculators and computers are also employed where feasible. Students will understand and use safety precautions with chemicals and equipment. The standards emphasize qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes that occur in them. In meeting the chemistry standards, students are encouraged to share their ideas, use the language of chemistry, discuss problem-solving techniques, and communicate effectively. Prerequisite: Biology.

Advanced Chemistry:  Advanced Chemistry is an accelerated course designed to challenge and nurture students who have demonstrated an inclination toward science. Thus, it offers a more in-depth understanding of basic chemical concepts. Like the regular chemistry course, it familiarizes students with the fundamentals of instrumental chemistry while sharpening calculation skills. However, this is accomplished at an accelerated pace with a higher level of difficulty. Advanced chemistry students will have a more in-depth understanding of the basic concepts of general, inorganic, organic, physical, and nuclear chemistry. They will also be able to solve problems of greater difficulty as well as perform laboratory experiments individually and in a group. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Prerequisites: Biology and department approval.

Physics: This course covers major concepts of traditional physics, including measurements and mathematics, mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Prerequisites:  Completion of Math Course and approval of current science teacher.

Human Anatomy & Physiology: This course emphasizes the Expected School-wide Learning Results of Notre Dame High School which prepares and guides students to be life-long learners in a family oriented environment by being Spiritually Oriented, Academically prepared and Globally Concerned. Catholic science education is to provide the facts of science and nature in a manner that incorporates the spiritual and social responsibilities to promote moral growth and humanistic leadership. Course content is based upon the Archdiocesan Standards for Human Anatomy and Physiology, which are the understanding of the: • Nature of Science • Content of Science • Application of Science.  Students are assessed through oral and written tests, their demonstration of laboratory techniques, written laboratory reports, oral and written reports, and special projects. Students are required to read two novels: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry.

Environmental Science: The Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Environmental science is interdisciplinary and it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The focus of the course is on the study of environmental science from rigorous scientific perspective that includes scientific principles and analyses, and a laboratory and field investigation component. Along with the scientific perspective, the course will also study environmental issues from a sociological and political perspective. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Prerequisites: General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry.

AP Psychology: The goal in this course is to gain a general overview and appreciation of the field of psychology with an emphasis on scientific method. In addition to introducing students to the different themes and concepts of psychology, the course provides the student with an opportunity for self-examination of personal attitudes in order to understand and appreciate the differences in people, in our multicultural society. Prerequisites: Completion of Composition courses, General Science, Biology, English and science teacher recommendations.

Health: This course follows the National Health Education standards to promote health literacy. Health skills are improved through the use of tools such as media lectures covering current health issues; quizzes and tests; and cross-curriculum and performance assessment activities. In addition, students are required to read publications found on health websites, such as the World Health Organization (www.who.int) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov). Students will demonstrate a stronger spirituality by strengthening their physical, mental/emotional, and social aspects. At least three (3) lab periods/blocks per quarter plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a health course from previous education institution, and/or approval by the school administration.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education: In this course, students will learn the basic components of fitness, as well as the fundamental team concepts of various sports, ranging from simple technical and tactical maneuvers, to complex game assimilations. To exhibit healthy and moral ethical choices based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, students will apply the dogma of Catholic faith which encourages success/winning to be achieved through proper conduct and practices stipulated in the rules of the games. This will enable students to value perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

 

MATH

Algebra I: This course includes fundamental operations with real numbers and basic algebraic methods including factoring and solving linear and quadratic equations; math reasoning; functions and coordinate planes; and probability and statistics. Applications and verbal problems are integrated into the course study.

Geometry: This course covers measurement and coordinates, geometry, locus, transformation, similar triangle relationships, right triangle trigonometry, special quadrilaterals, review and extension of algebraic methods, geometric proofs and advanced algebra techniques of factoring and solving equations including use of the quadratic formula. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I.

Algebra II: This course is fundamentally devoted to the study of functions. It reviews and extends the topics of Algebra I, but in greater depth and with wider application and generality. The first few chapters provide the basic foundations of Algebra II. Later chapters are largely devoted to a study of the elementary functions, starting with linear functions, progress to second degree functions and systems of equations, expand to exponential functions and logarithmic functions, and then end with a study of circular functions and trigonometry. Prerequisites: Algebra I.

Pre-calculus: Pre-Calculus is designed to prepare students for Calculus, taken either in high school or college. Pre-calculus topics include a review of the elementary functions as well as advanced properties of functions. Special attention is given to polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic functions, exponential functions, and trigonometric functions. In addition to content mastery, students will become lifelong learners through the further development of problem solving and critical thinking skills. A consistent, positive work ethic and the ability to work independently are necessary skills for successful completion this course. Prerequisites: Algebra II, Geometry.

 

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