High School Science
Based on the recommendation of the National Science Foundation, Oakwood High School offers a science course sequence beginning with Conceptual Physics for freshman. Students are then able to apply their understanding of conceptual physics to more complex subjects such as Chemistry and Biology. Oakwood High School strives to provide science curriculum that is both engaging and hands-on, so that students will enjoy science, while they develop their abilities to think critically, interpret data, and work cooperatively. By expanding the curriculum with various enrichment activities, students will develop a better understanding of abstract scientific concepts. Elective opportunities, field trips, and potential internships, determined based on student interest, are available for students to pursue various endeavors in the fields of science.
Conceptual Physics
Conceptual Physics is an introductory course based on exploration, concept development, and application. Using Paul Hewitt’s model of “concepts before computation,” students gain a solid foundation in physics to apply in more complex science courses.
Major topics include: Introduction to Science; Mechanics; Properties of Matter; Heat; Sound and Light; Electricity and Magnetism; Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Chemistry/Chemistry (H)
This course introduces students to chemistry by focusing on the connections between chemistry and everyday life. By emphasizing problem-solving skills and practicing the scientific method, students perform a variety of laboratory experiments and observations, in order to fully understand this challenging subject.
Major topics include: Matter; Scientific Measurement; Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table; Chemical Names and Formulas; Chemical Quantities; Chemical Reactions; Thermo Chemistry; Gases; Ionic Bonding and Compounds; Covalent Bonds; Water and Aqueous Systems; Reaction Rates and Equilibrium; Acidity and Neutralization; Electrochemistry; Metals and Nonmetals; Hydrocarbon Compounds
Biology/Biology (H)
This course provides students with a broad-based perspective of all that is encompassed in the field of biology. A major goal of this course is to allow students to recognize that science is a process of questions, investigations, and answers. Students witness how the natural world functions through field observations, presentations, and hands-on laboratory activities.
Major topics include: The Nature of Life; Classification of Organisms; Ecology; Cells; Genetics; Evolution; Microorganisms and Fungi; Plants; Invertebrates; Chordates; the Human Body
AP Biology
AP Biology is a college-level biology course focused on preparing students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam in the spring of their senior year. To prepare students for this test, the course includes college-level laboratory experiments, as well as activities designed to hone students’ investigative and problem solving skills.
Major topics include: The Life of the Cell; Cellular Reproduction and Genetics; Concepts of Evolution; Animals – Form and Function; Plants – Form and Function; Ecology
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is a college level chemistry course focused on preparing students to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam in the spring of their senior year. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course will contribute to the students’ ability to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic.
Major topics include: Structure of Matter; Kinetic Theory of Gases, Chemical Equilibria, Chemical Kinetics; Thermodynamics
AP Physics
AP Physics is a college-level physics course focused on preparing students to take the Advanced Placement Physics exam in the spring of their senior year. Through conceptual examples, problem solving strategies, and visualization activities, students are able to fully comprehend and successfully tackle physics theories and problems.
Major topics include: Mechanics; Thermodynamics; Oscillations and Wave Motion; Electricity and Magnetism; Optics; Relativity; Quantum Mechanics; Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles