Who We AreOur Boarding School AcademicsOur Boarding School CurriculumAdmissions to Fenster Boarding SchoolInformation from Fenster Boarding School
SearchFenster Boarding School AlumniLearn About Our Boarding School in ChineseLearn About Our Boarding School in GermanLearn About Our Boarding School in Spanish
 

 Science Curriculum

 

Fenster's High School Science Curriculum

Our science curriculum for high school students is designed to meet all state requirements and give students a greater understanding of the physical world. Beginning with our Earth Science survey course which explores the structure of the Earth and the makeup of rocks and minerals, our HS science classes will teach students about the building blocks that comprise our natural world.

Other science classes include Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry and Physics. Some of our prep school science classes have mathematic prerequisites that must be completed before registering for the course.

At Fenster Boarding School, we believe in giving every student an equal opportunity for success. Unlike traditional schools, we give students opportunities to make-up missed work and prove themselves if they are performing poorly in a class. At Fenster, success is the only option!

Please call our main office at 520-749-3340 for more information about our science courses for high school students or call Headmaster Don Saffer directly at 520-465-0990 to learn more about our boarding school program in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Earth Science (311)

This survey course satisfies one year of the state’s requirements for a laboratory science. It is divided into two parts. First semester is focused on the structure of the earth, the structure of matter and nature of minerals and rocks. Some of the major currents of Twentieth Century geological discovery are introduced, including earth’s water, exploring the oceans, impact of humans on the environment, pollution, and ecology. Second semester focuses on absolute age dating, geologic time and the history and evolution of life on earth, plate tectonics, volcanism, and the study of the other planetary bodies in our solar system. Lab work reinforces fundamental concepts in this course.

Environmental Science (315)

This introductory course examines human influence on the environment. Basic ecological concepts are explored and major environmental problems including: population growth, pollution, resources overuse, ecosystem degradation, and loss of biodiversity are evaluated for causes and solutions. The relationship between society, politics, and the environment is also examined. Students learn about the natural world and its ecosystems as well as the causes, consequences and solutions numerous environmental problems we currently face on earth.

Biology (330)

Biology fulfills the school and state requirement for a laboratory science. Given the diversity of life, this course presents the fundamentals of biology in two complements. The first semester examines the nature of science as well as the biochemistry and cellular biology. In the second semester the course explores organisms and the roles they play in their environments. Lab work reinforces fundamental ideas in biology. Articulation of their accrued knowledge is equally important to their tested materials. As a result, students complete a research paper and formal presentation in the first semester.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (354)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra 1

This class is an advanced Biology course. Emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamics of the human body. Includes foundations such as chemical, cellular and tissue levels of organization. Emphasis will be placed on major structures of the integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Chemistry (350)

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 and Biology .

Recommended: Mastery of: percentages, scientific notation, the metric system, solving algebraic expressions with one unknown. Students will need a scientific calculator. This course emphasizes the atomic-molecular theory in understanding the composition of materials and how they interact. Current models of these atomic (types of matter, phase changes, bonding) and sub-atomic (electrons, nuclear reactions) interactions, lead to chemical reactions, stoichiometry (relationships between quantities of reacting chemicals), and solution chemistry (water and water-based systems). Additional topics include chemical hygiene (safety), the periodic table, acids and bases, energy transformations, kinetics (the speed of reactions) and electrochemistry. Concepts are heavily reinforced by student lab work. Scientific and systematic measurement, dimensional analysis (problem solving using units), pre-college and college level math skills and written description of mechanical processes are practiced on a daily basis.

Physics (370)

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1, Biology, and Chemistry.

Recommended: Mastery of percentages, scientific notation, the metric system, logarithms and solving algebraic equations with one unknown. Students will need a scientific calculator. This is a broad survey course with the emphasis on preparing students for college-level coursework. Students will use pre-college and college-level mathematics skills and practice written descriptions of complex mechanical processes. Concepts are reinforced through lab activities. In the first semester, students explore kinematics (motion and forces) including gravity, energy, work, kinetic theory, thermodynamics and nuclear physics including quantum theory. Additional topics include statistics and fluids. In the second semester, the course explores sound, magnetism, electricity as well as electromagnetism and optics. The special theory of relativity is also briefly covered.