Science Department
Overview
The HPA Science Department is committed to supporting any student with the courage and vision to go beyond the limits of the traditional textbook/lecture/test style of learning. The goal of the HPA Science Department is to provide students with opportunities to explore independent research topics. The traditional curriculum of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics is designed to inspire and urge students to find their own paths to scientific knowledge.
Foundations Science, a course typically taught at 9th grade, and Biology are required courses. In addition, a total of three credits of science are required for graduation. The science department offers a variety of advanced placement courses as well as electives.
The department supports a wide range of on going independent research programs. The school's Turtle Tagging project in association with the National Marine Fisheries Service has been in place since 1987. The Legacy project in association with the Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District is focused on the mapping and conservation of the plants, soil, terraces, and water of the Pelekane Watershed of North Kohala. VOGNET in association with the Mauna Loa Observatory and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association has been active in studying the movement of volcanic emissions above the Big Island. The Department offers classes in Astronomy, Aerodynamics, Green Technology, Archaeology, Geology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, and Marine Biology as well as offering an Independent Science Research elective.
Possible careers in the field of Science:
- Pharmacist
- Astronaut
- Biologist
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemist
- Dentist
- Drug Rehabilitation
- Environmental Protection
- Environmental Conservationist
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Game Warden
- Genetic Counselor
- Genetic Engineer
- Geneticist
- Laboratory
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Doctor
- Medical Technician
- Mining
- Museum Curator
- Nurse
- Optometrist
- Park Ranger
- Physical Therapist
- Physicist
- Public Health Services
- Research Scientist
- Teacher
- Zoologist
_________
Advanced Marine Biology
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Marine Biology
This advanced course builds on the foundation developed in Marine Biology. Students employ acquired knowledge and skills in advanced field projects. Projects might include coral reef monitoring, sea turtle tagging, marine aquarium setup and maintenance, aquarium animal collection techniques, underwater photography and videography, and snorkeling and/or scuba diving observations of the coral reef environment in Hawai‘i. The focus remains on current marine-conservation issues and discussions of ways to help promote environmentally conscientious behavior.
Advanced Science Research: Green Tech
Term: 1 or 2 semesters
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: Computer Applications or equivalent and teacher recommendation.
This course will begin with computer survival skills: how to repair and maintain single computers, as well as computer systems. We will then move on to learn how networks work: from making your own network cables to setting up wireless access points, to network security. We then move on to energy monitoring devices, remote control and access, remote video, web pages as parts of intelligent systems, and how to create our own network server, to demonstrate all skills learned. Included in the course will be work with the latest developments in green technology, including energy monitoring, renewable energy production, and computer monitoring. The course will alternate between topics covered in class and project based learning, either independently or in collaborative teams.
With the opening of the new HPA Energy Lab during the 2009-2010 school year, you could be part of the team that designs the intelligent system that monitors and measures energy production and use in the energy lab, as well as all over our HPA campus.
Anatomy and Physiology
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course explores the structure and multiple functions of the human body. All major body systems are covered with emphasis on understanding the relationship between systems and the organism as a whole. This course focuses on the parts of a system, functions of that system, and common disorders, as well as treatments and prevention for disorders of that system. Students will be required to conduct research in this course.
AP Biology
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A- in Biology or B+ in Biology Honors
AP Biology prepares students for the AP Biology examination. It is advisable for students to take a chemistry course, prior to or simultaneously while taking AP Biology. Topics include cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, and evolution and ecology. Labs and activities complement lectures and readings. Upon successful completion of the AP Biology exam, a student is eligible to receive college credit for a one-year course in general biology.
AP Chemistry
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: B+ in either Chemistry or Chemistry Honors and concurrent enrollment in General Physics and Calculus
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is a course designed to prepare students to take the College Board’s AP Chemistry exam and for students who expect to major in chemistry, physics, pre-med, or pre-pharmaceutical fields. Topics include: electronic structure, quantum mechanics, atomic theories, bonding theories, chemical reactions, periodic law, molar relationships, acids and bases, different phase behavior, thermo-chemistry, equilibrium reaction, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Upon successful completion of the AP Chemistry exam, a student is eligible to receive college credit for a one-year course in general chemistry.
AP Environmental Science
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: B+ in Biology or teacher recommendation and Algebra II Trigonometry or concurrent enrollment
Sustainability is one of the fastest growing topics in the world today, and colleges are getting the message, with more courses aimed at students interested in renewable energy, resource management, and the impact of mankind on the ecosystem. HPA’s Go Green projects and Energy Center are prime resources in our study of Environmental Science, our newest AP course. This course covers topics including renewable energy, resource depletion, pollution, population impact, global footprints, and sustainability. Colleges evaluate this course as equal to other AP science courses, and successful completion of this course should lead to an excellent score on the AP exams in May.
AP Physics B
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra II Trigonometry (Calculus recommended)
AP Physics B represents a first-year physics college-level course, including motion, forces, energy, light, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics (atomic and nuclear). This is an excellent preparation course for the Advanced Placement exam in physics (B level: non-calculus).
AP Physics C
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: AP Physics B (non-Calculus) and Physics Honors
This calculus-based course represents two semesters of a three-semester college physics course for engineering/science majors. This course is based on the College Board specifications for students taking the Advanced Placement C exam (calculus based) in Physics, and as such, has certain required labs and material. The course teaches mechanics, electricity, and magnetism in semester two. The AP exam is divided into two separate exams and taking at least one of these exams is required. This course fulfills many college requirements for a freshman physics course upon successful completion of the AP exam in May.
Astronomy
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Astronomy is a course offered to students interested in acquiring a general knowledge of the fundamental principles of astronomy. One evening each week is devoted to direct, naked eye and/or telescope sky observations. The content of the course includes introductory astronomical measurement, the solar system, the sun and the nature of stars, deep space, and cosmology. Students are expected to complete three computer lab simulations that ask them to: 1) determine Galilean satellite orbits; 2) use photometry to calculate the distance to stars; and 3) measure red shift values to derive the Hubble constant. In addition, each student is required to write a research paper on a topic of their own interest. The grade is based on daily homework from the text, lab reports, and chapter tests.
Biology
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Foundation Science
Biology emphasizes individual discovery through activities, lab exercises, and projects. Students learn methods of biological investigations, how to derive knowledge from these investigations, and the theories that organize this knowledge. This course explores research literacy, ecology, the cell theory and structure, and genetics. Animal systems are explored from invertebrates to humans. Students use and critically analyze scientific literature and other sources through readings, labs, activities, and explorations of local flora and fauna.
Chemistry
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Strong background in Algebra, Geometry, and Biology is recommended.
Chemistry is an introductory course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in chemistry, cultivate analytical thinking, and encourage enthusiasm for science. This course is for students who expect to study science in college. Topics include: the concept of matter, atoms and molecules, chemical formulas and reactions, the periodic table, the concept of mole, acids, and bases, different phase behavior, and basic quantum mechanics. This course places great emphasis on student interaction.
Forensics I & II
Term: 1 or 2 semesters
Prerequisites: Biology and junior or senior classification
This science course examines the basic concepts of forensic science through advanced scientific crime-solving techniques such as establishing identity through human remains. Topics include forensic anthropology; odontology; radiology; serology; DNA tracing; medical examiner procedures; wound ballistics; and trauma examinations.
Foundation Science
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
Foundation Science is an entry-level required course. The content challenges and tests a student’s ability to problem solve and think critically as they investigate physics, chemistry, and biology concepts. Students are asked to apply concepts presented during class. This conceptual approach to science learning exposes students to many challenges. Demonstrations, activities, project competitions, and lab exercises supplement the application-based curriculum. Being able to explain “why” in detail is a critical component of the assessment process. Organizational skills, competent written expression, and coherent responses all are essential components for success.
ePhysics
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra level math or teacher recommendation
This course is an excellent introduction and survey of physics to help equip any student for further study in the sciences. Topics include: motion, force, energy, electricity, magnetism, and light. Students utilize laptop computers as data-gathering and testing devices in this hands-on course.
Geology
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Geology is a one-semester course offered to students interested in understanding the natural history of the Hawaiian islands. The unit on the origin of the Hawaiian Islands includes volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes, rocks, and minerals. The unit on the demise of the Hawaiian Islands covers weathering and erosion, groundwater, ocean waves, and soil formation. At least one class per week is devoted to working on field-oriented projects. The class will take an overnight camping trip to the Volcano National Park to observe, firsthand, Pele at work.
Environmental Science I & II
Term: 1 or 2 semesters
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: None
This course examines past, present, and future with regard to environmental change and human impact. Focus is on Hawai‘i’s unique atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Students apply past and current trends toward predicting future outcomes. Local environmental issues are presented and debated to provide insight, information, and different points of view.
Health
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Health focuses on the six areas of adolescent health behavior identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having the greatest impact on future and current morbidity (sickness and injury) and mortality (death). Building on the knowledge and experiences the students bring into the classroom we will create personal value for prioritizing our health as our greatest wealth.
The CDC’s six areas of risky adolescent behavior are:
- Behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injury
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol and drug use
- Dietary patterns that contribute to disease
- Insufficient physical activity
- Sexual behaviors that result in STD infection or unintentional pregnancy.
Our goals will be to build personal value for practicing healthy behaviors, to shape peer norms that value these behaviors, to be empowered to both change or modify our own unhealthy behaviors, as well as to advocate and support the healthy choices of our friends and family. Students will work throughout the course to develop skills in communication, health advocacy, and behavior modification plans and goal setting.
Biology Honors
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: A- in Foundation Science
Biology Honors is a challenging course that explores the full range of standard biology topics at a level that prepares students to take the SAT II in biology or Advanced Placement Biology. Topics include cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, and evolution and ecology. Labs and activities complement lectures and readings. Students learn methods of biological investigations, how to derive knowledge from these investigations, and the theories that organize this knowledge. In addition to laboratory skills, students are challenged to develop their independent reading, note taking, and essay writing skills.
Chemistry Honors
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: B+ in both Algebra II Trigonometry and Biology
Chemistry Honors is a higher-level, fast-paced introductory yearlong course that provides students with a strong foundation in chemistry, cultivates analytical thinking, and encourages enthusiasm for science. The course is for students who expect to major in science in college. Topics include: the concept of matter, atoms and molecules, chemical formulas and reactions, the periodic table, the concept of the mole, acids and bases, different phase behavior, and basic quantum mechanics. Students who perform well will be encouraged to take the SAT II in Chemistry.
Physics Honors
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Algebra level math and teacher recommendation
This is a hands-on course in which students utilize laptop computers as data gathering and testing devices. The course is a survey of physics, including a study of motion, force, energy, electricity, magnetism, light, and some material from the AP course, as well as online simulation. Math used in this course is at the algebra level. This course equips students for further study in the sciences.
Marine Biology
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Marine biology is a science elective that focuses on the ocean ecosystem and its inhabitants. The course uses lecture, field trips, documentaries, projects, labs, and web-based resources to explore the marine world. The course includes the study of physical oceanography and a detailed survey of the characteristics and ecology of the major taxonomic groups of marine organisms.
Pre-Engineering 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B
Term: 1 or 2 Semesters
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 (elective only)
Prerequisites: None
This is an experience-based course that provides an orientation and exposure to engineering activities. Engineering applies scientific principles to solutions of practical problems in a laboratory-based setting utilizing computer systems, testing devices and equipment, materials, engineering graphics, math, science, language arts, and social studies principles. Students learn engineering practices of designing, prototyping, analyzing, and improving new and existing designs through activities. Students use tools, materials, and machines in the laboratory to solve real-world problems and communicate—through reading and writing—technical information. Students design, engineer, and evaluate products and systems to better understand the relationship between technology and society. Environmental and legal considerations, as well as professional ethics, are addressed through student engineering experiences.
Science Research
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Science Research is an independent research course offered to exceptional science students who are self-motivated and show an interest in the sciences. Students are required to submit documentation of their research or a final paper.
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend