Science

The Marian Science Department is designed to introduce students to the world of science knowledge and research. To this end the Marian Science Department is incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards into all their classes to increase science and engineering practices, cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. A variety of opportunities to practice these concepts are presented to accommodate diverse learning styles and levels of knowledge.

Course Offerings

List of 18 items.

  • Biology

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9

    This course presents the major concepts in biology. Development begins with molecular and cellular structure and proceeds to higher organizational patterns. These concepts are reinforced with classroom experiences and laboratory investigations, including a mammalian dissection.
  • Honors Biology

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9
    Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel

    This course presents the major concepts in biology. Development begins with molecular and cellular structures and proceeds to higher organizational patterns in the life processes. Independent assimilation of course material is expected of students, allowing more class time for labs (including a mammalian dissection),
    projects and discussion of relevant topics. There will be outside reading and/or projects, as required.
  • AP Biology

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B+” or above in Honors Biology, (or passing Honors Biology Qualifying Exam) and Honors Chemistry, teacher recommendation, and an approved department application

    Due to extensive laboratory requirements for AP Biology, classes will be at 7:00am twice a week. Students are required to participate in a full practice AP exam on a pre-determined weekend date in the spring.

    This is a college level introductory biology course for majors. Advanced topics in cell biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, ecology, and evolution are explored. Lab investigations are designed to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with advanced laboratory techniques. Students are provided with the materials, information, and skill opportunities necessary to prepare for the Biology Advanced Placement Exam.
  • Anatomy and Physiology I

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Chemistry or concurrently taking Chemistry

    This course is designed for students who have an interest in human biology. Students will learn basic medical terminology, cytology and histological organization of the human body and its physiology. Major systems of study will include the integumentary, and skeletal systems. Basic pathology is also studied, as examples of disruption to normal body homeostasis.
  • Anatomy and Physioogy II

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Anatomy & Physiology 1.

    This course is a continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I. Students will continue to use basic anatomical terminology, while learning additional body systems, including the muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. A major component of this course is a required comparative anatomy cat dissection, where specific concepts and skills learned in both Anatomy I and II will be applied in context.
  • Earth Science

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 11,12

    This introductory semester course will include the following subject matter: Earth and the solar system, Earth’s geological processes and rock formation, Plate tectonics, the role of weather in Earth’s surface processes, and the history of the planet Earth. There will be a  significant lab component covering these topics. This class manages Marian’s recycling program.
  • Environmental Science I

    1 semester, ½ credit 
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Chemistry or concurrently taking Chemistry

    Students examine the world around them by studying the interrelationships between living organisms and their physical surroundings and then assess the impact of humans on the environment due to our growing population. The course will
    include position papers and field trips. Waste disposal will be studied first because this class manages Marian’s recycling program during class once a week.
  • Forensic Science

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Chemistry or concurrently taking Chemistry.

    This course integrates and applies the knowledge learned in the core science classes of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students collect and analyze data that may be generated at a crime scene. Topics may include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, ballistics, blood splatter, and entomology. Caution: course contents may be
    graphic.
  • Genetics

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Chemistry or concurrently taking Chemistry

    The impact of current genetic technology in our everyday lives is continually increasing and, now more than ever, it is imperative that all informed citizens understand the basic principles of inheritance. This course includes discussions of ethical problems, genetic  counseling, and the impact of biotechnology on society.
  • Microbiology

    1 semester, ½ credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Chemistry or concurrently taking Chemistry

    Microbiology is the study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae and fungi.) The emphasis of this course is on basic microbiological principles, with application to areas of human concern. Relevant applications include aseptic transfer, isolation, staining, and classification of microbes. Microbiology is a
    lab-orientated course.
  • Principles of Chemistry

    2 semesters, 1 credit         
    Open to 10
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson, successful completion of Biology

    This year-long course provides a foundation in chemistry for non-science majors. The purpose of this course is to help students apply chemistry to daily life. Modern concepts are studied using basic mathematics for understanding principles, fundamental laws, atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, elements/
    compounds, chemical reactions, and elementary inorganic, nuclear, and organic chemistry.

  • Chemistry

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. Successful completion of Biology or Honors Biology, “B” average or better in Algebra I

    This course develops the major principles of chemistry beginning with matter and the atom. The progression continues to the energy and shape of atoms and molecules, bonding, chemical reactions, equations and stoichiometry, behavior of gases and aqueous systems.
  • Honors Chemistry

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson, “B+” average or better in Honors Algebra I and Honors Biology and concurrently enrolled in an Honors Math course

    This course will develop the chemical principles outlined in Chemistry with greater emphasis on the stoichiometry of  chemistry and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, the mechanics of kinetics, solutions, and oxidation-reduction will be
    studied.
  • AP Chemistry

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B+” or above in Honors Chemistry and Honors Geometry (concurrently enrolled honors math class), teacher recommendation, and an approved department application

    Due to extensive laboratory requirements for AP Chemistry, classes will be at 7:00am twice a week. Students are required to participate in a full practice AP exam on a pre-determined weekend date in the spring.

    AP Chemistry is a second year accelerated inorganic chemistry course designed to be equivalent to a college introductory  chemistry course. This course is structured around the six big ideas and seven science practices outlined by the College Board. Laboratory work will account for a minimum of 25% of classroom time. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to sit for the AP Chemistry exam in May, as well as college-level chemistry courses.
  • Physics

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department chairperson. “B” average or better in both semesters of Chemistry and Algebra II; concurrently taking Algebra II or PreCalculus.

    This course will examine the major areas of physics: motion, forces, work, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism. Teaching techniques will included lecture, labs, activities, demonstrations, computer models and using algebra and
    trigonometry to solve problems.

    This class uses an online textbook.
  • Honors Physics

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11,12
    Prerequisites: Approval of current Science teacher or department
    chairperson. “B+” average or better in Honors Chemistry, Honors
    Geometry, or Honors Algebra II. Currently enrolled in an Honors or AP math class.

    This course will examine the major areas of physics, motion, forces, work, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Teaching techniques will include lecture, lab, activities, demonstrations, and computer models. There will be a heavier emphasis on problem solving using graphing, algebra and trigonometry. 

    This class uses an online textbook.
  • AP Physics I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11,12
    Prerequisite: “B+” average or better in Honors Chemistry, or
    “B+” or above in Honors Algebra II, and concurrently taking an Honors Math Class, teacher recommendation, and an approved department application.

    Due to extensive laboratory requirements for AP Physics, classes will be at 7:00am twice a week. Students are required to participate in a full practice AP exam on a pre-determined weekend date in the spring.

    AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based class equivalent of a first semester college physics course. Topics covered include Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, work, energy, power, mechanical waves and sound, and simple circuits. Students will
    design and conduct laboratory investigations to enhance understanding. 25% of instructional time will be spent in the laboratory. It is expected that, after completing the coursework, students will participate in all review activities and sit for the 3 hour AP exam in May.
  • AP Physics 2

    2 Semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12
    Prerequisite: “B” or above in AP Physics I and a Marian Science department chairperson approval
     
    Due to extensive time requirements for this course, classes begin at 7:15 AM, three days weekly until early May.

    AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams and probability, electrostatics, electrical circuits with capacitors,
    magnetic fields, electromagnetism, physical and geometric optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. Use of laptops  will be required for some labs and technology will be used  extensively to support instruction in the form of computer-
    based simulations, on-line homework and an e-text, among other methods. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 2 exam in early May each year. 

    This course is taught at Brother Rice.
    Courses taken at Brother Rice High School may require an iPad Air 2 (approved by the BRHS Technology Department) or rent one from Brother Rice High School at a cost of approximately $275 per academic year. Included in the rental fee is the rental of the iPad Air 2 and case, AppleCare+, applications required for the course, and BRHS technical support.

List of 6 members.

  • Mary Ann Findling 

    Department Chair
    BS - Michigan Technological University
  • Tim Ellis 

    Director of Instructional Technology
    BS - Central Michigan University
    MA - Central Michigan University
  • Mary Hursley 78

    BS - Michigan State University
    MAT - Marygrove College
  • Kelly King 

    BS - Madonna University
    MA - University of Phoenix
  • Mary Steinhauer 

    BS - Michigan State University
  • Sharon Allmen Videtich 88

    BA - Bucknell University
    MA - Wayne State University
    MAT - Marygrove College

Marian High School

7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.

An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.