Science
Overview:
Mercy Tech students complete three years of science to graduate.
Science courses are taught to enhance the career and technical choice a student makes. Each of these subjects provides pertinent information that complements a student’s chosen field.
As a further benefit, our freshmen receive Physical Education and Health. Both these subjects, coupled with the core science curriculum, enable our students to become well-rounded, well- trained, and well-prepared for life after high school.
The science courses at Mercy Tech are aligned with standards from several resources:
- National Science Education Standards
- Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education
Grade 9:
- The Physical Science concepts are taught in relation to molecular behavior and application to everyday examples. The major focus of Physical Science include the following areas of study: scientific method, motion, energy, machines, state of matter, waves, light, electricity, acids and bases. Students are able through the use of their chromebooks, textbooks, and experiments to better understand Physical Science and how it applies to everyday living. Health and Physical Education also occur in freshman year.
Grade 10:
- Biology Students discover science as an inquiry as they investigate the nature of life. Topics such as cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, plants and the human body are discussed in a way to enhance critical thinking skills and to provide associative skills for personal and social perspectives that may influence future decision making. Experiments support and enhance classroom discussion, as well as stimulate students to analyze and make assessments.
Grade 11:
- Studies Earth Science/ GeoScience. GeoScience is the study of the Earth and the Universe surrounding it. This study includes geology, the solid earth, oceanography, meteorology, atmosphere, weather, energy, natural resources, rocks, minerals, and astronomy. Demonstrations, experiments, and Internet sites create an active approach to discovering the Earth.