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Location & Contact Details

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address:

West Catholic High School
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Events Calendar

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Science

Program Goal:  The student will:

  • Possess a comprehensive knowledge base in science
  • Apply science to everyday life
  • Apply the scientific method to solve problems
  • Analyze scientific information using technology when appropriate
  • Demonstrate scientific curiosity and confidence in the ability to understand and communicate regarding scientific issues
  • Apply moral and ethical principles when explaining the impact of science and technology on society

All students must earn ​3 credit hours in required Science courses prior to graduation.

*Students not taking Integrated Science (but meet the criteria to take Honors Biology in 9th grade) must take a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course. 

Freshman Courses

Honors Biology

Course Number:  S814​
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)
Prerequisite:  Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies. This course covers the same content as Biology with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Students not taking Integrated Science (but meet criteria to take Honors Biology in 9th grade) must take a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course.

Integrated Science

Course Number:  S811
Open to grades: ​ 9
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra I taken previously or concurrently
Course Description:  This course will define and improve upon students’ base scientific skills of:  data analysis, scientific literacy, lab practices, identifying appropriate SI units and metric conversions.  Students will polish these skills by studying essential concepts found in Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Physics.  Through lessons from each field, students will have the opportunity to fine tune their abilities that will set a foundation for the rest of their science experience at West Catholic.

Honors Integrated Science

Course Number:  S812​
Open to grades: ​ 9
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra I taken previously or concurrently​
Course Description:  This course covers the same content as Integrated Science with the difference being emphasis, pace, performance expectations and level of student responsibility.

Astronomy

Course Number:  S827
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course will examine the major components of Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Sophomore Courses

Biology

Course Number:  S813
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)
Prerequisite:  Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies.​

Honors Biology

Course Number:  S814​
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10
Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)
Prerequisite:  Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies. This course covers the same content as Biology, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Students not taking Integrated Science (but meet criteria to take Honors Biology in 9th grade) must take a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course.

Chemistry

Course Number:  S829
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number:  S8129
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Honors Biology, Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Astronomy

Course Number:  S827
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Junior Courses

Anatomy & Physiology

Course Number:  S434
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology, Chemistry taken previously or concurrently, minimum 2.75 G.P.A., Department Approval Required
Course Description:  This course presents the anatomy and functions of the human body. It is presented through a unit method covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. Knowledge presented in this course will be helpful for students considering a career in medicine, nursing and health-related fields. An anatomical dissection of a cat is an integral part of this course.

AP Biology

Course Number:  S830
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Minimum B average in Honors Chemistry, Minimum B average in Honors Biology; minimum 3.5 Weighted GPA, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This class will be presented in block form from 7:30 – 8:51 a.m. There will be a mandatory meeting at the end of this school year to hand out textbooks and explain the course requirements and expectations. Students will begin the class having covered Unit 1: “The Chemistry of Life” on their own. Topics covered will be the biochemistry of molecules and cells, including cellular energetics, coupled reactions and the cell cycle. Also investigated will be heredity and molecular genetics. Diversity of organisms as related to structural, physiological and behavioral adaptations will be considered. Students will be required to complete all 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May. It is strongly encouraged that students purchase Cliffs AP Biology by Phillip Pack.

Conceptual Chemistry

Course Number:  S817
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology
Course Description:  This course will focus on basic topics of fundamental chemistry. This will include chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concepts and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory, as well as chemistry topics that students will encounter in their daily lives, including food chemistry, atmospheric chemistry and conserving our chemical resources.

Chemistry

Course Number:  S829
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Completed Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number:  S819
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1.5 Credits
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Completed Honors Biology, Completed Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.  This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

AP Chemistry

Course Number:  S824
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.  This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Physics

Course Number:  S820
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trigonometry, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  Students will develop an understanding of physics in the world around them by using mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Students will use Algebra II and Trigonometry concepts to solve problems and analyze data gathered in laboratory situations. Situations will be analyzed using Newton’s laws and the conservation of energy. A component of the course will also focus on electricity and magnetism and electrical circuits. As time permits, modern physical theories will be explored.

AP Physics

Course Number:  S824
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B or better, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  AP Physics will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. Enthusiasm for science is a must. Topics such as Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics will be presented in considerable depth to prepare students for the multiple choice section of the AP Physics Test. Students will solve problems during laboratory investigations and through chapter reviews, computer-generated problems and AP Physics test reviews. Students will learn to apply given information to new situations as expected in the free-response section of the AP Physics Test. Students taking this course are required to take the AP Physics Exam in May.

AP Environmental Science

Course Number:  S832
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology, Chemistry, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  Equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, this class provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. AP Environmental Science will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. AP Environmental Science is unique because it is multidisciplinary, drawing its content from geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, meteorology, geography and social issues. Attendance at fieldwork experiences is mandatory. Students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

Astronomy

Course Number:  S827
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Senior Courses

Anatomy & Physiology

Course Number:  S434
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology, Chemistry taken previously or concurrently, minimum 2.75 G.P.A., Department Approval Required
Course Description:  This course presents the anatomy and functions of the human body. It is presented through a unit method covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. Knowledge presented in this course will be helpful for students considering a career in medicine, nursing and health-related fields. An anatomical dissection of a cat is an integral part of this course.

AP Biology

Course Number:  S830
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Minimum B average in Honors Chemistry, Minimum B average in Honors Biology; minimum 3.5 Weighted GPA, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This class will be presented in block form from 7:30 – 8:51 a.m. There will be a mandatory meeting at the end of this school year to hand out textbooks and explain the course requirements and expectations. Students will begin the class having covered Unit 1: “The Chemistry of Life” on their own. Topics covered will be the biochemistry of molecules and cells, including cellular energetics, coupled reactions and the cell cycle. Also investigated will be heredity and molecular genetics. Diversity of organisms as related to structural, physiological and behavioral adaptations will be considered. Students will be required to complete all 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May. It is strongly encouraged that students purchase Cliffs AP Biology by Phillip Pack.

Conceptual Chemistry

Course Number:  S817
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology
Course Description:  This course will focus on basic topics of fundamental chemistry. This will include chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concepts and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory, as well as chemistry topics that students will encounter in their daily lives, including food chemistry, atmospheric chemistry and conserving our chemical resources.

Chemistry

Course Number:  S829
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Completed Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number:  S819
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1.5 Credits
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Completed Honors Biology, Completed Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.  This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

AP Chemistry

Course Number:  S824
Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.  This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Physics

Course Number:  S820
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trigonometry, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  Students will develop an understanding of physics in the world around them by using mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Students will use Algebra II and Trigonometry concepts to solve problems and analyze data gathered in laboratory situations. Situations will be analyzed using Newton’s laws and the conservation of energy. A component of the course will also focus on electricity and magnetism and electrical circuits. As time permits, modern physical theories will be explored.

AP Physics

Course Number:  S824
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B or better, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  AP Physics will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. Enthusiasm for science is a must. Topics such as Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, as well as atomic and nuclear physics will be presented in considerable depth to prepare students for the multiple choice section of the AP Physics Test. Students will solve problems during laboratory investigations and through chapter reviews, computer-generated problems and AP Physics test reviews. Students will learn to apply given information to new situations as expected in the free-response section of the AP Physics Test. Students taking this course are required to take the AP Physics Exam in May.

AP Environmental Science

Course Number:  S832
Open to grades: ​ 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Biology, Chemistry, Departmental Approval Required
Course Description:  Equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, this class provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. AP Environmental Science will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. AP Environmental Science is unique because it is multidisciplinary, drawing its content from geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, meteorology, geography and social issues. Attendance at fieldwork experiences is mandatory. Students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

Astronomy

Course Number:  S827
Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.