Our Science Department consists of a dedicated group of teachers who enjoy exploring and teaching science.  The teachers in our department include Mrs. Evans, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Thompsom, Ms. Middel, and Mrs. Minick and we look forward to having you, as a student or a parent, as part of our class.  You are invited to visit the Faculty page of the Saluda High School website to learn more about each member of our department.

 

The courses that we offer through our department include Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Biology 1, Applied Biology 2, Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Chemistry for the Technologies, Earth Science, Forensics, Physical Science, Physical Science - Honors, and Physics.  On alternating years, we offer Advanced Placement Biology and Advanced Placement Chemistry. 

 

In our department, grades are calculated by the following percentages - Daily grades = 10%, Activities = 30%, and Tests = 60%.  The midterm for each class counts as two test grades, while the final exam counts as 20% of the overall semester grade.  The students in Biology 1 and Applied Biology 2 are required by the state of South Carolina to be assessed by an End-of-Course Test which counts as the final exam at 20% of the overall semester grade.  The End-of-Course Test is based on the state standards that have been developed for those classes.  Visit http://ed.sc.gov/agency/Standards-and-Learning/Academic-Standards/old/cso/index.html to identify the topics and content that are addressed for each course.  Presently our state and our district is moving toward the implementation of the Common Core State Standards which emphasize reading and writing and the application of high levels of evaluation and analysis into all content areas, including science.  The state standards for each content area will remain our content guidelines, but a concerted emphasis on reading and writing will be incorporated into the teaching of the state standards. 

 

As a department, we are committed to preparing our students for advanced study at a post-secondary level and the workplace.  Thus, we value and encourage our students to possess and exercise a strong work ethic, personal initiative, and quality character traits.

 

Again, welcome to the Saluda High School Science Department!  We look forward to working with each of you!