- Science Teacher
I enjoy the beauty we can find in the physical world and the movement of the universe. The beauty can only increase your faith that God plays an active role in the physical world.
Hands-on and relevant, our science classes engage our students with gusto.
From egg drops in physics to titration labs in chemistry, and from waste audits in biology to crime scene investigations in forensics, science comes alive for De Smet Jesuit students. Stacked with brave and talented faculty, our science teachers are unafraid of snakes, explosions, machinery, chemical reactions, teaching outside, getting dirty, and giving boys real-world learning.
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I enjoy the beauty we can find in the physical world and the movement of the universe. The beauty can only increase your faith that God plays an active role in the physical world.
I try to present biology and forensics material in a way that the guys find interesting, relevant, and applicable. I challenge my students with looking at the concepts in lateral ways, as the real world is not textbook. The real world is challenging, integrated, and warrants informed, faith-based decision making. Classes are focused on fostering skills that would help my students understand, live, and make informed, faith-based choices as they navigate this world.
Philosophy
The De Smet Jesuit Science Department believes the student should have an understanding and appreciation for the physical and natural laws that function in our universe. The De Smet Jesuit science will be able to:
Curriculum
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year Electives
An introduction to engineering, architecture, and product design, students will study how to use CAD/CAM software to develop 2D and 3D files
Students work to master pneumatics, electronics, drive train mechanics, motors/gears, wiring, safety, and programming. This course will be directly connected with the robotics team as it competes in the FIRST robotics competition at the FRC level.
Students who complete this course will be prepared to take the National Advanced Placement Chemistry test in May.
Problem solving and critical thinking skills will be utilized through the application of science concepts to solve real world problems. Laboratory work that demonstrates the use of forensic science is an integral part of the course.
Highly recommended for students interested in working in the medical field, this course offers a number of microscope labs and dissections.
The best way for freshmen to get involved is by enrolling in the zero hour (after school) class, Introduction to Competitive Robotics.
During the first semester, students meet one day per week and learn the basics of robotics. In second semester, they will get credit for being a team member on DuRT (De Smet Robotics Team) and compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Students can still join DuRT, even if they do not take the zero hour class.
Students can earn college credit in the following science classes:
There are 200 schools giving more than 80 million dollars in scholarships to students involved in FIRST. These range from full rides to $500/year. See the complete list of schools that offer FIRST robotics scholarships here.
Missouri schools include: Maryville University, Southeast Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, St. Louis Community College, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Missouri S&T, University of Missouri, and Mineral Area College.
Freshmen at De Smet Jesuit begin their required science curriculum in biology; sophomores take chemistry; and juniors study physics.
Students can choose from a wide range of science electives to complement their required coursework as well as earn college credit. Advanced and extended learning opportunities are available in forensics, anatomy and physiology, digital electronics, robotics, 3D Design, 3D printing, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics.