Accelerated Chemistry is the choice for students who are prepared to learn chemistry at an increased pace and who demonstrate an ability to deal with abstract concepts. Accelerated Chemistry is a laboratory course designed to meet the needs of students capable of achieving an additional level of complexity and synthesis. Students entering this course can use previously learned skills and information (scientific method, numerical & graphical analysis, etc.) with minimal further instruction. Accelerated Chemistry students learn to apply more complex mathematical concepts to solve chemistry problems. Concepts covered in the Chemistry course will be investigated at greater depth and at an increased pace. This course meets the needs of the student who hopes to pursue science and engineering studies in the future. Students will enroll in this course based on recommendation from their freshman science teacher.
Science
Overview
Science is a method of coming to know; the process itself teaches the need for exploration. The science classes at Seattle Prep teach the importance of making connections through exploration in an attempt to instill a spirit of adventure and wonder in every student. This philosophy stresses a scientific process for exploration of the world as God reveals it to us.
As we guide students down this path, their experiences within the classroom help them become scientifically literate. To do this, we emphasize the processes, content, and skills embedded within science. Our students gain an understanding and appreciation of the workings of the physical world, and an openness to growth that leads to the desire for life-long learning. Students also learn to recognize the appropriate uses of technology and, in this way, the importance of ethical decision-making becomes significant.
Click here for a visual flowchart of the Prep science curriculum.
Curriculum & Placement
Science Faculty
Department Chair
Brian Meza is a graduate of Seattle Prep from the class of 1992. He began teaching at Prep in 1996 after graduating with a BS in Biology from Western Washington University. His grad work has taken him to Seattle University where he earned his MA in Curriculum & Instruction, as well as the Educational Administration program. He also holds Certificates from the University of Washington in Brain Research and Drug Addiction. Brian has taught a variety of courses in the Science Department, namely Biology, Disease & Social Responsibility, and Anatomy & Physiology. In addition to his work in the Science Department, he also serves as the Director of the Alumni Service Corps program. He is married to Alicia (Collora ’93) Meza and has two sons, Noah ’24 and Balin ’26.
Science Courses
Anatomy & Physiology is a lab-based course which focuses on human anatomy and physiology. Students will be introduced to the relationship between structure and function within the body’s 11 basic organ systems. They will also be exposed to particular issues concerning bioethics and biotechnology and challenged to develop informed opinions as they relate to course material and their own personal experiences. (ELECTIVE: Year-long Course)
AP Biology is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course normally taken by science majors during their first year of college. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis will be on developing an understanding of biological concepts such as science as a process, personal experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. It is generally expected that students taking an AP class will take the associated AP exam in May. A passing score on this test may enable students to receive college credit for their high school work. Students will be recommended for AP Biology by their science teachers. This course is offered pending sufficient enrollment. Prerequisites include outstanding achievement in Biology and Chemistry (General or Honors). (ELECTIVE: Year-long Course)