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Science » Incoming 9th Science Placement

Incoming 9th Science Placement

Welcome to the class of 2028!
Current Events in Science Placement for Incoming 9th grade students:
 
Placements for newly accepted Mater Dei students are: IN PROGRESS
 
After students take the High School Placement Exam and are accepted to Mater Dei, our Science Placement Specialist uses the data from their High School Placement Exam to place them into the appropriate class. Parents: you will receive a letter from our Admissions Office with your student's Science placement. The letter will contain any further instructions, as well as more information about that placement. There is no qualifying exam for Science. 
Freshmen are placed into one of the 2 courses below based on their High School Placement Test Scores.
 
Both of the offerings below meet UC requirements for Life Sciences and are foundational for success in future Science courses. 
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9
UC A-G Designation: “D” – Laboratory Science (Biology/Life Sciences)
NCAA: NCAA-approved course – Natural/Physical Science
 
This course covers biological concepts with an emphasis on problem solving. This college preparatory course is designed with an emphasis on laboratory safety and proper laboratory procedures. Students will use the scientific method to develop basic laboratory skills including the use of microscopes and completing full lab write-ups. Students will explore cell structure and function, processes of the cell, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution using a variety of hands-on labs and group projects. NOTE: This course requires participation in animal dissections.
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9
UC A-G Designation: “D” – Laboratory Science (Biology/Life Sciences)
NCAA: NCAA-approved course – Natural/Physical Science
Prerequisites: Qualifying score/grades - Incoming Freshman – Qualifying score on the High School Entrance Exam (85% composite(NP) score, 10.0 in both Reading and Language, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher math.) Approval of Science Department Chair.
 
This accelerated course covers biological concepts in depth, with an emphasis on higher developmental thought processes and problem solving. It includes a study of the use of the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell metabolism, cell division, genetics, DNA replication, protein synthesis, biotechnology, evolution, and comparative animal systems. In order to facilitate learning and build science skills, students will apply these concepts to a variety of hands-on labs and will engage in inquiry-based projects. NOTE: This course requires participation in animal dissections.
FAQs:
A: If you did not place into Honors Biology based on the HSPT scores, an alternative route to earn placement would be to place into Honors English and Honors Geometry (or Honors Algebra II/Trig). If you have been offered the opportunity to take placement exams for Honors English and a Math placement exam and earn the Honors English and Honors Geometry (or Honors Algebra II/Trig) placements, please contact the Science Department Placement Specialist, Mrs. Stolo ([email protected]). 
A: You are not obligated to accept placement into any Honors level course. Please email the Science Department Placement Specialist, Mrs. Stolo ([email protected]), to request placement in the college preparatory course.
A: Both are UC approved and NCAA approved, include several authentic laboratory experiences, and include a variety of instructional methods. The courses differ in pacing, amount of material covered, depth of material, and amount of independent work, with Honors Biology being the most challenging. 
A: You do not need to place into Honors Biology as a Freshman to qualify for Honors and AP courses in the future. In your Sophomore-Senior years at Mater Dei, we will evaluate your placement based on your performance in your Science and Math courses. We will then place you into the most challenging course that you qualify for. You will be able to review your placement and request any changes through the the Science Department Placement Specialist, Mrs. Stolo ([email protected]).