Art
Science The Academy Science Department provides students with the opportunity to learn to use the scientific process to acquire, assimilate, extend, refine and apply scientific knowledge. Students learn to identify problems, ask questions, analyze data, think clearly and logically and draw appropriate conclusions. Students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the basic concepts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in our inquiry-based college-preparatory program. Two yearlong courses are required to meet Punahou’s graduation requirements. However, the Science Department strongly recommends students take a minimum of three years, in part to meet minimum course requirements for college admission. To meet the wide range of abilities and interests of Punahou students, the department offers Advanced Placement courses, Honors level courses and fundamental courses. The rich variety of elective courses includes single semester inquiries in areas of physical and biological sciences. The Science Department encourages students to explore the many diverse electives offered.
Graduation Requirements
Prerequisites
Students must complete two yearlong laboratory courses in science to graduate. One of those two years must be taken in the tenth grade or beyond; only one of the two courses may be taken in Summer School. Of these two years, the Science Department recommends one year be in the physical sciences and the other in the biological sciences.
All science courses, except Biology, Biology Honors, require prerequisites. Please refer to the course description before enrolling in any course.
Electives Offered Science electives may be taken after 9th grade. Anatomy and Physiology: Major Systems* Anatomy and Physiology: Minor Systems* Anthropology Astronomy Biotechnology Neuroscience of Learning Culinary Chemistry* Energy Projects: Production, Storage, Distribution and Efficiency Environmental Problem Solving Marine Biology* Oceanography* Independent Research* * = lab based for most college admissions 42 • Academy Course Listing 2022 – 2023
Course Offerings Biology This course builds foundations by challenging students to think critically, to understand biological concepts and to solve problems through class discussions, collaborative group projects, laboratory investigations and student-designed experiments. Students focus their studies on the methods of science, the principles of ecology, basic molecular biology and genetics. The exploration of these topics includes understanding the connections to the overarching theme of evolution, discussing their underlying biochemistry and illustrating them with examples drawn from the unique ecology of the Hawaiian Islands. Open to grade 9. No prerequisite. Year course. One credit. Satisfies Science graduation requirement. CBL course.
Biology Honors Intended for advanced science and mathematics students, this course challenges students to investigate and understand biological phenomena in great conceptual and molecular detail. Students choosing this course should have a high level of interest in biology, an understanding of the methods of science, a strong mathematics background and welldeveloped writing, study and time management skills. Although the concepts studied in Biology Honors are similar to those studied in Biology, the topics are investigated in greater depth, the pace of the course is more rapid and students are challenged to apply their understanding to more complex problems. Students explore the overarching principles of evolution and the underlying mechanisms of biochemistry while applying the methods of science to their studies of ecology, metabolism and genetics. Students in Biology Honors engage in class discussions, collaborative projects, laboratory investigations, extensive individual fieldwork, research, statistical analysis and analytical writing. Open to grade 9. No prerequisite. Year course. One credit. Satisfies Science graduation requirement. CBL course.
