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Department

Science

Students are enrolled in a science course for each of the first three years: physics, followed by chemistry, and then biology. In physics, students learn about the basic laws of physics and use them to illuminate a wide variety of phenomena. It is an investigation of how things work. Students in chemistry study about matter, its structure, composition, and the changes it undergoes, as well as the energies that accompany these changes. In biology, students learn about living organisms including the process concerned with growth, reproduction, evolution, and ecology. Students have the option of electing an additional science course in their senior year.

The science department strives to:

Provide students with essential knowledge about the world, with particular attention given to nurturing a respect and reverence for the uniqueness, diversity, interrelatedness, and sacredness of all creation.
Help students mature in good judgment and decision-making by developing skills needed to collect and analyze data in fidelity to the truth, and in careful concern for other people.
Offer students the opportunity to investigate and apply theoretical concepts in practical, hands-on laboratory experiences.
Challenge students to refine their abilities to analyze data, solve problems, and to justify and communicate the result of their investigations and studies.
Offer a program through which science-oriented students are prepared as science majors for their college courses.

Science 7

SCIENCE 7

Grade 7

#FX571

This course will serve to introduce students to the process of thinking scientifically. This entails forming a scientific question, setting up valid experiments, collecting and analyzing data and writing comprehensive conclusions. These skills will be taught through the lens of Earth’s natural resources. Areas of focus will include: air resources, water resources, land resources, energy resources, weather, climate, biodiversity, population and environmental concerns. In addition to the coursework, a significant amount of time will be spent working in the lab developing hands on scientific skills. These techniques, along with the exposure of working in groups, will provide the foundation for the lab skills needed in future courses. The year will culminate in a comprehensive project and presentation that will tie together many of the techniques and skills practiced along with the content learned.
Science 8

SCIENCE 8

Grade 8

#FX581

Building on the skills established in 7th grade, 8th grade science will explore four fields of study: Rocketry, Engineering, Food & Nutrition, and the Human Body. Within each field, students will complete a summative project incorporating the subtopics and skills necessary to understand the field as a whole. For example, while building rockets, students will study forces, motion, fluids, chemical reactions, and the process of scientific innovation. While explaining the phrase “I am what I eat,” students will explore food science, food production, food transportation, nutrition, and social justice issues. The completion of FXD science courses will provide students with a solid foundation in the earth, physical, chemical, and life sciences they will encounter in grades 9-12.
Science 8 Advanced

SCIENCE 8 ADVANCED

Grade 8

#FX582

This project-based course is divided into three sections. In the first section, students will spend time learning the physics and chemistry behind rocket flight with the goal of seeing who can build the rocket that can go the highest. Next, in the robotics section, math, physics and engineering will be explored, with the end goal of building a working robot that can compete in a class-wide tournament. The world of ecology and the human body will be explored in the last section, where students will look for ways to connect how our everyday actions affect the larger community in which we live. Each Science 8 course covers the same topics; however, in the Advanced course students will be expected to do more independent work and will encounter more in-depth math concepts throughout the course. The completion of FXD science courses will provide students with a solid foundation in the earth, physical, chemical, and life sciences they will encounter in grades 9-12.
AP Physics 1

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1
Grade 9
#558 Advanced Placement
Full Year

Prerequisites: Placement is based on the entrance examination and middle/junior high school transcript.

Description: AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based course that is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. All students who take this course are required to take the AP Physics 1 exam.
Physics I-H

PHYSICS I
Grade 9
#501 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Placement is based on the entrance examination and middle/junior high school transcript.

Description: In this course students investigate how things work. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, optics, and topics from modern physics. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities, and inquiry based laboratory experiments. The honors level challenges students to develop an analytical approach problem solving. Emphasis is placed on integration of theory and mathematical applications.
Physics I-A

PHYSICS I
Grade 9
#502 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Placement is based on the entrance examination and middle/junior high school transcript.

Description: In this course students investigate how things work. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, optics, and topics from modern physics. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities, and inquiry based laboratory experiments. The accelerated level challenges students to develop and enhance problem-solving skills and fundamentally integrate theory and mathematical applications.
Physics I-CP

PHYSICS I
Grade 9
#503 College Prep
Full Year

Prerequisites: Placement is based on the entrance examination and middle/junior high school transcript.

Description: In this course students investigate how things work. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, optics, and topics from modern physics. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities, and inquiry based laboratory experiments. The college prep level is more a conceptual approach with limited mathematical applications.
Chemistry I-H

CHEMISTRY I
Grade 10
#521 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to maintain an average of B- in Physics I-H, in Algebra I-A or a higher math course and/or be granted department approval. Consideration will be given to Physics I-A students who meet the above mathematics criteria and have earned a grade of A- in Physics I-A.

Description: Chemistry I is a one-year survey of the basic structure and properties of matter and energy. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of atomic theory, periodicity, chemical formulas and nomenclature, the mole concept, stoichiometry, phases of matter, gas laws, solutions, chemical bonding, and acids and bases. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities and laboratory mathematical applications.
Chemistry I-A

CHEMISTRY I
Grade 10
#522 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successul completion of Physics I-A and/or be granted departmental approval.

Description: Chemistry I is a one-year survey of the basic structure and properties of matter and energy. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of atomic theory, periodicity, chemical formulas and nomenclature, the mole concept, stoichiometry, phases of matter, gas laws, solutions, chemical bonding, and acids and bases. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities and laboratory mathematical applications. The accelerated level challenges students to develop and enhance problem-solving skills and fundamentally integrate theory and mathematical application.
Chemistry I-CP

CHEMISTRY I
#523 College Preparatory
Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to successfully complete Physics I and one semester of Algebra I.

Description: Chemistry I is a one-year survey of the basic structure and properties of matter and energy. Students gain an understanding of this physical science through exploration of atomic theory, periodicity, chemical formulas and nomenclature, the mole concept, stoichiometry, phases of matter, gas laws, solutions, chemical bonding, and acids and bases. Traditional lecture is integrated with demonstrations, problem solving activities and laboratory mathematical applications. The college prep level is more a conceptual approach with limited mathematical application.
Biology I-H

BIOLOGY I
Grade 11
#534 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to maintain an average of B- in Chemistry I-H. Consideration will be given to students who have earned a grade of A- Chemistry I-A.

Description: This is a one-year survey of the numerous fields of biology with the goal of basic scientific literacy. Students will develop a basic understanding and appreciation for living things through their study of basic cytology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, genetics, classification, microbiology, botany, zoology, and human anatomy and physiology. Traditional lecture will be integrated with discovery learning, problem solving/application techniques, cooperative learning, group work sequence, internet use, and laboratory experiments. Honors and accelerated levels differ by the pace and depth of content covered.
Biology I-A

BIOLOGY I
Grade 11
#535 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry I-A or Chemistry I-CP

Description: This is a one-year survey of the numerous fields of biology with the goal of basic scientific literacy. Students will develop a basic understanding and appreciation for living things through their study of basic cytology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, genetics, classification, microbiology, botany, zoology, and human anatomy and physiology. Traditional lecture will be integrated with discovery learning, problem solving/application techniques, cooperative learning, group work sequence, internet use, and laboratory experiments. Honors and accelerated levels differ by the pace and depth of content covered.
AP Biology

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

Grade 11 and Grade 12
#540 Advanced Placement

Full Year

Prerequisites: Rising juniors are expected to have earned an average of B+ in Chemistry I-H and/or be granted departmental approval. Rising seniors are expected to have earned an average of B+ in Biology I-H and/or be granted departmental approval.

Description: This course is a one-year comprehensive college level study of biology. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of the main biological concepts: evolution and the diversity of life, energy in biological systems, interaction of living systems and complexity of living things. The course combines lecture with double laboratory periods to allow for inquiry beyond basic lab skills. The course is recommended for students interested in a biology major or related career. All students that complete this course are required to take the AP Biology Exam.
AP Chemistry

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Grades 10-12
#550 Advanced Placement
Full Year

Prerequisites: Rising 10^th graders are expected to have earned an average grade of B- in AP Physics 1 or a 95% in Physics I-Honors and/or be granted departmental approval. Rising 11^th and 12^th graders are expected to have earned an average grade of B+ in Chemistry I-H or scored a 610 on the SAT II in Chemistry, and/or be granted departmental approval.

Description: This course is a one-year college level study of matter and measurements, formulas and equations, thermochemistry, gas laws, quantum mechanics, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, kinetics, precipitation reactions, acid base chemistry, oxidation reduction reactions, and nuclear reactions. This course combines lecture with problem solving activities and schedules double laboratory periods. All students who take this course are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam.
AP Environmental Science

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grade 12

#548 Advanced Placement

Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have earned an average grade of B in Biology I-H and Chemistry I-H or A- in Biology I-A and Chemistry I-A along with departmental approval.

Description: This course is a one year course designed to study the workings of the earth’s unique ecosystem and the living things that inhabit this planet. In addition, humans’ effect on the planet will be studied along with new ways that we can be stewards of the planet. The course would be similar to a one semester college level course on environmental science. The lab component will be used to reinforce these concepts as well as expose students to techniques not encountered in other courses.
AP Physics C

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C
Grade 12
#560 Advanced Placement

Full Year

Prerequisites: Students need to have earned a B+ in Physics I-H or a B+ in Chemistry I-H and must be enrolled in a calculus course concurrently and/or be granted departmental approval.

Description: This a one-year college level course which integrates calculus in order to investigate concepts Physics I on a more analytic level. The course concentrates in the field of classical mechanics with some electricity and magnetism concepts introduced. This course combines lecture, problem solving activities and laboratory experiments carried out during scheduled double lab periods. This course is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences. All students who take this course are required to take the AP C (mechanics) Physics exam.
Biochemistry-H

BIOCHEMISTRY

Grade 12
#541 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have earned an average of B- in Biology I Honors and Chemistry I Honors or an B+ in Biology I Accelerated and Chemistry I Accelerated and be granted departmental approval.

Description: This course is a one year comprehensive study of topics including: molecular design of life, protein conformation (dynamics and function), metabolic energy, biosynthesis of macromolecules, and gene replication/expression and repair. Students will build upon the foundation of knowledge from Biology I and Chemistry I. This course combines lecture with group work, research activities, and laboratory investigations.
Forensics, Psychology, and 21st Century Science Topics-A

FORENSICS, PSYCHOLOGY, & 21st CENTURY SCIENCE TOPICS
Grade 12
#546 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: None

Description: Forensics, Psychology, & 21st Century Science Topics is a one-year, mixed-topic life science course designed to guide students in discerning scientific topics that are common foci and career fields in today’s society. The students will explore topics such as climate change, biotechnology, forensics, and psychology. The content of the course is designed to be flexible so that some topics can adapt to follow the students’ interests and include new scientific topics that may become relevant. Through learning about these topics, students will not only develop educated viewpoints in relevant science, but also acquire skills that will allow them to be educated consumers of scientific information.
Human Anatomy and Physiology-H

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Grade 12
#543 Honors
Full Year
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have earned an average of B- in Biology I Honors or a B+ in Biology I Accelerated and be granted departmental approval.
Description: This course is a one-year comprehensive course that provides the student with an understanding of the structure and function of the human organism. The student will review basic cytology, histology, and biochemistry and expand his knowledge through the study of systemic anatomy and physiology. Exercise physiology, nutrition, medical and allied health science contexts will be explored. This course combines lecture with case studies, scientific literature, research activities and laboratory work. Multiple organ dissections will be completed in preparation for a full mammal dissection as part of the laboratory curriculum.
Intro to Engineering-A

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
Grade 12
#563 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have a test average of B- in their current honors level math and physics courses and an B or better test average in their current accelerated level math and physics courses.

Description: Introduction to Engineering is the study of forces in equilibrium. It is part of the discipline known as Mechanics. The goal of this course is to help students master the concepts associated with bodies in equilibrium and develop the necessary mathematical skills needed to predict the conditions of rest an object subjected to various forces. This course is intended to provide a solid foundation for students planning to major in the physical sciences, applied sciences and engineering who will need to take an applied physics course in college.
Marine Science-A

MARINE SCIENCE

Grade 12

# 544 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: none

Description: Marine Science offers an experience in geological, physical, chemical and biological ocean sciences. Lab based research will investigate ocean structure, chemistry (nutrient cycling), water circulation, weather principles, undersea exploration and coastal ecology. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between humans and the sea and the results of that relationship; pollution, habitat loss and fishing. Focus is placed on lab skills, calculating and graphing data, and independent and collaborative lab work.
Science Research & Capstone-H

SCIENCE RESEARCH & CAPSTONE

Grade 12

#551 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have earned an average grade of B- in Biology I-H or A- in Biology I-A. This course has an application process through the science department in order to obtain departmental approval.

Description: This course provides students the time and mentorship needed for students to pursue individual passions and experimentation in science. Students will be exposed to the field of long-term research through literature reviews, research design, data analysis, writing, and presentation of final results/product. Examples of the final product include a 30-45 minute presentation, 10-15 page paper, and in some cases an original model. Students will learn techniques in the fall that will help them in their research design and implementation in the subsequent months. This is an honors-level course that will receive AP weight because of the workload associated with the class.

Faculty

Sean Gunning '11

Boston University - B.A.
Boston College - M.Ed.

sgunning@xbhs.com

2015
Bio
Mr. Sean Gunning ’11 joined the faculty in the 2015-2016 school year, currently serving as chair of the Science Department. Mr. Gunning has taught grade 7 and 8 science, biology, AP biology, and the Science Research & Capstone class. He also coaches FXD basketball and FXD baseball. Mr. Gunning holds a B.A. in biology and psychology from Boston University, a M.Ed. from Boston College, and a graduate certificate in STEM education from Bridgewater State University. He is currently working towards a M.S. in biological sciences through Clemson University.
Stephen Dacey '95

Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning

Stonehill College - B.S.
Boston College - M.Ed.
Boston College - Ed.D.

sdacey@xbhs.com

2003
Karen Flint

Science Teacher

California State University - B.S.

kflint@xbhs.com

2021
Bio
Mrs. Karen Flint joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Flint holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. Prior to Xaverian, she taught high school science at Saint Raphael Academy.
Ryan Howard

St. Francis College - B.S.
Boston College - M.S.
Boston College - M.Ed.

rhoward@xbhs.com

2002
Bio
Mr. Ryan Howard joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2002-2003 school year. Prior to joining Xaverian, he graduated from Saint Francis University with a B.S. in chemistry and also obtained a master’s in chemistry and a master’s in education from Boston College. He has published both scientific and educational research articles in various journals and presented at the National Science Teachers Association national meeting regarding 21st century learning in science.Mr. Howard is presently the Director of Xaverian’s X-Ploration center, and co-moderates the ski club, Hawk News, and is active in campus ministry. Mr. Howard was named the 2023 Ryken Award Winner, and in 2024 was a winner of the the FACTS Teacher Innovation Award, a national competition with only five winners selected each year.
James McPhillips

Northeastern University - M.A.T.
Northeastern University - B.S.

jmcphillips@xbhs.com

1996
Bio
Mr. James McPhillips ’86 joined the Xaverian faculty in 1996. Prior to Xaverian, he taught for five years at Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston. He has a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University.

Mr. McPhillips has coached football and serves as an assistant baseball coach.
Luke Murray

Long Island University - B.A.

lmurray@xbhs.com

2017
Bio
Mr. Luke Murray joined the Xaverian community during the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Murray has taught both the FXD 7 and FXD 8 science classes. He also coaches the FXD soccer, FXD basketball, and JV lacrosse at Xaverian. Mr. Murray obtained his bachelor's degree in education from C.W. Post University. Prior to Xaverian, he taught at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School and Christa McAuliffe Charter School.
Bradford O'Brien

University of Massachusetts - Boston - M.A.
McDaniel College - B.A.

bobrien@xbhs.com

2023
Heather Osborne

University of Rhode Island - M.S.
Connecticut College - B.A.

hosborne@xbhs.com

2022
Catherine Sciortino

St. Joseph's University - B.S.
Providence College - M.Ed

csciortino@xbhs.com

2020
Bio
Ms. Catherine Sciortino joined the Xaverian Faculty in 2020 and teaches science in the Francis Xavier Division and in the high school. She currently acts as the A.I. Coordinator, serves on the coaching staff for FXD baseball, and is the head coach of FXD golf. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Biology from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA in 2017 and her Masters of Education from Providence College in 2020 as a member of the PACT program.
John Tassinari

University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth - M.S.
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth - B.S.

jtassinari@xbhs.com

2009
Bio
Mr. John Tassinari joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. Tassinari received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science with a concentration in physics from UMass Dartmouth. After receiving his master’s degree, Mr. Tassinari served as a Ph.D. research candidate in astrophysics at Clemson University via the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona, focusing on gamma ray burst theory. Mr. Tassinari also serves as a science club and chess team moderator, and is a coach for FXD baseball.
Mark Watson

University of New Hampshire - M.S.
Southern Connecticut State University - B.S.

mwatson@xbhs.com

2022
Bio
Mr. Mark Watson joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2022-2023 school year. He comes to Xaverian from LaSalle Academy in Providence, where he was the science department chair and yearbook advisor, and taught biology, environmental science, oceanography, and AP Biology for 15 years. He has a B.S. from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s in fish biology from University of Rhode Island, and master’s in zoology from the University of New Hampshire.
Hannah White

Tufts University - B.S.
Tufts University - M.A.T.

hwhite@xbhs.com

2022
Bio
Ms. Hannah White joined the Xaverian faculty in 2022. She teaches biology and chemistry and serves as the varsity ultimate frisbee coach. Prior to Xaverian, Ms. White taught at Revere High School for four years. She has a B.S. in biology and a M.A. in teaching, both from Tufts University.