Select A Department

Science - CHS

  • Anatomy

    The Anatomy and Physiology course at CHS has been specially designed as a laboratory based, year-long elective that will investigate the form and function of the major organ systems of the human body with an understanding of the process at the cellular, tissue, and organ system levels. Students will gain a sense of competence through lectures, dissections and other laboratory exercises, videos, computer simulations and research activities.

  • AP Biology

    This course is designed to be an equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their freshman year.  The two main goals are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience through experimentation and inquiry.  The students will study all levels of biology in greater depth and detail than other courses such as organic molecules, cellular structure and function, biochemistry of respiration and photosynthesis, the mechanics of cell division, genetics, DNA and protein synthesis, evolution, structure and function of plant and animal systems, and ecology. Students achieve scientific literacy as they research and learn about new discoveries and techniques in the field of biotechnology. Laboratory investigations integrate the newest data collection and analyzing tools to explore hands on the processes that make Biology the amazing field it is. 

  • AP Chemistry

    This course is designed to be an equivalent to a college introductory Chemistry course, usually taken by chemistry majors during their freshman year. The two main goals are to develop a conceptual framework for advanced topics in chemistry and to gain experience through experimentation and inquiry using the latest data collection and analyzing tools similar to those used in today’s industry. The students will study all levels of chemistry in greater depth that in the 10th grade Chemistry course such as: structure of matter, atomic theory and periodicity, and continues with subjects such as gas behavior, solutions, acids and bases, energy of reaction, and rate of reactions.

  • AP Physics

    AP® Physics 1 is an algebra-based course in general physics, the topics presented during the course closely follow those outline by the College Board and also mirrors an introductory level university physics course. AP Physics 1 is organized around six big ideas that bring together the fundamental science principles and theories of general physics. These big ideas are intended to encourage students to think about physics concepts as interconnected pieces of a puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is how the real world around them actually works. The students will participate in inquiry-based explorations of these topics to gain a more conceptual understanding of the physics concepts.

  • Biology

    This biology course in the 11th grade is designed for the mature high school student who possesses a fundamental knowledge of Ecology, Physics and Chemistry, to be applied towards the study of Biology. Students will explore concepts into the nature of life, biochemistry of living things and the emerging field of genetics and biotechnology. Each student will have the opportunity to use the latest data collection and analysis tools through laboratory exercises that will not only explore the concept at hand but requires students to use critical thinking skills as they analyze their data and explain their results.  Basic concepts studied through the year include: cell physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and classification. The course also offers insights as to Puerto Rico’s ecology and the problems it currently faces. 

  • Biology Honor

    This biology course in the 11th grade is designed for the mature high school student who possesses a fundamental knowledge of Ecology, Physics and Chemistry, to be applied towards the study of Biology. Students will explore concepts into the nature of life, biochemistry of living things and the emerging field of genetics and biotechnology. Each student will have the opportunity to use the latest data collection and analysis tools through laboratory exercises that will not only explore the concept at hand but requires students to use critical thinking skills as they analyze their data and explain their results.  Basic concepts studied through the year include: cell physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and classification. The course also offers insights as to Puerto Rico’s ecology and the problems it currently faces. 

  • Chemistry

    This is a college preparatory course that focuses in the organization of matter and inorganic chemical reactions.  It begins with a theoretical approach to the structure of matter, atomic theory and periodicity, and continues with subjects such as gas behavior, solutions, acids and bases, energy of reaction, and rate of reactions.  Practical applications are emphasized in the course to develop interest in the subject, and to create awareness as to how chemistry affects our everyday lives, as well as to how it is environmentally and historically relevant.  The student’s ability to reason logically, create their own experiments, gather data, and solve chemical problems by means of generalized formulas is developed through laboratory investigation as they apply the latest data collection and analyzing tools.

  • Chemistry Honor

    This is a college preparatory course that focuses in the organization of matter and inorganic chemical reactions.  It begins with a theoretical approach to the structure of matter, atomic theory and periodicity, and continues with subjects such as gas behavior, solutions, acids and bases, energy of reaction, and rate of reactions.  Practical applications are emphasized in the course to develop interest in the subject, and to create awareness as to how chemistry affects our everyday lives, as well as to how it is environmentally and historically relevant.  The student’s ability to reason logically, create their own experiments, gather data, and solve chemical problems by means of generalized formulas is developed through laboratory investigation as they apply the latest data collection and analyzing tools.

  • Forensic Science

    This course will provide the students with an overview of the field of forensic science.  Various disciplines will be discussed in the context of a hypothetical crime.  The unifying principles of forensic science will be outlined, the rooting of forensic science in the pure sciences will be explored, and the students will be introduced to the unique ways a forensic scientist must think.  We will also discuss the experimental method and perform labs to teach crime scene investigation techniques as used by real crime scene investigators and forensic scientists.  Through these investigations, it will be shown that in order to uncover the missing links of crimes, forensic scientists need a working knowledge of almost every science.

  • Int Scie 8 Honor

    The integrated science course is the culmination of courses taken by the middle schools students (physical science being the first one). The students will continue mastering the scientific method, laboratory techniques and safety, and the metric system. Students will continue to explore, manipulate, and apply the concepts that they will be learning, enriching the course in a way that makes science exciting and fun. Great emphasis is placed on the scientific method, tools, and procedures. Students will be required to perform pre and post laboratory reports to allow them to obtain the most from each laboratory exercise. The science department at Commonwealth High School strives to provide our students with the skills needed to succeed in future courses and in life by forging responsible, intuitive, and environmentally cognizant citizens of the world.

  • Integrated Science 8

    The integrated science course is the culmination of courses taken by the middle schools students (physical science being the first one). The students will continue mastering the scientific method, laboratory techniques and safety, and the metric system. Students will continue to explore, manipulate, and apply the concepts that they will be learning, enriching the course in a way that makes science exciting and fun. Great emphasis is placed on the scientific method, tools, and procedures. Students will be required to perform pre and post laboratory reports to allow them to obtain the most from each laboratory exercise. The science department at Commonwealth High School strives to provide our students with the skills needed to succeed in future courses and in life by forging responsible, intuitive, and environmentally cognizant citizens of the world.

  • Physical Science 7

    The middle school integrated science courses are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop scientific thought, as well as an in depth look into environmental, earth, and space science. During the first year, the course includes an introduction to the Physical Sciences as well as the applications of the scientific method as a problem solving technique indispensable in the field. Each unit includes real life connections and lab investigations to allow students to incorporate science as a part of their everyday lives. After these two years of integrated science, students will have the necessary skills to succeed in future high school courses, like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and have scientific 

  • Physical Science 8

    The middle school integrated science courses are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop scientific thought, as well as an in depth look into environmental, earth, and space science. During the first year, the course includes an introduction to the Physical Sciences as well as the applications of the scientific method as a problem solving technique indispensable in the field. Each unit includes real life connections and lab investigations to allow students to incorporate science as a part of their everyday lives. After these two years of integrated science, students will have the necessary skills to succeed in future high school courses, like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and have scientific 

  • Physics

    This course is created based on the idea that science is a process of exploration and discovery.  It focuses on the study of matter, energy and the applications that it has in our daily lives.  The course is designed to meet the diversity of students learning styles.  This is accomplished through the learning of concepts, understanding of graphs, engaging narratives and visuals, multimedia presentations, the use of math and formulas to solve problems and through the experiments performed in the laboratory.  The laboratory experiments not only give the student a complete understanding of the concepts but also a visual and practical idea as to how the physics concepts and formulas studied in class are applied. The honors course is designed to prepare the students who plan to pursue a major in science, engineer, architecture, etc.  The applications of the theories and mathematical problems are given at a higher level.  The regular program focuses more on the practical aspect of the theories and math problems.  The horizons course is taught making the necessary accommodations for each student’s individual needs.

  • Physics Honor

    This course is created based on the idea that science is a process of exploration and discovery.  It focuses on the study of matter, energy and the applications that it has in our daily lives.  The course is designed to meet the diversity of students learning styles.  This is accomplished through the learning of concepts, understanding of graphs, engaging narratives and visuals, multimedia presentations, the use of math and formulas to solve problems and through the experiments performed in the laboratory.  The laboratory experiments not only give the student a complete understanding of the concepts but also a visual and practical idea as to how the physics concepts and formulas studied in class are applied. The honors course is designed to prepare the students who plan to pursue a major in science, engineer, architecture, etc.  The applications of the theories and mathematical problems are given at a higher level.  The regular program focuses more on the practical aspect of the theories and math problems.  The horizons course is taught making the necessary accommodations for each student’s individual needs.

Faculty

  • Parkville Campus
    GRADES PPK-6
    PARKVILLE ALABAMA ST. | GUAYNABO, PR 00969  
    TEL: (787) 720-3992  | FAX: (787) 272-8150
  • Commonwealth Campus
    GRADES 7-12
    URB. ROOSEVELT 100 CASTILLO ST. | SAN JUAN, PR 00918
    TEL: (787) 765-4411 | FAX: (787) 764-3809
PARKVILLE ALABAMA ST.  
GUAYNABO, PR 00969  
TEL: (787) 720-3992  • FAX: (787) 272-8150
ROOSEVELT 100 CASTILLO ST.  
SAN JUAN, PR 00918  
TEL: (787) 765-4411  • FAX: (787) 764 3809
Commonwealth-Parkville School | A Private College Preparatory school located in two separate campuses Elementary School (Grades PPK-6) in Guaynabo and Middle and High School (Grades 7-12) in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.