CENS
Dr. LouEllen Brademan, Director
(Biographical Information)
CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL SCIENCES PHILOSOPHY
The Center for Environmental & Natural Sciences (CENS) at Freedom High School offers a rigorous 4-year program of studies designed to include strong laboratory and field investigation components. The curriculum is integrated with other educational disciplines so that students gain an understanding of the relationships between environmental and natural sciences and these disciplines, as well as appreciate its connection with every day life.
The program emphasizes interactive science research and projects that make use of the on-site CENS lab, greenhouse, aquarium, diverse habitats, and wet pond. Students participate in co-curricular and extra curricular activities, including community service, and will become involved with business and community partnerships that enhance their understanding of environmental and natural sciences. The program of studies includes a sequence of required CENS science courses, Pre-AP/AP English and social studies classes, and a strong mathematics sequence.
CENS APPLICATIONS
Applications for the 2008-09 school year have been posted on the CENS website page under CENS Files. Applications will also be available at our CENS Information Nights scheduled for Thursday, November 29th and Thursday, January 17th. CENS Information Nights are held at Freedom HS at 7:00 pm in room 1164.
RESOURCES
- CENS Laboratory and Cooperative Learning Rooms
- Mobile Computer Lab
- Outdoor Greenhouse
- Aquarium
- CD-ROM and Internet Programs
- Interactive Environmental Projects and Labs
- Business and Community Partnerships
- On-Site Wet Pond & Diverse Habitats
- Environmental Chamber
- Native Habitat Trail
CENS REQUIREMENTS
Completion of the CENS course of study will enable students to meet the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma and Center for Environmental & Natural Sciences Certificate.
CENS HONORS REQUIREMENTS
To earn the CENS Honors Certificate and Medal, the following requirements must be met:
- The science strand with at least 7 science credits and a minimum grade of B in each class. The classes will include CENS Advanced Earth Science, CENS Pre-AP Biology, CENS Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and CENS Science Electives
- The CENS Pre-AP English and Pre-AP/AP Social Studies Program – 9th and 10th grades
- Senior Independent Research Credit or an AP science class (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
- 100 hours of extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including community service, that support the goals and objectives of the CENS program
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA (B)
CENS MERIT REQUIREMENTS
To earn the CENS Merit Certificate, the following requirements must be met:
- The science strand with at least 5 science credits and a minimum grade of C+ in each class. The classes will include CENS Earth Science, CENS Biology, CENS (Pre AP) Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and CENS science electives
- The CENS Pre-AP English and Pre-AP/AP Social Studies Program - 9th or 10th grade
- Senior Independent Research Credit, AP science class, or a CENS Science Elective
- 60 hours of extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including community service, that support the goals and objectives of the CENS program
- Maintain a 2.4 GPA (C+)
CENS PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
To earn the CENS Certificate of Participation, the following requirements must be met:
- The science strand with at least 4 science credits and a minimum grade of C in each class. The classes will include CENS Earth Science, CENS Biology, CENS (Pre AP) Chemistry or Chemistry I, and one (** or two) of the following: AP Environmental Science or a CENS science elective.
- 30 hours of extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including community service, that support the goals and objectives of the CENS program
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA (C)
* CENS Science Electives include AP science classes
** In order to be classified as a CENS student, you must be enrolled in at least one CENS science class per year. Chemistry I is NOT considered a CENS science class.
