Science

Opportunities in Science

Our science courses are designed to move beyond basic memorization to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis and a deeper understanding of the physical world around us. At Henry Clay, we offer a diversified STEM education through traditional course in biology, chemistry and physics as well as specialized extensions beyond the core that include medical connections, an engineering pathway and more. We offer a robust collection of AP offerings for those who are college bound in science fields. These include AP Physics and AP Environmental Science for first year students with prerequisites and AP Biology and AP Chemistry as second year courses. These courses strengthen a student's preparation when coupled with Henry Clay's allied health pathway and engineering pathway. Students interested in exploring science and preparing for the next level whether that be college or industry have no shortage of opportunity to succeed.

Core Areas of the Science Department

Biology - This area is the scientific study of life and living organisms, ranging from microscopic molecules and cells to complex ecosystems and the entire biosphere. It investigates the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things, encompassing specialized fields like zoology, botany, genetics and ecology.
Chemistry - This area is the scientific study of matter—its composition, structure, properties, and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. As a physical science known as the "central science" for connecting physics with other natural sciences like biology and geology, it investigates how atoms and molecules interact and transform.
Physics - This area is the fundamental science studying matter, energy, space, and time to understand how the universe behaves, from subatomic particles to galaxies. It explores basic laws governing motion, forces (gravity, electromagnetism), and energy transformations. This field enables technological advancements like electronics, medicine (MRI), and engineering.

Meet the Teachers

MARIO AGUIRRE

BS Microbiology - Texas El Paso

MA Education - Eastern Kentucky

2 Years at Henry Clay (7 teaching total)

Currently teaches IntroChemistry & Forensic Science

Formerly worked as lab analyst searching for the presence of pathogens in leafy greens

TIM BAILIE

BA Chemistry/Spanish - Asbury

MA Education - Eastern Kentucky

19 Years at Henry Clay (19 teaching total)

Currently teaches Engineering & Drones

Sponsors Engineering Club, Go Green Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes; GT Endorsement

DANIEL BURTON

BS Physics/Math - Morehead State

MA Education - Morehead State

6 Years at Henry Clay (12 teaching total)

Currently teaches AP Physics and Advanced Physics

National Board Certification & Collaborates with NRAO (National Radio Astronomy Observatory)

EMILY CONNER

BS Biology - Eastern Kentucky

MS Biology - Eastern Kentucky

MAT Education - Eastern Kentucky

8 Years at Henry Clay (8 teaching total)

Currently teaches IntroBiology & IntroPhysics

Sponsors Key Club; former instructor for clinical microbiology labs at EKU during graduate studies

JOHN DARKO

BA Philosophy - Kentucky

MAT STEM Education - Kentucky

2 Years at Henry Clay (2 teaching total)

Currently teaches Robotics & IntroPhysics

Sponsors the Chess Club & Robotics Club; former construction contractor

ADAM DAVIS

BS Biology - Kentucky

MA Education - Kentucky

MA Gifted Education - Eastern KY

19 Years at Henry Clay (24 teaching total)

Currently teaches AP Biology, Academy Biology and Adv/IntroBiology

LIZ INMAN

BS Psychobiology- Centre

MAT Education - Brown

6 Years at Henry Clay (21 teaching total)

Currently teaches Anatomy, Adv/IntroBiology and Medical Terminology

Working toward National Board Certification

JAMES JACK

BA Anthropology/Education - University of California Santa Cruz

MA Education - Cumberlands

2 Years at Henry Clay (24 teaching total)

Currently teaches IntroPhysics

Co-Sponsors Model UN

BETHANY KLUG

BA Music/STEM - Kentucky

MAT STEM Education - Kentucky

2 Years at Henry Clay (2 teaching total)

Currently teaches IntroChemistry

ELIZABETH ROYSE

BA Biology/Education - Kentucky

MA Education - Kentucky

MS Biology - Mississippi State

4 Years at Henry Clay (19 teaching total)

Currently teaches AP Environmental Science and Adv/IntroBiology

ANN-MARIE SPOONAMORE

BA Biology - Georgetown College

MA Education - Cumberlands

13 Years at Henry Clay (13 teaching total)

Currently teaches Microbiology, Heredity and Adv/IntroBiology

Assistant Athletic Director

CAROLINE THORNBURY

BS Chemistry - Kentucky

MAT STEM Education - Kentucky

4 Years at Henry Clay (4 teaching total)

Currently teaches AP Chemistry and Adv/IntroChemistry

EL Certificate & former analytical chemist for pharmaceutical industry

JOE RATLIFF

BS Biology/Chemistry - Morehead

MA Education - Kentucky

30 Years at Henry Clay (30 teaching total)

Currently teaches Academy Chemistry and Adv/Intro Chemistry

Department Chair, Assistant Athletic Director, Assistant Tennis Coach, Graduation Coordinator & Co-Sponsors National Honor Society; former quality control analyst for a biotech company

Core Course Sequences

General Sequence

9 - Intro Physics

10 - Intro Chemistry

11 - Intro Biology

Hybrid Sequence (college prep)

9 - Intro Physics

10 - Advanced Biology

11 - Advanced Chemistry

Advanced Sequence (college prep)

9 - Advanced Biology

10 - Advanced Chemistry

11 - Advanced or AP Physics

Electives

Anatomy

Forensics

Heredity

Microbiology

Engineering

Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

Robotics

3-D Printing

AP Biology

AP Chemistry

AP Physics

AP Environmental Science

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