Philosophy/Objectives

The Science department at Oakland Catholic strives to provide high quality science experiences for students of all ability levels. Students learn science best when laboratory experiences enhance their understanding of the science discipline. The science department provides hands on laboratory experiences in all science classes. With a wide variety of electives at all ability and interest levels, most students at Oakland Catholic take four years of science. With a strong foundation in the sciences, Oakland Catholic graduates are prepared to be scientifically literate citizens.

Course Offerings

• CP Biology I
• Honors Biology I
• CP Chemistry I
• Honors Chemistry I
• CP Physics
• Honors Physics
• CP Anatamoy/Physiology
• Honors Biology II
• Honors Chemistry II
• College Equivalency Chemistry (University of Pittsburgh)
• College Equivalency Physics (University of Pittsburgh)
• AP Biology
• Electronic Data Collection and Analysis (1/2 credit)

Instructors

Mrs. Lori Adler is a member of the math and science departments at OC. She received her BA in Physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forest University. She is currently teaching CP Physics, CP Algebra I and Honors Algebra I.

Mrs. Loraine Benedik is a summa cum laude graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Biology Education and obtained her Master’s degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She teaches CP Biology I, Honors Biology I, Honors Biology 2 and AP Biology. Mrs. Benedik is the secretary of the Western Pennsylvania Biology Teachers Association and is the moderator of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and the Student Council at Oakland Catholic.

Ms. Melissa Franks graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Biology Education. During college Ms. Franks spent a semester at the University of Worcester, UK. Previous to teaching at Oakland Catholic, Ms. Franks spent 3 years in mental health field. Ms. Franks teaches Biology as well as Health.

Mr. Eric Huber teaches College Preparatory Chemistry at Oakland Catholic. Mr. Huber graduated from La Roche College with a BS in Chemistry. He is also the owner of a water treatment business and shares his knowledge of the chemical treatment of drinking water with our students.

Mr. James Lear graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has earned both Biology and Physics teaching certifications. Mr. Lear teaches all levels of Physics and Electronic Data Collection and Analysis.

Mr. Thomas G. Rostek teaches Honors Chemistry I and II plus CE Chemistry, California University of PA 1968, Masters 1975. He has 36 years of teaching in the public school system, 25 years at CCAC night classes, and three summers at CMU with PGSS. His hobbies include swimming, backpacking and chess.

Ms. Mary Mosley teaches Anatomy and Physiology to our juniors and seniors. Ms. Mosley earned her BS degree from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She previously taught at Serra Catholic High School.