Physical Science

This introductory course relies heavily on demonstrations and projects to capture the interest of our younger cadets. An attempt is made to minimize the use of math, concentrating instead on the concepts of physics and chemistry.

Biology

A comparative study of anatomical structures of both invertebrate and vertebrate animal phyla. This course provides the opportunity to use the scientific methods in experiments that explore living and preserved specimens. Additionally, it provides a basic foundation of biological and scientific skills that will be used in other related courses.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behavior of matter. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting these interactions. The program is laboratory oriented and stresses observation, classification and manipulation of chemical behavior.

Conceptual Physics

This course is designed for cadets who have demonstrated a previous weakness in math. It covers major concepts in both physics and chemistry with special emphasis on math and the scientific methodology. Upon completion of this course, cadets should be mathematically prepared to make the transition into either physics or chemistry.

Physics

A trig-based course in Newtonian statics and dynamics that introduces cadets to vector math and the study of forces. The program is a balanced approach among lectures, demonstrations, labs, and problem solving. Upon completion, cadets will be well prepared for college level physics.

Astronomy

A conceptual-based course studying the structure of the universe from the big bang to its ultimate fate. Approximately one lab assignment is assigned per week with nighttime observations occasionally scheduled. Topics covered include: a historical view of astronomy from the ancients to the renaissance, the development of modern astronomical science from Newton, Kepler and others, the structure and formation of the solar system and the structure and life cycle of the stars.

Environmental Science

A comprehensive course that incorporates lessons from physical, life and biological sciences. Topics covered include: human populations, ecology, biodiversity, geology, food resources, water resources and many others.

Honors, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Courses

The biology honors class is designed for cadets who have excellent reading, comprehension and study skills. Instruction emphasizes laboratory investigation, independent research and analysis.

Advanced placement science courses are designed to prepare cadets for the AP exams. Cadets passing these exams with a three, four, or five will receive college credit. MMA offers the following science AP courses:

• Chemistry AP is designed to be equivalent to a first-year chemistry college course. Cadets will obtain an in-depth understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competency in dealing with chemical problems.

• Physics AP is designed for cadets who wish to major in a scientific-related field. Cadets in this course will obtain a fundamental knowledge of the principles of motion, forces, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, energy and modern physics.

Kathleen Charrey

Department Chair
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 701
Email: charrey@MMA-TX.org
        
Kathleen Charrey received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sam Houston State University in 1992 and subsequently joined on as a laboratory sciences assistant instructor. During this time, she completed her master’s degree in cell biology and began a career as a research associate in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. The teaching field called her back, however, and Mrs. Charrey returned to the classroom in 1997 at MMA. She completed her education coursework at the University of Texas, and in 2001 earned certification in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics. Mrs. Charrey has special interests in microbiology, rock collecting and geology, and is a member of the American Chemical Society.

David Allen
Teacher, Science
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 702
Email: allen@MMA-TX.org

Mr. Allen received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M in 1980. He spent five years at the Laguna Madre Shrimp Farm in Bayview, TX, as a hatchery biologist before taking his first teaching position at the San Benito High School in 1988.

In 1996, he joined the MMA faculty as a chemistry and biology teacher.

Kevin Coleman
Teacher, Science
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 710
Email: coleman@MMA-TX.org

Mr. Coleman completed his undergraduate work at the University of South Florida and the University of Texas-Pan American, graduating Cum Laude from the latter with degrees in physics and mathematics and has his research work published in Physical Review.

Next, he pursued his Master's in Physics from New Mexico State University. He was a National Science Foundation Fellow for two years working with middle and high school teachers in Las Cruces, New Mexico, strengthening their content knowledge and exploring ways to better present science concepts to potential young scientists.

Mr. Coleman has taught undergraduate level courses in physics and mathematics at New Mexico State as well as at Las Cruces-area junior colleges before joining the  Marine Military Academy.       

Max Torres
Teacher, Science
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 0
Email: mtorres@MMA-TX.org

South Texas native Max Torres has 26 years of teaching experience plus an additional six in school administration, and a passion for helping students maximize their success through various learning strategies. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Education, coupled with his vast knowledge of the ecosystems unique of the Rio Grande Valley, he brings a wealth of personal experience to the classroom.

Mr. Torres first joined the Marine Military Academy in 1986, and returned in 2010.