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Science
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Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Biology CP
Chemistry CP
Physics CP
Anatomy & Physiology H
Biology H
Chemistry H
Physics H
AP Biology
AP Biology
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
Astronomy CP
Biotechnology & Forensic Science H
Energy & the Environment H
Marine Biology CP
Physics CP
Physics H
Earth Science CP
Medicinal Chemistry H
The Science Department offers a variety of courses in the biological and physical sciences. All courses are activity and laboratory oriented with the intent that each student becomes the center of the learning process. The underlying objective of all courses is to give student the opportunity to gain a better understanding of self and environment and to recognize the role of science in the development of society. Prerequisites and recommendations are indicated to enable each student to choose a course level consistent with ability and past achievement.
Honors Level: Students in honors level science classes are expected to complete work in a more independent manner. The pace of the class is quicker, and the curriculum is covered to a greater depth. For mathematical problems, students are expected to be able to apply formulas to new scenarios. Tests and other assessments are more challenging and demand more critical thinking and inference from students. Students are expected to work independently during laboratory assignments.
College Prep: Students in CP level science classes are expected to also complete high-level work, but with more assistance. The pace is geared towards a deep understanding of specific topics. For mathematical problems, students are able to use reference sheets to a greater extent. Students are supported more during critical thinking- and inference-based problems and questions. In the lab, students are supported more in order to complete assignments.
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Grade 9 Science Courses
Biology, 5.00 cr.
412 – college prep
This college prep level course covers all the major topics of a first-year biology course which includes cell structure and function, ecology, genetics, evolution, organism structure and function and the molecular basis for life. Students regularly solve problems, analyze data and perform lab work. Cooperative learning is encouraged as is independent study. Students will take the MCAS exam in June. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
Biology, 5.00 cr.
410 – honors
This fast paced, in depth, honors level course emphasizes biological content, reasoning and analytical skills. The major topics covered include cell structure and function, ecology, genetics, evolution, organism structure and function and the molecular basis for life. Laboratory work is performed regularly. Students are required to read a considerable amount, write, and solve problems independently. Students will take the MCAS exam in June. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
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Grade 10 Science Course
Chemistry, 5.00 cr.
420 – honors
This honors level course is intended for those students who have demonstrated a high ability and motivation in science and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on activities of observation and experimentation as the basis for all learning of chemistry. Concepts presented include: the behavior of gases; atomic structure and theory; chemical reactions; chemical bonding; equilibria; acidity and basicity. A student is expected to develop the necessary skills and habits which will enable him/her to independently investigate and interpret laboratory experimentation. Classes include lecture, discussion and laboratory investigations. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
Chemistry, 5.00 cr.
422 – college prep
This college prep course is developed at a level consistent with the mathematical ability of the collegeprep student. The laboratory centered approach places an emphasis on observation, experimentation, and interpretation. Concepts presented for discussion are similar to those in chemistry honors. Classes include lecture/discussion and laboratory experimentation. Completion of this course should provide a strong foundation for a student to begin a standard introductory college chemistry course. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
AP Biology, Grades 10, 11, 12, 5.00 cr.
425
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more exciting and challenging. Lab investigations will be integrated into the course. DNA extraction, animal behavior experiments, and respiration rates of germinating seeds are just some of the topics. Additional lab opportunity is provided by doing on-line simulations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
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Grade 11 Science Courses
Physics, 5.00 cr.
430 – honors
Honors Physics is a fast-paced course designed for students who are planning future academic studies in fields that require extensive course work in science and mathematics. Students are expected to develop a sophisticated and precise understanding of many of the fundamental physical concepts. Classes include lecture/discussion and laboratory investigations. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
Physics, 5.00 cr.
432 – college prep
This college prep course is designed to prepare students who may choose future academic studies in fields of the physical sciences. The course emphasizes the development of fundamental quantitative skills and concepts. Areas of study include motion, mechanics, energy, sound, light, and electricity. The course incorporates mathematical skills at a level consistent with the college prep students. Classes include lecture/discussion and laboratory investigation. Scientific investigation and presentation are required.
AP Biology, Grades 10, 11, 12, 5.00 cr.
425
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more exciting and challenging. Lab investigations will be integrated into the course. DNA extraction, animal behavior experiments, and respiration rates of germinating seeds are just some of the topics. Additional lab opportunity is provided by doing on-line simulations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
AP Chemistry, 5.00 cr.
435
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory chemistry course usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year. This course is for students who have demonstrated perceptive and intuitive skills in the area of science, especially chemistry. The course is designed for students considering a career in the natural and physical sciences, medicine, or engineering. Topics of study include: chemical thermo-dynamics, solubility and acid bases equilibria, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Classes include lecture, discussion, and laboratory investigations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. Human
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Grade 12 Science Courses
Anatomy and Physiology, 5.00 cr.
440 – honors
Human anatomy and physiology are an intensive study of the human organism. All human body systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, reproductive, excretory) are studied in detail. This is a challenging and fascinating course that investigates what makes you “tick”. The course involves dissection and physiological lab investigations. This is a beneficial course for any student planning on a career in any medical or allied health field.
Energy and the Environment, 5.00 cr.
450 – honors
This class will introduce students to the topics of energy usage, fossil fuel realities, and renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the environmental impact surrounding these energy sources will be discussed. Units will include the history of energy usage by humans, the current status of and prediction on fossil fuel sources, solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaics, wind energy, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, biomass energy, wave and tidal energy and renewable energy for transportation. The biology, geology, chemistry, and physics behind these sources of energy will be discussed as well as the economic, social, environmental, and policy issues raised by renewable energy.
Astronomy, 5.00 cr.
458 – college prep
Astronomy is a course that introduces students to the studies of celestial objects and related phenomena. In the course students will apply basic mathematics, physics, and chemistry in an effort to explain the evolution of the universe, stars, and other celestial objects. Objects of interest include planets, moons, asteroids, stars, exoplanets, comets, and galaxies. Related phenomena of black holes, supernovas, and cosmic microwave background radiation may also be discussed. Topics of exobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life may be addressed in the course, when appropriate. The history, current research, and future of astronomy and space exploration will also be discussed.
Marine Biology, 5.00 cr.
468 – college prep
Marine Biology is a full year college prep course for students who have an interest in the biological sciences. Topics of study include: an intense survey of New England’s local flora and fauna (plants and animals), marine environments, marine ecology, and water quality assessments. Classes include lecture, discussion, field work, and many laboratory investigations that include dissections. Students will also be expected to work outside of class and collect and identify species level marine organisms indigenous to New England.
Biotechnology & Forensic Science, 5.00 cr.
470 – honors
This course is designed to familiarize students with this quickly expanding scientific field of study. The goal of the course is for students to “do” science. Students will learn and perform standard lab operating procedures, (SLOP), that are necessary for an academic or corporate laboratory. The topics and tools of gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA and protein assays Students will be encouraged to think about the implications of biotechnological advances for a global society. Forensic science investigations about fiber hair analysis, blood identification, forgery and counterfeiting will be done during the second semester. This course is designed not only for students considering further study in the life sciences, but also for student inclined toward the arts and humanities who may find themselves writing, or even legislating for the industry.
Earth Science, 5.00 cr.
475 - college prep
This full year survey course will introduce students to the four main areas of earth science: astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. Topics and laboratories will give students a better understanding of the processes that shape their world and the universe they live in. Emphasis will be placed on natural phenomena - such as natural disasters and their causes - that impact the lives of humans on earth. Environmental issues, such as global warming, and their relationship to earth’s processes will be covered throughout the year.
Humans in the Biosphere
476 - college prep
Humans are a part of the biosphere like any other organism. This course will examine how humans meet their needs by interacting with parts of the ecosystem. Water is one of the most basic human needs so the course will start with an in-depth study of water. Ownership, usage and decontamination will be examined. Next, we will study how humans use different ecosystems and the implications of such use. We will then focus on case studies to examine remediation of damage. This course will include lab investigation and independent research.
Medicinal Chemistry, 5.00 cr.
477 - honors
This course investigates how drug molecules achieve their therapeutic effects in the human body. There is a strong focus on the specific structural features (functional groups) of drug molecules, and how these functional groups dictate how a drug will exert its effect on the human body. Several signal transduction pathways will be explored to explain how a drug molecule causes unique intracellular changes after it binds its biological target. As students work through this course, their appreciation of how drugs affect the body in intended and unintended ways will increase. To this end, students will be provided opportunities to research specific drugs and give presentations related to the drug’s history, molecular structure, and mechanism of action within the body.
AP Physics, 5.00 cr.
445
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
This course follows the AP Physics C Mechanics curriculum. This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is parallel to or proceeded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytical than in the B course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. This course integrates a laboratory component. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
AP Environmental Science, 5.00 cr.
455
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course: science is a process; energy conversions underlie all ecological processes; the earth itself is one interconnected system; humans alter natural systems; environmental problems have a cultural and social context; and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable sy
AP Biology, Grades 10, 11, 12, 5.00 cr.
425
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more exciting and challenging. Lab investigations will be integrated into the course. DNA extraction, animal behavior experiments, and respiration rates of germinating seeds are just some of the topics. Additional lab opportunity is provided by doing on-line simulations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
AP Chemistry, 5.00 cr.
435
There is a college board exam fee associated with this course.
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory chemistry course usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year. This course is for students who have demonstrated perceptive and intuitive skills in the area of science, especially chemistry. The course is designed for students considering a career in the natural and physical sciences, medicine, or engineering. Topics of study include: chemical thermo-dynamics, solubility and acid bases equilibria, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Classes include lecture, discussion, and laboratory investigations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
