SCIENCES

521 Biology Honors

Grade: 9 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Honors Biology uses a multi-level approach to study the principles of life in an evolutionary context. The treatment of these principles is more in-depth than in CP biology. Topics include biochemistry and metabolism, cell biology, enzymes and energy, molecular biology, cell cycles and reproduction, genetics, evolution, ecology, and multicellular life. Concepts are illustrated through the study of selected human body systems and homeostasis.

The relationship between structure and function in living systems is stressed throughout the course. Some of the special examples such as common diseases, environmental issues, preventive health are discussed to connect the fundamental biological theories, models, and concepts to real world application. Students will apply critical thinking & logical reasoning skills throughout the course.

Laboratory study is an integral part of this course and requires the ability to plan, analyze, and execute experiments. Laboratory techniques are practiced regularly to build up essential laboratory skills. Advanced-level laboratory techniques such as DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), electrophoresis are introduced. Students are trained to deliver laboratory results in a scientific manner. They will use sufficient, logical data and analysis to support their conclusion clearly. Self-motivation and a high level of personal responsibility are essential qualities of the honors level student.

522 Biology

Grade: 9 • Full Year • 1 Credit

This course uses a hands-on approach to explore the following principles of biology: biochemistry, cell biology, enzymes and energy, molecular biology, cell cycles and reproduction, genetics, evolution, ecology, and multicellular life. Concepts are illustrated through the study of selected human body systems and homeostasis. The relationship between structure and function in living systems is stressed. Activities to practice critical thinking skills as well as discussion of current events and ethical issues related to biology are included. Some of the special examples such as common diseases, environmental issues, preventive health are discussed to connect the fundamental biological theories, models, and concepts to real world application. Laboratory techniques are practiced regularly to build up essential laboratory skills. Advanced-level laboratory techniques such as DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), electrophoresis are introduced. Scientific methods are introduced and practiced in the laboratory activities. Laboratory sessions align with lecture sessions to reinforce concepts studied.

531 Chemistry Honors

Grade: 10 • Full Year • 1 Credit

The honors course offers a more rigorous and mathematical introduction to chemistry than does the CP chemistry course. It is open to students with above-average mathematical ability and demonstrated ability in science. The same basic topics of CP Chemistry (see above description), plus kinetics involving rates of reaction, equilibria with Keq calculation and thermodynamics with calorimetry measurements are covered. Topics are researched in greater depth while laboratory work and application problems require more intuitive reasoning on the part of the students. Students will take the American Chemical Society High School Test as their final exam.

532 Chemistry

Grade: 10 • Full Year • 1 Credit

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry for the college-bound student as reflected in the Massachusetts High School Frameworks. Acquired skills will include: measurement in the lab with respect to significant figures, classification of matter via particle properties, chemical shorthand, the mole concept and stoichiometry, atomic structure utilizing spectrographic analysis via the flame test, the periodic table, states of matter emphasizing the six phase changes, gas laws with focus on the Ideal Gas Law, solutions with creating a solubility curve, acids bases with both indicator and pH monitoring titrations and chemical reactions with gravimetric and volumetric analysis. Twenty-four laboratory experiments are performed throughout the course to introduce and reinforce the concepts studied.

540 Physics Honors

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of physics that moves at a faster pace and goes more in-depth than the CP course. Physics is the study of matter and energy and their relationship together. Topics include Newton’s Laws, force, power, energy, momentum, waves, gravity, light, sound and electricity. Students will be expected to perform advanced mathematical computations utilizing geometry, trigonometry and algebra. Laboratory experiments are performed throughout the course to reinforce concepts studied. Ability to work independently and in groups is crucial for success in this course.

541 Physics

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Chemistry

The main objective of this physics course is to provide students with a clear and logical presentation of some of the basic concepts and principles of physics. Physics is the study of matter and energy and their relationship together. Topics include Newton’s Laws, force, power, energy, momentum, waves, gravity, light, sound and electricity. Laboratory experiments are performed throughout the course to reinforce concepts studied. Basic mathematical skills, including geometry and trigonometry will be applied to the study of physics concepts.

542 Anatomy and Physiology Honors

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

This fast-paced course is designed for students interested in health sciences or in biology as a science major. Course topics include biochemistry as it applies to human physiology, cell and tissue functions, and the systems of the human body. Course requirements include dissection of the fetal pig, clinical blood work analysis, oral presentations, and lab practicals. Anatomy studies are followed by physiology labs to provide an enriched picture of the body structure and function. Some examples of physiology experiments will include experiments involving the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems.

543 Anatomy and Physiology

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

This course is designed for students interested in health sciences or in biology as a college major. The material presented is at a moderate pace appropriate for the CP student. Those students opting for CP credit will still do all the core subject material topics which include biochemistry as it applies to human physiology, cytology, histology, and the systems of the human body. The course will include dissection of a fetal pig. Students will take modified lab practicals. Anatomy studies are followed with physiology labs to provide an enriched picture of the body structure and function. Some examples of physiology experiments will include experiments involving the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems.

545 AP Biology

Grade: 11 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Honors Biology, must have completed Honors Chemistry and must successfully complete summer prequalification material which will be assigned in June.

This course offers students a solid foundation in introductory college-level biology and is organized around the big ideas, enduring understandings, and science practices outlined by the College Board. Connections between the big ideas are stressed throughout the course. Students will be encouraged to look for patterns that help them to understand “the big picture” and to apply their understanding to interpret the new experimental data and provide the solutions of the new problems. Students will be required to use technology along with mathematical and statistical analysis appropriately. Scientific reading and writing, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills will be stressed both in class activities and in evaluations. Topics and contents, expectations, workloads, and assessments of this course are designed and developed following the guidelines from the College Board. Special examples such as common disease, environmental issues, and public health are discussed to reinforce the concepts. Cutting edge research cases will be presented and laboratory activities including self-design labs will be conducted to practice students critical thinking skills. Advanced-level laboratory techniques as molecular cloning will be implemented in the lab session. The AP Biology student should be highly motivated and able to learn independently. The Advanced Placement examination, administered in May, is required.

546 AP Chemistry

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Must have completed Honors: Biology, Chemistry and Algebra II, have Department approval and summer prequalification material which will be assigned in June and must be completed by the first day of classes.

The AP Chemistry course curriculum presents the student with nine major topics: Atomic Structure, Molecular and Ionic Compounds, Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Kinetics, Acids and Bases and Applications of Thermodynamics. Laboratory work will involve completing 16 AP Chemistry experiments of which eight will be inquiry based. The experiments are designed to implement and exercise acquired skills from the nine major topics and the seven science practices with the result of students thinking and acting like scientists. Experiments will involve spectrographic analysis, Beer’s Law, acid base titration, redox titration, gravimetric analysis, vacuum filtration, Keq calculation, Ksp calculation, mole ratios, rate constant calculation, heat of fusion calculation, and Hess’ Law. The Advanced Placement examination, administered in May, is required.

547 Forensic Science

Grade: 11, 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry

This course will focus on the process of science — making careful observations, performing detailed laboratory procedures, keeping accurate records, writing clear and concise reports, and explaining and defending your conclusions. Students will apply these skills as they learn to process a crime scene and analyze evidence. Types of evidence considered will include fingerprints, fiber and hair samples, drugs, blood, DNA, glass, bones, and handwriting samples. An understanding of basic principles from the disciplines of biology, chemistry, and some elementary physics will provide the foundations for analyzing evidence. Scientific thinking and critical problem solving will be stressed in all aspects of the course. Laboratory skills are reinforced in this course. Advanced level laboratory techniques such as DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), electrophoresis are applied to process evidence. By the end of the year, students will have a mock trial to practice all the principles and techniques in Forensic Science to solve the crime.

549 Environmental Science

Grade: 10, 11, 12 • Full

Prerequisite: Biology

Year

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1 Credit

This course studies the earth as an interconnected system including its place in the universe, its major systems, and the impact of human activity. It introduces concepts of astronomy and the earth’s origins, as well as the sun as the driving force of energy for all of the earth’s systems. Students begin to examine the ways that human activities cause feedback loops that create changes to other systems. Students understand the system interactions that control weather and climate, with a major emphasis on the mechanisms and implications of climate change. Major ideas discussed: the Big Bang, surface processes, natural resources, natural hazards, biodiversity, human impact on earth systems and global climate change. Students learn through laboratory experiments, hands-on projects, collaborative groups, project-based units, and the use of multimedia/technology.

610 STEM Foundations

Grade: 9

As part of the one credit Freshman Introductory STEAM rotation, this STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) course takes an introductory and interdisciplinary approach to learning designed to engage students in hands-on, real world, and relevant projects and activities. Students will do the work of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, programmers, computer scientists, and inventors. This future-focused learning course will have students collaborate, research, create, synthesize, think critically, and communicate effectively – all transferable skills that students will need to learn and execute to be adaptable in our rapidly changing world.