Science
All students are required to complete a minimum of 2* credits in Science in order to graduate.
Department PhilosophyThe Science Department offers a range of courses in the biological and physical sciences. These courses stress the development of logical problem solving skills and analysis through experimentation in the lab, independent work, student presentations, and critical writing. Although increasing numbers of our students pursue careers in science, a primary goal of the Science Department is to give all students an appreciation of the importance of science in their daily lives and an understanding of the potentials, limitations, and social responsibilities associated with current developments in science. Students will become aware of the biological and physical world around them, its effects on their lives, and their role in using scientific knowledge to preserve the environment and to participate in the events and issues that will affect them in society in the future. Although two credits of science are required for graduation, the vast majority of students takes three credits. Faculty
CurriculumIntroduction to Science This is a highly structured course that will introduce students to the basic skills and concepts of scientific methodology used to study the physical and biological sciences. This course is designed for the student who has had little or no previous experience with science in middle school or whose placement test scores demonstrate a need for introductory work in the sciences. Topics covered in this course will include the use of the Scientific Method, basic data analysis and graphing skills, use of the metric system and measurements, unit conversions, and scientific notation. Content areas will focus on basic principles of chemistry and physics. Students will learn how to conduct laboratory experiments safely and effectively and present their work in properly written reports. In addition, this course will reinforce basic study skills such as effective note taking, mathematical computation, writing, and punctual completion of assigned homework and lab reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy the two credit science graduation requirement. Students are required
to pass this course in order to take any additional courses in the Science Department. Physical Science This course is designed to give students the scientific foundation for their subsequent courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will learn the basic physical principles that govern the world around them as well as the methods used to explore and acquire scientific knowledge. This course will concentrate on the basic principles of the scientific method, analysis and interpretation of
quantitative data, atomic and molecular structure, the physical and chemical properties of matter, use of
the periodic table, and the chemical interactions of matter. Students will learn the principles of physics
including the study of Newton's Laws of motion, energy, work, machines, and heat. Time permitting,
students will also study topics in electricity, magnetism, and sound. The laboratory in this course will
teach students the essential rules of laboratory safety and give them an opportunity to conduct simple
experiments, collect and analyze data, and use their classroom knowledge in a hands-on setting. Physical Science [Honors] This is the honors version of standard level Physical Science. Students placed in this course should
expect to cover the principles of the scientific method, chemistry and physics at an accelerated pace,
covering more topics with a greater depth of understanding and a higher level of expectation for achievement
and independent work. Biology Biology is designed to give students an understanding of the basic functions of living organisms, their
relationships to one another, and their interdependence with other living and non-living things. It provides
an opportunity to explore important advances in the modern biological sciences through a combination of
class work, independent reading, laboratory, and group work. This course will focus on the areas of
environmental biology, classical and molecular genetics, cell physiology, and evolution. Where possible,
these topics will be related to the ethical, social, and economic impact they have on the students' lives
and our society in general. Biology [Honors] Students placed in the honors level of this course should expect to cover the principles of biology at an
accelerated pace, covering more topics with a greater depth of understanding, and a higher level of
expectation for achievement and independent work than the standard level Biology course. A.P. Biology Students placed in the advance placement level of this course should expect to cover the principles of
biology at the first year college level. These students will be required to meet more often than their honors
counterparts in preparation for the advanced placement exam and to complete the required laboratory
curriculum of this course. Students who enroll in A.P. Biology may be required to participate in a study
program during the summer prior to taking this course. Human Anatomy and Physiology This course is designed to give students an in-depth introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the
human body. Students will study the structure and function of several organ systems from the molecular
level to the level of the entire body. Emphasis will be given to the body functions, the maintenance of
normal functions, and the consequences of injury and disease. Important life style and health related
issues will be studied to provide students with the information they can use when making choices about
their own life style. This course will combine lecture, classroom discussions, laboratory work, independent
projects, and outside readings. Animal dissection is a required element of the laboratory curriculum. Chemistry Chemistry is primarily concerned with a study of the structure and composition of matter and the changes
which matter undergoes. The course is designed to study basic concepts, principles, and processes of
chemistry in a framework of textual materials, laboratory experiments, review, and evaluation. It has the
potential of developing good problem solving skills that reinforce scientific relationships and analytic
reasoning ability. An understanding of the chemical processes in nature is enhanced by use of laboratory
exercises, demonstrations, and independent projects. This Chemistry course provides sufficient diversity
to meet the needs of students of varying ability and interests. It is recommended for applicants to college
or nursing school and anyone interested in health-related careers. Chemistry [Honors] The objective of Chemistry Honors is to acquaint students with the classification of chemical elements,
their properties, behavior, and processes of interaction. In general, an honors science/math student
would benefit from this course; however, an honors student interested in a non-science field would also
benefit. Through laboratory exercises, students will further develop their analytical and logical thought
processes as scientific relationships are reinforced with mathematical skills. Students who enroll in
Chemistry Honors may be required to participate in a study program during the summer prior to taking
this course. Conceptual Physics This course is designed to give students an introduction to some basic concepts of the physical world.
This course opens new vistas for the student to explore because it is primarily a hands on, self-paced,
laboratory course. The students perform experiments that allow them to reach their own conclusion
about the principles being studied. Each student is required to write a lab report detailing her individual
approach to the experiment and her results and conclusions. Often the students are required to derive
mathematical expressions that can be universally applied to the concept they are studying. Each student
is also required to read and report on a minimum of two books and four articles during the year. Physics [Honors] The Physics Honors course is a non-calculus based introductory course in physics. The content will
emphasize the nature and technology of our physical world. Student must have strong math skills and a
willingness to persevere in problem solving. General topics covered: straight-line motion, vectors, motion
in two dimension, waves, electricity, magnetism, light. Ecology and Natural History This course will be an in depth introduction to the sciences of Ecology and Natural History using the
diverse habitats of Massachusetts as its focus of study. Students will study the complex interrelationships
among diverse organisms and their environments. In addition, the course will introduce students to the
political, social, and economic implications of the science as governments and organizations attempt to
protect endangered species and critical habitats. An integral part of this course will be six Saturday or
Sunday field trips to different habitats throughout Massachusetts. Students will be required to attend at
least two of these trips to collect data that will form the basis for their semester research projects.
Assessment in this course will stress concise, analytical, scientific writing and oral presentations including
weekly essays, lab reports, PowerPoint presentations, and research papers. |
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