Last Updated: January 2023
The Science Department seeks to acquaint students with the important concepts of science, and to help students develop the skills necessary to ensure success in life after high school. To accomplish this, our science courses are aligned with the Science & Engineering Practices from the Next Generation Science Standards, emphasizing skills such as thinking critically, analyzing data, and arguing from evidence. With this knowledge and skill set, students will be able to pursue formal education, productive careers, and be contributing members of society.
MDIHS requires a student to pass 3 science classes in order to graduate. As 9th graders, students take Biology, which counts as one life science credit. For grades 10-12, students have a choice between Physics, Environmental Science, or Chemistry to fulfill a physical science requirement. Their third science credit is of their own choosing, whether it be life or physical science.
The science department offers an array of courses providing a diverse program for our community. Students have the choice to challenge themselves in Honors and AP classes, both of which have prerequisite courses. Students in such academically advanced courses must be prepared for increased rigor and workload. In addition, motivated juniors and seniors have the potential to intern at The Jackson Laboratory or Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.
The graduation standards for science are the Science and Engineering Practices from the Next Generation Science Standards. These science and engineering practices represent what students are doing when engaging in science and the complex reasoning we expect from all of our students to demonstrate College and Career Readiness. These Graduation Standards will be practiced and assessed over time via the points of intersection with specific content standards, known as Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) and the Cross-cutting Concepts, also identified from Next Gen.
The Science Graduation Standards are rigorous and are explicitly taught and assessed. It is expected that most students will demonstrate proficiency of these standards by the end of their 10th grade coursework and will begin to use this foundation to engage in more complex work. For those who need more time, students will be given the opportunity and support to meet these standards in coursework during their junior and senior years, finally certifying proficiency for graduation.
To earn a course credit, students must demonstrate that they are at minimum, on average, approaching all of the standards taught and assessed in that course. This represents a final grade score of 2.0 or higher. A final grade score below 2.0 is considered a failing grade and the student will be required to either repeat the course or take an equivalent course.
Students must earn 3 credits of Science to graduate. In addition, by the end of their high school career, students must demonstrate proficiency (meets and exceeds) of the graduation standards. Student placement for courses will be based on demonstrated readiness as evidenced by their performance on standards and teacher recommendation.
Science Graduation Standards (NGSS Science and Engineering Practices)
S/E1: Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
S/E2: Developing and using models
S/E3: Planning and carrying out investigations
S/E4: Analyzing and interpreting data
S/E5: Using mathematics and computational thinking
S/E6: Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions
S/E7: Engaging in argument from evidence
S/E8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Grades 9
1 credit
Essential Question: How do living things function, and relate to each other and their environment?
Students will learn basic biological principles, including: cellular functions, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This course will have an environmental emphasis. The curriculum will focus on inquiry, problem solving, scientific reasoning, and communication of scientific findings and ideas. Assessments will include: projects, lab reports, presentations, and tests.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology + 1 upper-level science course.
Essential Question: What factors affect how organisms live, grow, and reproduce AND how they interact with their environment?
This college-level Biology course will delve into the topics of cell physiology, bioenergetics, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. The curriculum will focus on inquiry, problem solving, scientific reasoning, communication of scientific findings and ideas, and discussion of the implications of science and technology. Laboratory exercises will follow the standard AP Biology curriculum as established by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Assessment will be done through formal lab reports, multiple choice and essay-style testing. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for taking AP Biology.
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Advanced Biology
Essential Question: What factors affect how organisms live, grow, and reproduce AND how they interact with their environment?
This course is a continuation of Advanced Biology, and topics of study will include biotechnology, evolution, body systems, animal behavior, and ecology. This semester continues to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in May. Successful completion of this exam may result in the student being awarded college credit at participating schools. Laboratory exercises will follow the standard AP Biology curriculum as established by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Assessment will be done through formal lab reports, essay writing, multiple choice testing and scientific papers.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Biology
Essential Question: What is the relationship between the human body’s structures & their functions?
This course is recommended for those interested in learning more about the parts of the body and how it functions. Students will study a variety of body systems to broaden their understanding of the structure & function of the human body. Assessments will include tests, lab reports, & projects. This is a vocabulary heavy course and requires strong effort.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology
Essential Question: What is the relationship between the human body’s structure & function, and what happens when it dysfunctions?
This course is highly recommended for those considering a career in the medical field. As an ‘honors’ course, expectations are raised, content delves deeper, pace is faster, and students are expected to do more independent work at home. Students will study the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the human body, and how these systems can dysfunction. Aside from the body systems, topics will include exercise physiology, histology, and nutrition. Assessments will include: tests, lab reports, maintenance of a lab notebook, and projects.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Disclaimer: If a student finds math challenging, then it is suggested they wait and take this course their junior year, rather than sophomore year, to ensure success.
Essential Question: How does the atomic structure of matter, and its interactions at the atomic level, influence the behavior of matter at the every day level?
This course is a survey of chemistry intended for the college-bound student. Chemistry is involved in almost every aspect of our contact with the material world. Students will study the theoretical concepts of matter and explore the interactions of chemistry that affect our daily lives. Topics will include: structure and properties of matter, the Periodic Table, metals, gases, atoms, radioactivity, electron configuration, the EM spectrum, bonding, energy, and chemical reactions. Students will research and report on multiple topics during the year. Chemistry is an experimental science, and we will explore many of these concepts in the laboratory setting. This course is also highly quantitative, and students must be comfortable manipulating and solving single variable equations.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II.
Disclaimer: If a student finds math challenging, then it is suggested they take this course their junior year, rather than sophomore year, to ensure success.
Essential Question: How does the atomic structure of matter, and its interactions at the atomic level, influence the behavior of matter at the every day level?
Students will study the fundamental concepts of chemistry including atomic structure, chemical composition, stoichiometry, periodicity, bonding, the quantum model of the atom, photoelectron spectroscopy, the behavior of gases, molecular geometry, and electrochemistry. This is an inquiry-based course, and students will have the responsibility for designing labs and discovering key concepts experimentally. Honors Chemistry is the first semester of AP Chemistry. It is a rigorous course taught from a college level resource book that comprises the first semester of a college chemistry course. It is much more demanding than CP Chemistry, involving deeper understanding at a much quicker pace. Students are advised to put considerable thought into choosing the chemistry course that is right for them. Strong quantitative and self-directed learning skills are essential to success in this course.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry.
Essential Question: How does the atomic structure of matter, and its interactions at the atomic level, influence the behavior of matter at the every day level?
This course is a continuation of Honors Chemistry and is designed for the student who excels in science and intends to pursue a career in the sciences, engineering, or medicine. Chemistry is a college requirement for most science majors, and successful completion of AP Chemistry will build a strong foundation for success in the sciences at the college level. We will review the basic concepts covered in Honors Chemistry and delve deeper into some of those topics. Then we will study the advanced concepts of thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Essential Question: How do the biotic and abiotic systems of the natural world interrelate and what challenges does our environmental stability currently face?
This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Topics include: plate tectonics, weather and climate, ocean and groundwater, soils, ecosystems & energy flow, natural resource use, pollution, and current global changes. The course will include inquiry and problem solving, scientific reasoning, communication of scientific findings and ideas, and discussion of the implications of science and technology. Assessment may involve tests, quizzes, portfolios, in-class discussion, lab reports and presentations, and maintenance of laboratory notebooks or journals.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Strongly Recommended: Biology and Chemistry Essential Question: How do the biotic and abiotic systems of the natural world interrelate and what current challenges does our environmental stability currently face?
This course is intended 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, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students will learn, in depth, the topics of: Earth Systems & Resources, The Living World, Population, Land & Water Use, Energy Resources & Consumption, Pollution, and Global Change. Assessment will be done through formal lab reports, essay writing, multiple choice testing and scientific papers based on library and internet research. There is a substantial amount of reading required for this course.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Essential Question: What are the underlying rules of nature and how can they be described mathematically?
This course will meet the needs of students going on to college or vocational schools as well as students who wish to be more scientifically literate. As the course involves a great deal of problem solving, students taking this course should be familiar with algebra and simple trigonometric functions. Topics covered include: motion, Newton’s Laws, energy, and momentum.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Essential Question: What are the underlying rules of nature and how can they be described mathematically?
This course will meet the needs of students interested in science or engineering majors in college. Students will cover many of the same topics as Physics but in greater depth. As calculus will occasionally be applied in this course, calculus is recommended but not necessary as a prerequisite or corequisite. Some of the topics covered include: kinematics, Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, circular motion, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Honors Physics
Essential Question: What are the underlying rules of nature and how can they be described mathematically?
This course will prepare students for the AP Physics 1 Test. Students will revisit topics covered in Physics in more depth and look at new topics not covered in Physics. The area of focus will be mechanics (kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy, and momentum).
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Essential Question: How can science and inquiry be used to investigate crime scenes?
Students will learn how science and the analysis of evidence can be used to help solve criminal cases. This course will cover the major areas of science that are utilized by forensics experts. The students will understand how to analyze remnants of a crime scene including: fingerprints, parasites, hair, fiber, glass, soil, ballistics, DNA, blood, and chemicals. Mock crime scenes will be set up and analyzed by the students.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Algebra I is strongly recommended.
Essential Question: What is Earth’s place in the universe?
This is a quarter-long course that can be taken alone or be combined with Astronomy 2 for a full semester of instruction. Students will learn basic information about the Earth, the solar system, the sun, stars and the universe. Topics include: the sun & earth systems, the moon and the solar system including Kepler's Laws and Newton's Law of Gravitation. Because there will be some amount of problem solving, students will need to be familiar with algebra I.
(Students who wish to take this course for the entire semester for a full credit should sign up for both sections 1 and 2)
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Algebra I is strongly recommended.
Essential Question: What is Earth’s place in the universe?
This is a quarter-long course that can be taken alone or be combined with Astronomy 1 for a full semester of instruction. Students will learn basic information about the sun, stars and the universe. Topics include: electromagnetic radiation, stellar evolution, exoplanets, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy and the Big Bang theory. Because there will be some amount of problem solving, students will need to be familiar with algebra I.
Grades 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the school-sponsored Iceland trip
Essential Question:
This is a quarter-long elective course intended for students planning to travel to Iceland with Ms. Mondrach. Students will learn a combination of Iceland-specific glaciology, volcanology, and biology, as well as an overview of Icelandic history, culture, food, and basic language. The goal of the course is to enrich the accompanying trip and be able to recognize and apply topics while on the ground in Iceland. Trip logistics may occasionally be discussed, as well. This course will have a hands-on field component with outdoor classes to draw parallels between the geology of Iceland and the geologic history of MDI.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Essential Question: How can we better understand the natural world around us?
This is a quarter-long elective course aimed at students who are interested in learning more about the science of our natural resources in a hands-on way. Topics will vary between quarters due to the seasons, but may include: plant and tree identification, forest surveying, survival skills, night skies, bird identification, geology, ecosystems, and compass navigation. Students should plan on outdoor classes up to 2-3 days per week, regardless of weather, and a field trip one day every week. However, there will be an indoor curriculum, as well.
(Students who wish to take this course for the entire semester for a full credit should sign up for both sections 1 and 2)
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
Essential Question: How can we better understand the natural world around us?
This is a quarter-long elective course aimed at students who are interested in learning more about the science of our natural resources in a hands-on way. Topics will vary between quarters due to the seasons, but may include: plant and tree identification, forest surveying, survival skills, night skies, bird identification, geology, ecosystems, and compass navigation. Students should plan on outdoor classes up to 2-3 days per week, regardless of weather, and a field trip one day every week. However, there will be an indoor curriculum, as well.
(Science of the Outdoors 1 is NOT required to enroll in this course.)
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry + Application and selection process
This is an exciting opportunity for students to work on the cutting edge of scientific research with members of The Jackson Laboratory or MDI Biological Laboratory's scientific and technical staff. Typically, student interns are at one of the Laboratories for approximately three hours a day, three or four days per week.