LIFE:
Applied Biology (CP): HS42103 (1 Credit)
This course is tailored to students that have completed physical science and will focus on the eight life science standards required to graduate. This course is a general survey of biological principles, fundamental vocabulary, and basic laboratory techniques. Time in class will be spent on increasing students organizational, note taking, test taking and laboratory skills necessary to be successful in high school. The topics included for study include molecular structure, cell function and structure, cellular reproduction, classical genetics, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and evolution. The course material is presented in multiple ways including lecture, discussion, demonstrations and lab experiences.
Prerequisite: Physical Science
Biology w/lab (CP): HS42101 (1 Credit)
This course is intended as a general survey of biological principles, fundamental vocabulary, and basic laboratory techniques. The topics included for study include molecular structure, cell function and structure, cellular reproduction, classical genetics, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and evolution. The course material is often presented in a lecture-discussion style and includes demonstrations and student lab experiences.
Plant Biology w/lab : HS42191 (1 Credit)
This course is for Juniors and Seniors (others upon instructor’s approval) who have taken Biology and have developed a passion for plant systems. Topics will include plant evolution from algae to complex flowering plants, horticultural techniques, plant development for agriculture, diversity and uses of flowering plants, and global nutrient cycles. The lab component will primarily take place in the greenhouse where students will develop their own plant varieties based on the traits they choose, learn various horticultural techniques, and grow food crops that will be used in our cafeteria.
Prerequisites: Biology
AP Biology: HS41111/HS41112 (2 Credits)
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The topics include biochemistry, cells, genetics, microbiology, form and function, and ecology. The course differs from introductory biology as a college test is used, the depth of coverage is deeper, and the time and effort as well as the laboratory work required are greater. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of biology and chemistry. It provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. All students will be required to take the Advanced Placement test in May. This course meets every day for two semesters. If a student has not met the prerequisites, they must speak to the AP teacher in advance of enrolling in the class.
Prerequisites: Chemistry A, Biology
Environmental Science w/lab (CP): HS42911 (1 Credit)
The goal of this course is to provide students with insights into various environmental problems and further their understanding of the environment. Topics include ecological principles, pollution, loss of biodiversity, climate change, and population issues. Case studies, outside readings, and examination of environmental issues facing Maine will supplement regular class work.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry A/Applied Chemistry
Forensics w/lab (CP): HS42901 (1 Credit)
This course is the practical application of scientific principles involving the use of forensics in the field, the laboratory, and the courtroom. This course will explore topics in the field of forensics by incorporating chemistry, biology, and physics. Students will learn about such topics as blood/blood spatter, ballistics, DNA, and fingerprints. The course will also involve the use of complex reasoning processes such as inductive reasoning, analyzing perspectives, and classifying to investigate and determine the facts behind crime scenarios.
Prerequisite: Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology w/lab (CP): HS42930 (1 Credit)
This course investigates the structure (Anatomy) and the Function (Physiology) of the human body. Students will engage in lab investigations, dissections, demonstrations, and projects. The goal of this class is to prepare students for a college level course on this subject. This will provide students with a greater understanding of the human body and prepare them for potential careers in healthcare.
Prerequisite: Biology
Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology w/lab (DE): HS42931 (1 Credit)
This is dual enrollment class with credit through KVCC. Enrollment in this course is dependent on successful completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Offered as an elective to juniors and seniors, this course will investigate the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body, and the dynamic relationships between the body systems at the college level. Therefore, this course requires that students complete independent work at a college level including testing, labs, homework, research, textbook reading, and essay writing. Lab investigations, dissections, demonstrations, and student projects will reinforce the concepts introduced by the readings and lectures. Topics include the following: cells, directional terms, chemistry, tissues, joints, endocrine system, special senses, lymphatic system and the immune response, special senses, and the urinary system with review of the digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of the workings of the human body.
Prerequisite: Human Anatomy & Physiology
Wildlife and Land Management w/lab (CP): HS42905 (1 Credit)
This course is a comprehensive study of flora and fauna and their role in ecological communities. Students will learn forestry practices, as it is necessary to manage the land in or order to manage the wildlife. This course is geared towards students with an interest in wildlife ecology and conservation as well as those who plan to pursue a career in forestry or environmental studies or law enforcement.
Prerequisite: Biology
PHYSICAL:
Physical Science w/lab (CP): HS42921 (1 Credit)
Physical science is the study of the Earth and the universe we live in using chemistry and physics concepts. Students acquire understanding of matter and energy concepts as they are applied to real world experiences and issues through studying Astronomy, Plate Tectonics, Geology, and Meteorology. Additional learning goals may be added or adjusted according to the student’s needs, and depending upon the teacher’s discretion.
Physics: Electricity and Wave Mechanics w/lab (CP): HS42324 (1 Credit)
This course will cover light and optics, electricity and magnetism. We will study the nature of light, reflection, refraction, diffraction, lenses, and interference. We will also study static electricity, electrodynamics, and electromagnetism.
Prerequisites: Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry A
Physics: Linear Mechanics w/lab (CP): HS42314 (1 Credit)
This course will cover mechanics, which will include the study of motion, the causes of motion, Newton’s laws, and conservation of energy and momentum. It will utilize physics modeling techniques, which emphasize the student as the scientific investigator.
Prerequisites: Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry A
Applied Chemistry: HS44200 (1 Credit)
This course emphasizes applications of chemistry to real world situations. Less math oriented than Chemistry A and B, it provides frequent problem solving experiences. Students acquire understanding of chemical concepts as they relate the properties of matter to the way we interact with our world.
Prerequisite: Alt. Ed.
Applied Chemistry w/lab (CP): HS42201 (1 Credit)
This course emphasizes applications of chemistry to real world situations. Students acquire understanding of chemical concepts such as atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions as they relate the properties of matter to the way we interact with our world. Less math oriented than Chemistry A and B, it provides frequent lab activities and problem solving experiences.
Prerequisites: Biology
Chemistry A w/lab (CP): HS42211 (1 Credit)
This is the first in a sequence of two laboratory courses designed to introduce the student to the study of matter and its interactions. Both courses emphasize problem solving and laboratory experiences as students learn the basic concepts of chemistry. Topics in the first course include formulas and equations, atomic structure, the periodic table, and stoichiometric relationships. For a full understanding of chemistry, students are encouraged to enroll in both this course and College Prep Chemistry B or Advanced Placement Chemistry.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology
Chemistry B w/lab (CP): HS42221 (1 Credit)
In this course students use the knowledge and skill acquired in Chemistry A to explore new topics, which include bonding, molecular structure, solutions, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction. The course continues to use problem solving and lab work to reinforce the concepts. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course if they are planning to pursue the study of any science or health field in college. Prerequisite: Chemistry A
AP Chemistry: HS41811/HS41812 (2 Credits)
AP Chemistry is designed to provide the equivalent of a first-year college general chemistry experience, leading up to taking the AP Chemistry exam in the spring (required of all students taking the course). Topics include: atomic and quantum theory, chemical equations and stoichiometry, gases and kinetic molecular theory, chemical bonding and molecular shapes, kinetics and equilibrium, and an overview of the major types of chemical reactions. The course utilizes a college level textbook, and requires a high level of independent learning. The class will place an emphasis on analytical problem solving skills, as well as scientific communication through the writing of formal lab reports. This course meets every day for two semesters. If a student has not met the pre-requisites, they must speak to the AP teacher in advance of enrolling in the class.
Prerequisite: Chemistry A
Pre-Engineering (CP): HS32913 (1 Credit)
Pre-Engineering is a hands-on, project oriented class that introduces students to the field of engineering and the engineering design process. Topics include connections to math, science and the engineering design process, design and modeling, systems and systems thinking, materials and fabrication, and an introduction to several of the different fields of engineering: civil, electrical and electronics, mechanical, manufacturing, biomedical, and chemical. The curriculum used contains an online component allowing students access to video tutorials and virtual labs.
Students, while working as part of an engineering team, will be challenged to think critically, to use technology appropriately, and to use available materials and tools effectively. As part of this team students also work on communication skills and learn to work cooperatively as they evaluate resources, research, brainstorm, design, and eventually build completed working prototypes for a variety of projects within the course.
Upon completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of the engineering design process, the importance of the team, and the different fields of engineering.
Prerequisite: successful completion or concurrent-enrollment in Algebra 2, Chemistry A