Science - Senior

BIOLOGY SYSTEMS (###)

Grades 10-12: Level 2/Honors

(Semester) 0.75 credits

Prerequisite: successful completion of Intro to Physics

Note: this course does not prepare students for the Biology MCAS. Students who will take the Biology MCAS must enroll in either Biology or Honors Biology.

This is a general Biology course designed to explore important topics in life science for students who have previously taken the Intro to Physics class. Overall themes in this class are cellular processes, the diversity of life, and the interactions between living things. Specific topics include organic molecules and enzymes, plant biology, DNA and RNA, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students are expected to learn by doing--performing lab experiments, maintaining records of data, using spreadsheets, and conducting online research. They will make predictions, analyze information, make claims based upon evidence and scientific reasoning, and present their findings.

HONORS CHEMISTRY TOPICS (326)

Grades 10-12: Honors

(sem) .75 credits

Prerequisites: B+ or better in Chemistry Level 2 or B- or better in Honors Chemistry

How do we know so much about something (the atom) that we can’t see? Do atoms exist or are they just concepts invented by scientists? What evidence is there in your everyday life for the existence of atoms? How do you know a chemical reaction took place? How do batteries work?

These are a few of the questions that will be addressed in this advanced chemistry course. The purpose of this course is to open your mind to phenomena in chemistry that have a strong connection to everyday life. You will spend the semester asking questions and exploring these concepts in a laboratory setting. We will build upon your foundational knowledge of chemistry and expand it to include topics such as chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, gases, and electrochemical cells.

Most of our experiments will be inquiry-based, meaning you ask the questions, form the hypotheses, and develop your own conclusions. We will integrate our working knowledge of mathematics to help us on our journey.

You will also work to develop collaborative lab techniques with your peers and engage in discussions regarding your work. Completion of this course will provide a solid foundation for students wishing to move on to AP Chemistry.

PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (311/312)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(sem) .75 credits

Prerequisites:

1. Successful completion of Biology and MCAS

2. Successful completion of Geometry

3. Successful completion or enrollment in Algebra 2/Trig

Honors Prerequisites:

1. B- or higher in Biology, level two or honors

2. B- or higher in Algebra 2/Trig

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interrelationship. This laboratory science course is intended for those students with an interest in the physical sciences and/or those students who intend to study math or science related topics in college. Students should have good math skills and enjoy using mathematics as a tool. Adequate completion of homework is essential for success in this course.

Topics will include forces and linear motion, work and energy, momentum, electromagnetic phenomena including circuits and motors, light, and sound.

Skills introduced and developed in earlier science courses will be further developed including problem solving and critical thinking skills. Computers and other current technologies will be used as tools for the gathering, analyzing and reporting of data.

A variety of teaching methods will be employed during this course, including the use of student-based inquiry projects, interactive lecture/demonstration sessions, audio-visual presentations, laboratory activities and discussions.

Honors Option: This course differs from the level 2 Physics course as the honors course covers additional topics within the units of study and topics in greater depth and at a faster pace. Students also are expected to work at a higher level of independence and to engage in more individual research and study of course topics. The honors course will have a greater emphasis on the use of mathematics.

AP BIOLOGY (341/342)

Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.5 credits

A successful AP biology student will have:

1. Completed Honors Chemistry with a B or higher

2. Completed Algebra 2/Trig Honors with a B or higher

3. Successful completion or enrollment in Pre-Calculus and/or

4. Teacher recommendation

The Advanced Placement Biology Program is a college level laboratory science course offered in high school. Students electing this course should be highly motivated and should exhibit a strong interest in life sciences.

Course content will be predicated upon the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Program and will include many levels of organization such as molecular, cellular, population, organisms, organ and tissue and others. Concepts related to each level of organization and to the entire syllabus will be explored, analyzed and discussed.

Advanced placement students are expected to do considerable outside reading on topics that cannot be covered in class. Laboratory work is extensive and is correlated to the material being discussed. A lab report must be completed at the conclusion of most experiments. In addition to the development of laboratory procedures and techniques, cognitive skill development focuses upon critical thinking. Advanced placement students will also perform a considerable amount of mathematical analysis and should have strong mathematical skills. Advanced placement students are expected to have initiative, be responsible, and strive for excellence.

Instructional methods include lectures, discussions, and student presentations, picture walks, reading guides, mini posters, drawings and a variety of teacher-directed and student-designed laboratory activities. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination, and those who do so will be exempted from the course final examination.

AP CHEMISTRY (357/358)

Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.50 credits

A successful AP Chemistry student will have:

1. Completed Honors Chemistry Topics with a B or higher

2. Completed Algebra 2/Trig Honors with a B or higher and/or

3. Teacher recommendation

.

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college level course offered in high school. Students electing this laboratory science course should be highly motivated, have a strong interest in science and enjoy hands-on laboratory work.

Course content is based on the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Program developed by the College Board. The topics include atomic structure, bonding, compound structure and properties, intermolecular phases and forces, chemical reactions, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium and kinetics, formation and behavior of solutions, acids and bases, and electrochemistry.

As mandated by the College Board, students will spend at least 25 % of the time involved in hands-on laboratory investigations. Many of these are of an inquiry nature and are open-ended where students will be required to generate questions for investigation, choose which variables to investigate, design and conduct their own experimental procedures, collect, analyze, interpret, and display data, and determine how to present their conclusions. Students will learn to use modern chemical lab techniques such as LabPro interface and LogerPro software, spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, various gravimetric analysis, and chromatography.

Development of critical thinking skills and clear communication of ideas are key components of the course. Students will develop skills in the qualitative representation of chemistry models and connection of the macro-world phenomena with the micro-world representations and models are emphasized. Students will use appropriate mathematics (algebra manipulations, reading and building graphs) to solve problems quantitatively.

The advanced placement student is expected to do considerable outside study and preparation including significant reading assignments from the online and textbook sources, question and problems sets, and work related to labs including but not limited to design of lab investigation method, data analysis and writing of lab discussions.

Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination, and those who do so will be exempted from the course final examination if they choose.

AP PHYSICS (339 & 340)

Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.5 credits

A successful AP Physics student will have:

1. Completed Honors Chemistry with a B or higher

2. Completed Algebra 2/Trig Honors with a B or higher

3. Successful completion or enrollment in Pre-Calculus and/or

4. Teacher recommendation

Advanced Placement Physics 1 is a college level course offered in high school. Students electing this laboratory science course should be highly motivated, have a strong interest in science and enjoy the use of mathematics and problem solving. Course content is based upon the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Program. Major content areas include Newtonian mechanics (linear and rotational), work, energy, power, mechanical waves and sound, and an introduction to electric circuits. Analysis of experimental data, modeling, vector mathematics, approaches to problem-solving and history of physics also are included and overlap many of the topical areas. An understanding of basic principles and the ability to apply these principles toward the solution of problems are the major goals of this course.

The advanced placement student is expected to do considerable outside study and preparation. This will include some topics that may not be covered during class.

Experimental work is extensive and is used to discover, illuminate and reinforce basic principles and relationships. Student design of experimental procedures to accomplish objectives is an integral part of laboratory work. Experiments range from teacher-directed to student-designed open-ended investigations. Students are exposed to and encouraged to use computer technology for the purpose of data acquisition and analysis as well as the writing of lab reports. Lab reports, formal or informal, are required after most experiments. Critical thinking, careful and detailed analysis and clear communication of ideas are stressed. The use of mathematics for analysis and problem solving is a key component of the course.

Problem-solving is used extensively to reinforce and expand the students' understanding of concepts.

Student explanation of her/his work to other students in class is used extensively. Explanation of new concepts and selected problems are provided by the teacher. Students are expected to be responsible, to strive for excellence and to work cooperatively with classmates. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination, and those who do so will be exempted from the course final examination if they choose.

AP Environmental Science (new course)

Grades 11-12 Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.5 credits

A successful AP Environmental student will have:

1. Completed Honors Chemistry or Physics with a B or higher

2. Completed Honors Biology with a B or higher and/or

3. Completed Algebra 1 with a B or higher and/or

4. Teacher recommendation

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science course that focuses on the human impacts on earth, ecological processes, biodiversity, land and water use, global environmental changes, and ways to restore habitats and prevent natural and human made environmental problems. Like other AP science courses, this introductory college level class will have a strong emphasis on developing lab skills, while also giving students a hands-on field work experience where they are expected to apply scientific principles and methodologies to help solve real world problems. This is a lab course and field work and experiments will be set up in class and outside to gain an understanding of appropriate lab techniques. Students will be expected to work collaboratively in groups, spend time collecting and analyzing environmental data, and develop scientific writing skills. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science Examination in May.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (347)

Grades 10-12: Level 2

(sem) .75 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology (C or better)

How do the structures of the body relate to their function? What does it mean to be healthy or have a disease? Anatomy is a yearlong study of the systems of the human body. It begins at the tissue level and covers both the microscopic and large (gross) structures and their functions. The pathology or diseases of each system is explored with a focus on how our choices affect our overall health. Dissection is an essential part of this course and includes a mammalian organism, as well as individual organs including the brain, kidney, heart and knee of either a cow or sheep. Diagrams and visuals are an essential part of the course and should interest those students who enjoy art. . Assessments include a good deal of memorization of anatomical vocabulary. Other lab experiences include measuring pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate, lung volume, kidney function, and reflexes.

HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (348)

Grades 10-12: Honors

(sem) .75 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or better) in Honors Biology

This course is an extensive yearlong study of the systems of the human body. It is intended for students considering careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, or other health sciences. Systems are explored from the microscopic level through the tissue and gross (large) organ level. The pathology (disease) and homeostatic imbalances of each system is discussed as well the interdependence of each system on the others. Dissection is an essential part of this course and includes a mammalian organism (cat, rabbit, or mink), as well as individual organs including the brain, heart and knee of either a cow or sheep. Students will utilize art extensively for projects in each body system. Assessments will include a great deal of memorization of anatomical vocabulary. Other lab experiences include measuring pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate, lung volume, kidney function and reflexes. Honors level students will be expected to analyze case studies, complete independent research, and design their own lab protocols.

HONORS HEALTH SCIENCE (NEW COURSE (SY 2022-2023)

Grades 11-12: Honors (semester) .75 credits

Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology level 2 or honors

This course is intended for students who wish to continue their study of Anatomy and Physiology, especially how it directly relates to healthcare as a profession. This course is a requirement for students in the IP Healthcare pathway. Topics covered include the endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems, health care professional responsibilities including patient privacy, medical ethics, and healthcare delivery systems. Diseases that will be discussed include diabetes, muscular dystrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke and cystic fibrosis. Students will learn practical skills such as CPR, first aid, and monitoring vital signs. Emphasis will be placed on professionalism, communication and employability skills gained through role playing scenarios. Students will have the opportunity to become CPR/First Aid certified as part of this class and will be encouraged to take the National Health Science Assessment at the end of the course. Priority enrollment will be given to IP Pathway students.

MARINE SCIENCE (382/383)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MCAS (either Biology or Introduction to Physics)

Travel around the world exploring the depths of the ocean, while investigating the interrelationships of living and nonliving existence within Earth’s oceans. Marine Science is the exploration of the oceans using biology (living beings) and physical sciences (chemistry, physics, and geology). Through projects, labs and other activities, students analyze data and communicate findings about the marine environment. Topics may include water and estuaries, oceanic currents, plankton, coral reefs, ocean pollution, ocean acidification, hydrothermal vents, fishing, or cartilaginous fishes.

Honors Option: Through guided research projects, students expand their understanding of the ocean using topics of their choosing. Additionally, weekly current event assignments provide an expansion of understanding of topics learned in class.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM (329/330)

Grades 11-12: Level 2 or Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of (C or better) of Biology, Biology Systems or Honors Biology.

The essential question for this course is: “Why do we get sick, and how do we get better?” This course includes curriculum from the Tuft’s University Great Diseases project for students- a curriculum designed to engage high school students in the science behind their real-world experiences of health and disease. We will explore the microbiology of pathogens (bacteria and viruses), the history of epidemics and plagues, learn about the body’s innate and adaptive immune system, and be able to explain the role vaccines and antibiotics play in keeping society safe and healthy. Students will explore a case study lab experience in microbiology including learning the following skills: agar plating of bacteria, gram staining, and antibiotic resistance in cultures. Students will explore what it means to be an epidemiologist as we focus on an outbreak of the Ebola virus that occurred in West Africa in 2014 as well as the COVID19 global pandemic of 2020.

Honors requirements will include a final project that students will select from options discussed in class.

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (300/308)

Grades 11-12: Level 2 or Honors by contract

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of (C or better) of Biology, Biology Systems or Honors Biology.

This course includes a curriculum from the Tuft’s University Great Diseases project for students- a curriculum designed to engage high school students in the science behind their real-world experiences of health and disease. The Neurological Disorders (ND) Module is organized around five key questions. What do our brains need to do? What are the building blocks of our brains? How do our neurons communicate with each other? How do our neurons work together to control behaviors? How do our choices change our brains? These questions guide our investigation of the nervous system from the building blocks of our brains to how our brains control behavior. The students will explore each of these questions and then, for a final project, use what they have learned to describe how the different choices we make can change our brains. Topics include neuron axon signaling, PET, MRI and other brain diagnostic tools, sleep, memory and learning, drugs and addiction, pain and reward pathways, narcolepsy, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s Disease as well as animal models for research.

Honors requirements will include a final book report from a famous neurologist.

METABOLIC DISEASE (351/352)

Grades: 11/12 Level 2 or honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of (C or better) of Biology, Biology Systems or Honors Biology

What is in my food? How does my body use food? What is a metabolic disorder? What makes trans fats so bad? This course includes a curriculum from the Tuft’s University Great Diseases project for students- a curriculum designed to engage high school students in the science behind their real-world experiences of health and disease. Topics include: food industry, metabolism of digestion, nutrition, GMO's, gut bacteria, the gut-brain connection, obesity and metabolic syndrome and diets. Students will be able to use their knowledge to evaluate nutrition claims using scientific evidence.

Honors requirements will include a final project that students will select from options discussed in class.

HONORS EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY (343)

Grades 11-12: Honors

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology (level 2, Biology Systems or honors with a grade of C or better).

This course reviews and expands upon students’ knowledge of evolution from Biology. Students will explore the diversity of life by researching the fossil record to examine milestones in life’s history, such as the formation of the first cells, the start of photosynthesis, and the beginning of complex multicellular life. Dissections also will help students examine key developments in multicellular evolution, as well. In addition, students will analyze the impact of evolution at the genetic level. They will hone their organizational skills as they sequence DNA and sift through massive databases of DNA and protein sequences to visualize evolutionary relationships. Perhaps most importantly, students will consider the direct, practical impacts evolution has on human health, agriculture, forensics, industry, and natural resource conservation.

Astronomy

Grades 10 -12: Level 2 or Honors

(Semester) .75 credit

Prerequisites: Completion of Introduction to Physics or Biology MCAS, Completion of Geometry

Reach for the stars and expand your knowledge of the universe to determine our place. Investigations of ancient and modern astronomy are investigated or replicated, so students become amature astronomers. Potential topics of study include, but are not limited to astronomy through history, galaxies, sun and moon, constellations, stars, our solar system, space exploration, black holes or astrobiology.

Students will employ the use of the Werner Schmidt Observatory on our grounds, to observe planets, stars, and other astronomical events.

Honors: Through guided research projects, students expand their understanding of space using topics of their choosing. Additionally, weekly current event assignments provide an expansion of understanding of topics learned in class.