Science - Freshmen

BIOLOGY (305) and HONORS BIOLOGY (306)

Grades 9-10: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.50 credits

Honors Prerequisite: B+ or better in most recent science class, and teacher recommendation. 

How do organisms live and grow? How do organisms interact with their environment? How are characteristics passed on to the next generation? What is the relationship between different species? 

In this course, students will investigate answers to these and many other questions as they explore Biology, the science of life. 

Biology students will work with multiple kinds of models and will perform laboratory investigations. They will make predictions, analyze information, and make claims based upon evidence and scientific reasoning. This provides an excellent foundation in biological principles, technical skills, and critical thinking that will prepare students for advanced electives later in their high school career. 

Highly motivated students should consider the Honors Biology course. They should have a strong interest in science, research, and problem solving. Honors students will be assessed at a higher level, will complete more challenging lab work, and will explore each topic in greater depth than in level 2. Research projects may be periodically assigned; students should be able to work independently and manage their time well. Honors students should be leaders in class discussions and willing to take academic risks.

All grade 9 students enrolled in Biology/Honors Biology will take the MCAS Biology exam in June of their freshman year.

PHYSICS (319) and HONORS PHYSICS (312)

Grade 9-12:  Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.5 credits

Prerequisites:

1. Recommendation from 8th grade teacher

2. Successful completion of Integrated Algebra I

A successful Honors Level Physics student will have had:

3. C+ or higher 8th grade science

How does the world work? Physics is the science of answering this very question. Students will explore the interrelationships between matter and energy through the study of physics. This course uses hands-on exploration to  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 Topics covered are  forces, linear motion, work, energy, momentum, electromagnetic phenomena including circuits, light and sound. This course is recommended for students interested in the physical sciences and/or intend to study math, engineering or science related topics in college. 

Honors:  Through guided research projects, students expand their understanding of the physics of our universe using topics of their choosing. Additionally, current events assignments provide an expansion of understanding of topics learned in class.

9th grade students will be taking the Introduction to Physics MCAS in June (not the Biology MCAS)