Science - Sophomore

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)

CHEMISTRY (365) and HONORS CHEMISTRY (366) 

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors 

(Year) 1.5 credits

**note that Honors Chemistry is a prerequisite for all AP science classes, excluding AP Environmental Science.** 

Prerequisites:

1. Successful completion of Biology and MCAS

A successful Honors Level Chemistry student will have had:

2. B- or higher in Biology, level 2 or honors

Chemistry is a laboratory science course designed for students with an interest in science. For Honors Chemistry, students should have a strong interest in both science and using their mathematics skills. Adequate completion of homework is essential for success in this course. Topics studied in this course include but are not limited to atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding and formulas of compounds, characteristics of groups of elements, the mole concept, types of reactions, the mathematics of chemical equations, solution chemistry, acids and bases, and measurements. 

In labs, students gather information to measure characteristics of substances, carry out chemical reactions, and/or develop a concept during post-lab discussions. Quantitative labs are assigned whenever possible. Students are expected to maintain a laboratory journal detailing their work throughout the course. Tests routinely involve questions based on laboratory work. 

Attitudes emphasized include those leading to clear communication (math and verbal), efficient use of time, thoughtful execution of labs and consideration for others. Skill development focuses upon safe manipulation of lab equipment and chemicals, factor-label use in presentation of both simple and complex math problems, problem solving, report writing and computer applications. 

Honors Option: This course differs from the level 2 Chemistry 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. 

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (347) and HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (348)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors

(Year) 1.50 credits

Level 2 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology (C or better)

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

This course is an in depth exploration of the structures and functions of the human body systems. In particular, it highlights the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. The diseases associated with each system are examined, as well, with a focus on how our choices affect our overall health. In addition, embryological and fetal development are explored. Dissection is an essential part of this course, involving a mammalian organism (cat, rabbit, or mink). Students will utilize art extensively for projects in each body system. 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 is intended for students considering careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, or other health sciences. Greater emphasis is placed on microscopic structures in the honors course, as well as more focus on imbalances in each system and interdependence between systems. Honors level students will be expected to analyze case studies, complete independent research, and design their own lab protocols.

ECOLOGY (289) and HONORS ECOLOGY (290)

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors 

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biology or Introduction to Physics

Ecology is the study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment.  This class will study the principles of ecological science, including concepts of population and community ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability. Field trips to local ponds and estuaries, hands-on labs, service learning projects, and student-centered activities are the foundation for learning in this class.  Activities may include working with local community partners on pond experiments, conducting a pond study on Flax Pond, using algae for wastewater management, and setting up field experiments. Throughout this course, students will be immersed in learning about topics about local environmental problems and exploring their solutions, studying competition between  species, researching population changes, and studying the natural history of Cape Cod.  The expectation is that students will spend much of their time outside doing environmental monitoring and field work.  

Honors students should be highly motivated, college bound students who are willing to engage in more rigorous class work, homework, and be assessed on more content and at a higher level on all written and oral work. 

EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY (343) and HONORS EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY (376) 

Grades 10-12: Level 2 and Honors 

(Semester) .75 credits

Why is there such a wide variety of life on earth? How do organisms adapt to their surroundings? Why are modern species different from their ancestors? How can knowledge of these changes impact human health and natural resource conservation?

In this course, students will explore the evolution of life on earth, delving into important concepts such as natural selection, common ancestry, speciation, and extinction. 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 multicellular life. This course will emphasize the use of simulation labs, models, and dissections to explore these concepts. Perhaps most importantly, students will consider the direct, practical impacts evolution has on human health, agriculture, forensics, industry, and natural resource conservation.

HORTICULTURE (387) and HONORS HORTICULTURE (332) 

Grades 10-11: Level 2 and Honors

(Semester) .75 credit

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology or Honors Biology 

Do you like working with your hands?  Do you enjoy doing engaging labs in science?  Do you love being outside?  Do you like to cook and eat good food?  If so, then horticulture may be the perfect class for you.  Horticulture is an interdisciplinary course that explores many topics about plants.  Students in this class will learn the art and science of growing plants in the greenhouse and also work in outdoor garden beds.  Students who leave this course will know about the art of plant management, be able to do basic landscaping, learn gardening techniques, and be able to prepare healthy recipes using the plants they grow in the greenhouse.  Students will have many opportunities to engage with community partners in organizing plant sales, working with elementary students on planting projects, take field trips to nurseries, interact with local gardeners, and help maintain garden beds at our school.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM (329) and HONORS INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM (330)

Grades 10-11-12: Level 2 or Honors 

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of (C or better) of Biology, Honors Biology or Evolution and Biodiversity

Note:  This is a required course for IP Healthcare students to be taken in grade 10.  

This course includes the curriculum from the Tufts’ 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 diseaseThe essential question for this course is: “Why do we get sick, and how do we get better?”  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 requirement includes more intensive coursework and assessments. 

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (385) and HONORS EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (386) 

Grade 10-12: Level 2 and Honors 

(Semester) .75 credit 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MCAS 

How does our Earth work and how have humans impacted it? Dive into the forces that shape our world! In this course, students investigate Earth’s systems—from shifting tectonic plates and the vast universe we call home, to the mysteries of fossils, rocks, and our changing climate. Through hands-on labs, real-world data analysis, and engaging projects, students will develop a deeper understanding of how our planet works and how humans interact with it. Whether you're curious about natural disasters, climate change, or the history written in Earth’s layers, this class offers a fascinating journey into the science of our ever-changing planet. Investigation topics may include, but are not limited to: space, earthquakes, volcanoes, tectonic plates, Earth’s natural resources, erosion, climate change, paleoclimatology, sea ice, sea level rise and more. 

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