Science

BIOLOGY I

Grade 9

Full year  - 5 credits

The Biology I course builds upon the middle school science curriculum and provides students an opportunity to investigate more complex phenomena with regard to - Heredity, Biological Evolution, the Structure and Functioning of Molecules and Organisms, and the Interactions, Energy and Dynamics of Ecosystems. It is strictly aligned to the 2016 STE Curriculum frameworks.

Developing and using models, asking questions, constructing explanations, engaging in argumentation from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information are the science and engineering practices that are foundational to this course. 

Biology Concepts A - Course #524

Biology Concepts B - Course #525

Biology I (College II) - Course #526

Biology I (College I) - Course #504

Biology I (Honors) - Course #502

Placement in Grade 9 Science is based upon the following criteria:

• Recommendation of 8th grade science teacher (in collaboration with 6th and 7th grade science teachers) with an emphasis on learning skills such as -  actively participating during class, organizing and completing work in a timely manner, coming to class prepared for learning, explaining thinking clearly and attending to detail.

• Proficiency with Middle school science standards with an emphasis on the understanding and application of abstract science concepts

• Performance in the science placement test

PHYSICS I

Grade 10

Full year - 5 credits

Physics I is an introductory course covering the traditional concepts of Waves, Circuits, Astronomy, Thermal and Newtonian Mechanics.  It also introduces students to the topics of Electric and Gravitational Fields and Nuclear Physics.  Experiments and problem-solving feature heavily throughout the course as   students use subject-specific software to create, collect, analyze and present experimental data during laboratory work.  Developing and using models, asking questions, constructing explanations, engaging in argumentation from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information are the science and engineering practices that are foundational to this course. 

Physics Concepts - Course #543

Prerequisite: 

• Recommendation of department chair

Physics I (College II) - Course #545

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I  and teacher approval.

Physics I (College I) - Course #544

Prerequisite: 

• A minimum of “C-“ in Biology I College I and teacher approval OR

• A minimum of “A-“ in Biology I College II  and teacher approval.

Physics I (Honors) - Course #514

Prerequisite: 

• A minimum of “B-“in Biology I Honors and teacher approval OR

• A  minimum of “A-“ in Biology I College I  and teacher approval. 

• It is recommended that Honors Math be taken concurrently. 

CHEMISTRY I

Grade 11

Full year - 5 credits

The Chemistry I course presents an introduction to the theory of matter through a coordinated program of laboratory work, class discussions, problems, and projects. The course develops an understanding of the scientific approach to learning through experimental investigations and the application of theories to specific situations. The topics studied include atomic theory, periodic trends, kinetic molecular theory, phases of matter, the mole concept, enthalpy and energy, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Atomic and molecular structure and inter/intramolecular bonding are presented in the light of current knowledge. 

The use of scientific methods and tools in the laboratory play a large part in the introduction and reinforcement of these concepts. Developing and using models, asking questions, constructing explanations, engaging in argumentation from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information are the science and engineering practices that are foundational to this course. 

Chemistry I (College II) - Course #527

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I and Physics I and teacher approval.

Chemistry I (College I) - Course #508

Prerequisite: 

• A minimum of “C-“in Biology I and Physics I College I and teacher approval OR 

• A minimum of “A-“ in Biology I and Physics I College II and teacher approval.

Chemistry I (Honors) - Course #509

Prerequisite:

• A minimum of “B-“ in Biology I and Physics I Honors and teacher approval OR 

• A minimum of “A-“ in Biology I and Physics I College I and teacher approval. 

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

QUARTER COURSES

Quarter courses are available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Courses will run for the duration of a term. Students must select a minimum of two-quarter courses, totaling 2.5 credits. Students can select two or four quarter courses within their schedule. 

ASTRONOMY (A Year 2024-2025 and 2026-27)

Course # 546

Grades 10-12

Quarter  - 1.25 credits

Follow your enthusiasm for space by introducing yourself to the study of astronomy. This course will include topics such as astronomy’s history and development, basic scientific laws of motion and gravity, the concepts of modern astronomy, and the methods used by astronomers to learn more about the universe. The study of galaxies, stars, and the origin of the universe will provide students with additional knowledge in this field.

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I. 

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently.  

• If taken in grade 11, Chemistry must be taken concurrently.

CURRENT ISSUES IN SCIENCE 

Course # 547

Grades 10-12

Quarter - 1.25 credits                                                                      

Science is currently advancing at an unprecedented rate.  Contemporary science is in the news, is increasingly interdisciplinary, and applicable to students' everyday lives.   This class will help students highlight connections, see scientific knowledge as it is being developed, and provide an opportunity for students to explore cutting-edge science.  Topics investigated may include - artificial intelligence, gene editing, renewable energy, real news versus fake news, personalized medicine, bioethical issues in science, innovations and breakthroughs in bioengineering, water wars, and public health outbreaks. The student will, along with the teacher, provide worthwhile topics for student-centered class discussion. Daily news sources, such as newspapers, television, radio, magazines, and online resources will be used in this class.  Students may be afforded the opportunity to branch away from these topics and explore other areas of significant interest to them.  

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I. 

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently.  

• If taken in grade 11, Chemistry must be taken concurrently.

INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY SCIENCE (B Year 2025-2026, 2027-2028)

Course # 550

Grades 10-12

Quarter - 1.25 credits

As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives for companionship, recreation, food, and research, it is important to learn about their health and well-being. Students with an interest in, or love of, animals who enroll in this course may investigate concepts such as - nutrition, anatomy, health, and general care of large, small and exotic animals in the context of our homes, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and farms.  Students will learn to suture, splint, and administer IV fluids as well as analyze diagnostic tests (eg. X-rays).  In addition, students will investigate careers in the field of animal science through interactions with some of the following - a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician; Medfield Animal Shelter/Foster homes; puppies/dogs from the training and breeding group GOFI. Finally, students will attend an animal-filled field trip! 

        Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I. 

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently. 

• If taken in grade 11, Chemistry must be taken concurrently.

SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

ENGINEERING I

Course #548

Grades 9 - 10

Semester - 2.5 credits

This is an interactive course designed to introduce students to the engineering design process and to give them an insight into the role of the engineer in the modern world.  Students will typically work in groups on immersive and engaging projects like building hydraulic arms, designing and building truss bridge structures, and investigating power sources of the future (solar, wind, and water).  Students will also use a robotics platform and programming software that will provide them the opportunity to build and program basic robots. Students will be expected to use the vocabulary, analytical techniques, and communication skills appropriate to engineering in the 21st century. 

       Prerequisite: 

• Grade 8 science. 

• Strong collaboration, teamwork, and math skills.

• If taken in grade 9, Biology must be taken concurrently. 

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Course #522

Grades 10-12

Semester - 2.5 credits

The forensic science course is offered to students who wish to apply their knowledge of science to crime situations.  Forensic scientists search for and examine physical evidence that might be used to establish or exclude a suspect or victim of a crime.  Topics investigated are processing the crime scene and physical evidence including: hair, fiber, fingerprints, handwriting, ink analysis, blood, decoding, toxicology, and DNA. Students may also investigate famous case studies, serial killers, and forensic psychology. 

Prerequisite:  

• Successful completion of Biology I.

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently. 

• If taken in grade 11, Chemistry must be taken concurrently.

MARINE BIOLOGY

Course #520

Grades 10-12

Semester - 2.5 credits                                                                      

Marine biology offers students an opportunity to examine physical and chemical aspects of the ocean through the lens of a marine aquarium created by students with local organisms. The course has an emphasis on biology and students will investigate marine life such as starfish and dogfish using hands-on activities including dissection. Students will also discover the importance of protecting our oceans through interactive assignments and a field trip.

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Biology I.  

• If taken in grade 10, Physics must be taken concurrently.

• If taken in grade 11, Chemistry must be taken concurrently.

FULL YEAR ELECTIVES:

ENGINEERING II

Course #549

Grades 11 - 12

Full year - 5 credits

This course has been designed to be a continuation of the Engineering 1 course and will deepen students' understanding of the engineering design process while introducing them to more detailed and specialized topics within the discipline.   Students will work with more advanced 3D Design software and expand on the applications of 3D printing.  They will complete projects that introduce them to the fields of structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as undertake a research project in an area of their interest.  Students will also be introduced to the TETRIX robotics platform and build a series of remote-controlled and Arduino-coded robots. The course will foster collaboration skills, organization, and self-discipline, together with mathematics and problem-solving skills.

Prerequisite: 

• Successful completion of Engineering I, Biology I, Physics I and/or Chemistry I.

• For students in grades 11 and 12, who have not completed Engineering I please see the Science Department Chair for a description of summer work required for enrollment in Engineering II.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Course #538

Grades 11-12

Full year - 5 credits

Environmental Studies presents the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.  Students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and manmade, evaluate the relative risk associated with these problems and investigate alternative solutions. Assessments are most typically in the form of projects, though an occasional more traditional type of assessment may occur. 

Prerequisite:  

• Successful completion of Biology I, Physics I and/or Chemistry I.  

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (Honors)

Course #530

Grade 10 - 12

Full year - 5 credits

The human anatomy and physiology course examines the structure and function of body organs and systems, utilizing a variety of activities and laboratory experiences.  Beginning with a review of cytology and a survey of histology, the course continues through a detailed examination of the integumentary, immune, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems.  The origin and treatment of many diseases and disorders are examined and discussed.

Prerequisite:

• A minimum of “B-“ in Biology I/Physics I/Chemistry I Honors and teacher approval OR

• A minimum of “A-“ in Biology I/Physics I/Chemistry I College and teacher approval

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ELECTIVES:

AP BIOLOGY

Course #531

Grade 11-12

Full year - 7.5 credits

This course will extend the knowledge of biology learned in the first-year course by completing the AP Biology curriculum.  Emphasis will be on providing students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.  Major themes are evolution, energy transfer, and molecular synthesis, information processing, the relationship between structure and function, and interactions among biological systems. This class will have an additional lab period associated with it during semester 2 only to provide the time needed to complete the inquiry-based laboratory and curriculum requirements of the AP Biology course.  Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.   

Prerequisite: 

• Approval and recommendation from current science teacher and department chair

• A minimum of “B-“ in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I Honors  OR

• A minimum of “A-” in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I College I

• AP Lab must be taken concurrently during the second semester.

• Summer work is required

AP CHEMISTRY

Course #511

Grade 12

Full year - 5 credits

This course will extend the knowledge of chemistry learned in the first year by completing the AP Chemistry curriculum.  Emphasis will be on the use of mathematics in problem-solving, developing a better understanding of descriptive chemistry, and laboratory work.  Students will also be given an introduction to both quantitative and qualitative analysis while studying the themes of chemical kinetics, equilibrium, thermochemistry, atomic structure and function, and electrochemistry.  Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.   

Prerequisite:

• Approval and recommendation from current science teacher and department chair

• A minimum of “B-“ in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I Honors  OR 

• A minimum of  “A-” in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I College I.  

• Summer work is required

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Course #515

Grades 11-12

Full year - 5 credits

The AP Environmental Science course will deepen a student’s understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world and biological systems and processes through the inclusion of lab and field experiences as well as extensive readings. Through the study of the following units: earth systems and resources, population and demography, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, global change and its impact on biodiversity, and pollution, students will design experiments, gather and analyze data, interpret results and investigate alternative solutions to complex environmental challenges.  Concepts and skills from previous science courses will be utilized. Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.   

In addition, students may elect to apply their classroom work in an arena outside of the classroom. In the AP with WE Service program, students will work both inside and outside of the classroom to complete a service learning project. This work will provide a means for students to examine and engage with relevant coursework through a local, national, and global context. Students who complete an AP with WE Service course, meet the recognition requirements, and take the AP Exam for that course will earn the AP with WE Service student recognition. The recognition is shown on students’ AP score reports. Additional information will be forthcoming at the beginning of the AP Environmental science course.

Prerequisite: 

• Approval and recommendation from current science teacher and department chair 

• A minimum of C in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I honors  OR

• A minimum of B in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I College I

• Summer work is required

AP PHYSICS 2 

Course #516

Grade 11-12

Full year - 5 credits

In the AP Physics 2 course, the student explores more rigorously those fundamental laws of nature and key foundational principles that are included in the first year honors Physics course, deepening their conceptual understanding of physics by completing the AP Physics 2 curriculum.  These include electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, atomic and nuclear physics, and optics.  Through extensive laboratory work the student will apply their knowledge and increase their understanding of physics concepts. Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.   

Prerequisite: 

• Approval and recommendation from current science teacher and department chair

• A minimum of “B-“ in Biology I, Physics I  and Chemistry I honors OR

• A minimum of “A-” in Biology I, Physics I and Chemistry I College I

• Summer work is required

Science Department Chair

Orla Berry
oberry@email.medfield.net