Science

This is a basic college preparatory biology lab science course developed to address the following topics: the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, human anatomy & physiology, evolution, & ecology. The textbook reading level and the pacing of the topics, activities, and lab experiences in this course are designed to help students to develop independent study skills. Students will understand the most essential concepts of biology as determined by state standards. Opportunities to apply these concepts will be provided throughout the learning experience. Students are expected to conduct an independent science investigation as a member of a small group and present this work at the district’s annual STEAM showcase in April.

This is a college preparatory biology lab science course developed to address the following topics: the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, human anatomy & physiology, evolution, & ecology. The textbook reading level and the pacing of the topics, activities, and lab experiences in this course are designed to foster independent study skills. Students will understand the most essential concepts of biology as determined by state standards. Opportunities to apply these concepts will be provided throughout the learning experience. Students are expected to conduct an independent science investigation as a member of a small group and present this work at the district’s annual STEAM showcase in April.

Prerequisites: approval by grade eight teacher/team, student has demonstrated the ability to use independent study skills.

This is an advanced college preparatory biology lab science course developed to address the following topics: the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, human anatomy & physiology, evolution, & ecology. The textbook reading level and the pacing of the topics, activities, and lab experiences in this course are designed for students who have developed independent study skills. Students will understand and apply the most essential concepts of biology as determined by state standards. Students are expected to conduct an independent science investigation as a member of a small group and present this work at the district’s annual STEAM showcase in April.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Chemistry with a B+ or better, or CP Biology and Chemistry with an A- or better, and department approval.

This course is the equivalent to an Introduction to Biology course taken in the first year of college. The curriculum addresses the new standards as outlined by the College Board and includes the following units: animal behavior and ecology, chemistry of life, the cell and membrane processes, metabolism, cellular genetics, molecular genetics, and evolution. Four big ideas are used thematically to help students make important connections across the curriculum. Additionally, there are seven scientific practices emphasized that require students to design and carry out lab activities, analyze data, and make graphical and statistical representations of data.

Students taking AP Biology will complete a self-directed unit of study during the summer and are required to take the AP examination in Biology in May.

Prerequisites: Biology I

In this course students will develop a foundational understanding of chemistry. Course topics include scientific measurements, states of matter, structure of the atom, the periodic table, bonding, naming compounds, formula writing, chemical reactions, the mole, and stoichiometry. Hands-on laboratory experiments will help students understand and begin to apply chemistry concepts and to build proper laboratory techniques. Students will also work on fostering problem solving skills and communicating their laboratory findings.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology with a B+ or better, or CP2 Biology with an A or better and completion of Honors Algebra I with an A or better or completion of Honors Geometry with a B or better and departmental approval.

This course is more mathematical and moves at a faster pace than Chemistry I. Strong writing, mathematical and analytical skills are required. Algebraic concepts will be applied extensively. Topics presented throughout the course will include atomic structure, states and composition of matter, Periodic Table trends, formula writing and chemical bonding, chemical reactions, moles, stoichiometry and gas laws.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry I with an average of B+ or better AND departmental approval.

This course is the equivalent of a general course in chemistry taken in the first year of college. The course deals with complex topics in chemistry according to standards established by the College Board, with an emphasis on data analysis, problem solving and advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Topics include bonding and intermolecular forces, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base reactions, electrochemistry, and introduction to organic chemistry and laboratory techniques. Students are required to take the AP examination in Chemistry in May.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry with a C or better and Geometry and Algebra 1 with a C or better.

A physics course is highly recommended for all students interested in pursuing STEM or medical/health fields after high school.

Physics 1 is designed for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a challenging college preparatory curriculum. The course concentrates on a systemic understanding of fundamental physics and physical processes. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations and analytical thinking through conceptual and mathematical modeling. Topics covered are classical mechanics including kinematics, dynamics (forces), work, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, waves, electrostatics, and electric circuits.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a B+ or better and Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 with a B+ or better.

A physics course is highly recommended for all students interested in pursuing STEM or medical/health fields after high school.

Honors Physics 1 is an in-depth physics class recommended for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a challenging college preparatory curriculum, and considering a curriculum of science, mathematics, or engineering in college. The course concentrates on a systemic understanding of fundamental physics and physical processes. Independent learning is a cornerstone of the course with students being required to demonstrate strong reasoning and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations and analytical thinking through conceptual and   mathematical modeling. Topics covered are classical mechanics including kinematics, dynamics (forces), work, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, waves, electrostatics, and electric circuits.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Geometry all with a B+ or better and departmental approval.

A physics course is highly recommended for all students interested in pursuing STEM or medical/health fields after high school.

A.P. Physics I is an algebra-based college-level course open to juniors and seniors meeting the prerequisites. The course focuses on the big ideas typically included in the first semester of algebra- based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provides students with enduring understandings to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as defined by the A.P. Science Practices. A minimum of 25% of instruction time involves laboratory investigations.  Topics covered are kinematics, dynamics (forces), work, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, simple harmonic motion, and fluids.

*Note this course is not open to students who have already taken Honors Physics.

Prerequisites:  Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a B+ or better AND departmental approval.

This class is equivalent to a first-year college-level course that incorporates both physical and ecological sciences in the study of the environment. Topics addressed in the APES course are outlined by the College Board and include Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Populations, Earth Systems, Land & Water Use, Energy Resources, Air & Water Pollution, and Global Change. There will be an emphasis on data analysis, problem-solving and advanced inquiry and reasoning skills and therefore students should have a strong background in math. Students taking AP Environmental Science will complete a self-directed unit of study during the summer and are required to take the APES examination in May.

Prerequisites: Passing score in biology and chemistry. (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval).

Anatomy is the exploration of structure dictating function in the human body! This connection is seen across all levels of organization. Units cover the chemistry of life, cell biology, histology, muscle physiology, and all of the body systems, with the muscle and skeletal systems in great detail. Assessments are varied and include microscope stations for histology and dissections, and a skeletal dissertation. The lab portion of this class focuses on dissections. These include the cow eyeball, sheep brain, and fetal pig. Each dissection is given more time as the class progresses and has a lab practical for a final assessment with anatomical stations. 

Prerequisites: Passing score in biology and chemistry (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

Honors students are required to attend field trips and conferences, all students are expected to go on at least five of several partial-day outings to the salt marsh, the Ipswich River, an evening stargazing, and local oceanfront venues.

This course is designed to examine the workings of the earth as a planet, with some study of other planets and the universe as a whole. Students will become aware that the various “spheres” (hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, geosphere) are always interacting. Students will also investigate advances in earth and planetary exploration and examine the findings to develop understandings of how the earth works. The course will involve students in hands-on activities, independent work, group work, and presentations. Course topics include: geology, oceanography, astronomy, climate change and atmospherology. 

Prerequisites: Passing score in biology and chemistry (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

This course will study human impact on the environment through examining the topics of aquatics, ecology, populations, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems through hands-on investigations both in the classroom and in our local ecosystems. They will apply scientific processes and concepts in order to better understand our natural systems and to critically think about environmental issues and potential solutions.

Prerequisites: Passing score in biology and chemistry (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

This course is designed for students who have an interest in the marine world and its interactions with the coast. Students will learn about topics in the four main branches of oceanography: geological, chemical, physical, and biological. Through discussions, readings, and hands-on activities in and out of the classroom, students will gain perspectives into how the systems of the ocean influence each other and life on land. Topics will include the formation of the ocean, currents, winds, tides, plankton, marine plants, invertebrates, fish, large marine vertebrates, and human impact.

Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Chemistry with a B or better or Biology and Chemistry with an A- or better and department approval.

Scholars work individually or in groups to complete a project which addresses an environmental sustainability issue and fills a need in the school district or greater community. This class places the power and responsibility for creating community-based solutions to environmental challenges in the hands of the students. While implementing their solutions, students learn project management skills such as defining goals, determining budgets and time-lines, problem solving, and continual improvement processes. Scholars often collaborate with a community partner as well as their teacher to identify issues and work to make positive change happen. Scholars are given an extremely high level of responsibility and require a great amount of self-discipline.

Prerequisites: Passing score in biology and chemistry (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

In this course, students will apply foundational knowledge of biology and chemistry to the molecular structure of foods and many of the methods used in food preparation.  Course topics include organic structure, biological macromolecules, solutions, energy and thermodynamics, microbiology, and materials science.  This course culminates in a multi-week cheesemaking unit that combines concepts and skills from throughout the year.  Throughout this course, students will conduct hands-on lab activities that demonstrate the physical properties and chemical processes at work every day in the molecules we cook and consume.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of chemistry with C. Open to Juniors and Seniors. 

Dual listing as Science and Social Studies Department (2.5 credits from each department). Please note that this course does not count towards the core requirement in social studies.

In this course, offered jointly by the Social Studies and Science Departments, students will explore criminal justice theories and examine forensic science. Utilizing statistics, characteristics of criminal behavior, chemistry, biology and other scientific fields of study, students will apply the core knowledge of the course to actual criminal cases. Students will become skilled at such analytical methods as securing crime scenes, collecting and preserving evidence, fingerprinting and DNA analysis. This course will cover the various biological, psychological and sociological aspects of crime in U.S. society. Students will be provided with an ability to perform basic forensic techniques and use appropriate scientific procedures that follow established guidelines for admissible evidence. Students will document results and draw conclusions employing criminology and forensic terminology. Students will explore such topics as juvenile justice and capital punishment. Within a lab setting, students will gain hands-on experience in the use of current investigative techniques. Participating in a mock crime scene and trial will be the capstone project for the course.

An Honors contract is available with approval of the teachers. Students who have taken Criminal Justice are also eligible to enroll.

Prerequisites:  Passing score in biology and chemistry. Open to juniors and seniors. (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

Semester-long elective course. Please note that this course does not count towards the core requirement in Science nor English.

In this course, offered jointly by the Science and English departments, students will explore the ethical considerations of current scientific issues. After learning about ethical theories and how to engage in reasoned argument, students will examine case studies on scientific topics such as genetic editing, antibiotics and vaccines, gene patents, cloning, artificial intelligence, biometrics, life extension, endangered species, and terraforming. Students will also have the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest to them. In this course, students will build their critical and creative thinking skills as they analyze and discuss real-world scientific dilemmas from different perspectives, thereby positioning themselves to be better scientists and scientifically literate citizens. Enthusiastic participation in discussion is essential for any student taking this course.

Prerequisites:  Passing score in biology and chemistry. Open to juniors and seniors. (Honors contract is available for students who have passed honors classes with a B or better, or CP with an A- or better, and department approval.)

Semester-long elective course. Please note that this course does not count towards the core requirement in Science.

The rise of personal genomic sequencing services, such as 23andme, and the promise of individualized genomic medicines to cure illness and disease have made it increasingly important for people to have a deeper understanding of genetics and genomic research. In this course, students will be introduced to recent advances in genetics, building on their understanding of Mendelian genetics (e.g. dominant/recessive Punnett square analysis). Students will learn about the DNA tools researchers’ use, such as DNA sequencing and SNPs, the role that epigenetics and gene control play on genetic expression, and how genetic sequences and frequencies can be used to study populations. Students will conduct hands-on activities and labs to isolate, amplify, analyze, and interpret DNA sequence data.