Science & Engineering

Andover High students are required to successfully complete three credits of science courses to qualify for a diploma. All 9th grade students are enrolled in Physical Science and sit for the Introductory Physics MCAS exam in June of their freshman year. Biology is studied by 10th grade students followed by Chemistry, Physics, and other electives. Once this basic foundation of science study is completed, students are offered a rich variety of elective and Advanced Placement courses from which to choose. Laboratory investigations and knowledge of lab safety practices are critical components of Andover High science courses. Participation in directed and inquiry-based scientific investigations requires students to think critically and problem-solve creatively, to work collaboratively with peers, and to communicate effectively.

All 9^th grade students should register for Physical Science. Physical Science and Biology are required before taking other science courses (Environmental Science may be taken concurrently with either of these courses).

Physical Science introduces students to many of the fundamental concepts of physics and some chemistry through a lab-based, in-depth exploration of everyday phenomena in the world around us. Students work in cooperative groups while conducting a variety of experiments and activities to discover and reinforce the critical relationships and concepts necessary to more fully understand the physical world they live in. For example, while studying motion, students experiment with ramps and photo gates to collect, graph, and analyze motion data. This analysis positions students to think about the relationship being graphed and communicate this thinking using the language of science and math. Similar instructional methods that integrate the use of technology and cooperative problem solving are used while studying forces and motions, work and machines, and electricity to name a few. All students are expected to be able to present their findings.

Honors Level 1 - Students are expected to apply basic algebraic principles in solving both quantitative and qualitative problems. There is an expectation for a high level of individual preparation on a wide range of problems that are investigated in greater depth and detail than at other levels of this course. Students are expected to independently engage in problem solving sets and situations that involve greater depth and application of the content.

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of A- in Grade 8 Science and minimum grade of A- in

Grade 8 Math. The student should be capable of independent study and have the recommendation of his/her present science teacher.

College Prep Level 2– Students are expected to develop a qualitative understanding of fundamental course concepts through teacher-guided inquiry that includes hands-on activities, laboratory investigations, and teacher demonstrations. A more focused range of problems are investigated than in the honors level of the course.

College Prep Level 3 - Students enrolled at this level will experience the same curriculum as College Prep with some modification of activities, assignments, and assessments. Open to students who would benefit from additional modifications to activities, assignments, and assessments expected of College Prep Physical Science.

Environmental Science - this project-based course offers students an opportunity to investigate and explore fundamental principles of environmental science and the numerous related issues caused by human activity. A central component of this course is a five-month, team-oriented field study of a specific local environment in which data for both abiotic and biotic factors is recorded and analyzed. Students will research and critically examine current environmental concerns. Throughout the course, the application of environmental science in students’ lives is explored through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory activities, work in the sustainable garden and other field work, and shared research projects and reports. All levels are combined in the same class with specific expectations for each level clearly stated at the beginning of the course. This course may be taken in addition to Biology but not in place of it.

The AHS Green Energy Engineering Lab (G-lab) enables students to dig into our world’s need for electricity and provides an introduction to cutting edge green engineering and design with a focus on the development of green energy sources and their usage for meeting society’s growing energy needs. A series of topic-specific workshops provide a balance between weekly, guided seminars on ‘green’ topics and hands-on design challenges utilizing the Engineering and Design Process (EDP). Students will become familiar with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development through hands-on, design driven projects, will explore how various energy sources (wind, solar, hydro-electric, geothermal, biomass) are used to create electricity, and how that electricity is stored and transmitted. G Lab is an introductory course designed for 9th and 10th grade students but open to any student with an interest.

The R Lab -Robotics offers students the opportunity to explore the growing field of robotics. Students will apply the engineering design process while designing, constructing, and programming VEX robots that have the capacity to manipulate a variety of objects and perform various functions. Can your robot pick up a grape without crushing it? Can your robot carry either a lightweight container or a heavy football without toppling over? Can your robot perform these tasks faster than the robots of other teams without burning out your battery? In the RLab, students will investigate these questions and many others. Along the way, students will learn the basic components and building blocks of robots including motors, gears, drive trains, manipulators, controllers, and sensors. In addition to building robots to perform specific tasks and functions, students will explore the broad scope of robotic applications in the world today. Design challenges are a regular component of the course. R Lab is an introductory course designed for 9th and 10th grade students but is open to any student with an interest.