SCIENCE

Graduation Requirements: Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Graduation Requirement: Earth and Space Science

3011 Earth and Space Science  1 credit

This course explores the processes governing the formation, evolution, and workings of stars and the universe and the processes that change the way the Earth looks including weathering, plate tectonics, and climate change. Biogeochemical cycles and energy transfer within the Earth will also be explored. Students will develop and use models, use mathematical and computational thinking, construct explanations, design solutions, engage in argument and communicate information to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas.

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement: Biology

3022 Biology  1 credit

Biology is a semester-long course that provides an introduction to the Life Sciences that covers various topics in the scientific method, characteristics of life, chemistry in BIO, genetics, cell-structure, ecology, evolution, biotechnology, energy, classification, natural selection, and reproduction. Connections to 21st Century Learning will also be explored throughout the course in connection to the Maine State Learning Results combined with the Next Generation Science Standards.

Prerequisite: Earth and Space Science 

Graduation Requirement: Chemistry

3033 Chemistry Principles ½ credit

Topics include atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, and nuclear chemistry. This class involves numerous lectures, hands-on activities and lab experiments that will allow students to explore the physical and chemical properties of matter and investigate how its composition relates to its chemical behavior.  A majority of the work is done in class.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 

3043 Chemistry  1 credit

This is an appropriate course for students who may or may not want to pursue a science degree at the post-secondary level. Topics include atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, nuclear chemistry, chemical reactions, chemical nomenclature, dimensional analysis, and stoichiometry. This class involves numerous lectures, discussions, and lab experiments that will allow students to explore physical and chemical properties of matter and investigate how a substance's fundamental composition relates to its chemical behavior. Chemistry is an elective course that not only covers the required standards found in the .5 credit Chemistry Principles course, but also goes above and beyond those standards.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Biology 

3044 Quantitative Chemistry  1 credit

This course is designed for students who have a high interest in or plan to major in science. This is the most rigorous of all the chemistry courses and it requires higher level mathematical and reasoning abilities. A greater amount of analysis and problem solving will be required. Unlike Chemistry, mathematical concepts will be covered quickly with minimal in class practicing and coaching. Topics include atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, nuclear chemistry, chemical reactions, chemical nomenclature, dimensional analysis, and stoichiometry. This class involves numerous lectures, discussions, and lab experiments that will allow students to explore physical and chemical properties of matter and investigate how a substance's fundamental composition relates to its chemical behavior. Quantitative Chemistry is an elective course that not only covers the required standards found in the .5 chemistry course, but also goes well above and beyond those standards.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Biology 

Graduation Requirement: Physics

3053 Physics Principles  ½ credit

This course covers motion and forces, energy and its conservation, momentum and its conservation, waves and electrostatics.  This course takes a hands-on approach to physics.  Students will participate in many lab and activity based learning situations. The course is intended to give a broad overview of the concepts of physics.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

3063 Physics 1 credit

This class is designed for the student who does not plan to major in science, physics, or engineering but is looking for a rigorous academic course that will include problem solving using algebra II and vector math, note taking from lectures, graphing and formal lab reports.

Prerequisite: Chemistry

3064 Quantitative Physics 1 credit

Quantitative Physics will cover kinematics, vectors, dynamics, momentum, energy, gravitation, optics, electrostatics, and projectile motion.  This course is for students who are motivated and very comfortable using more difficult math such as trigonometry, quadratics, and vector math. Students who take Quantitative Physics often plan to major in engineering, science, or math in college or are really interested in understanding how the world operates.

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

3023AP AP Biology 1½ credit

AP Biology is a 3-quarter long course designed to offer Junior and Senior students a

solid foundation in introductory college-level Biology and the course will be built around the four big

ideas, as well as enduring understandings and scientific practices. Interested students should have a strong interest in the topic of Biology, must have met or exceeded all standards in Biology

and should be concurrently enrolled in Chemistry.  There will be student-directed laboratory investigations, which has a minimum of eight inquiry-based investigations (two per big idea through the course). Taking the AP Exam is a required expectation of the course and expenses will be covered by LRHS.

Prerequisite: Students met/exceeded standards in Biology Suggested grade levels: 11-12

3502 Marine Biology ½ credit

Have you ever wanted to learn about what lives in the ocean? How do all these organisms interact with one another? Do you want to take a trip to the ocean to study a tide pool? This is an introductory, hands-on Marine Biology course for students interested in possibly pursuing this area of study in college or just have an interest in gaining an understanding of marine biology. There will be a minimum of four student-created presentations, a semester cumulative project, a field trip, a limited amount of dissections, hands on wet labs, and online lab/research studies throughout the course. 

Prerequisite: Recommended to be enrolled in Biology Suggested grade levels: 10-12

3512 Animal Studies ½ credit

Have you ever wanted to learn about the organisms that live in Maine and worldwide? Do you want to explore the different mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects in more detail that are found not only in our backyards but in our world? Have you thought about how much diversity we have in the world but are losing more and more of it each day? This is an introductory, hands-on Animal Studies course for students interested in possibly pursuing this area of study in college or just have an interest in gaining an understanding of the animal world, focusing on Maine’s unique area. There will be a minimum of three student created presentations, a semester cumulative project, a field trip, a limited amount of dissections, hands on wet labs, and online lab/research studies throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Recommended to be enrolled in Biology Suggested grade levels: 10-12

3530 Introduction to Design and Engineering ½ credit

Have you ever thought about changing the objects in our world to make them faster, simpler, smaller, bigger? That is what engineers do; they make things work, they imagine what could be, and then they design and create it. In this course, students will learn about the design process and use it to help them work through engineering challenges. This class has many hands-on labs and activities.

Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12

3540 Envirothon Competition ½ credit

This course will prepare you to compete in groups of five in the Regional and State Envirothons. You will become proficient in the area of Soils, Wildlife, Aquatics, and Forestry, as well as a unique community issue. The competitions are held in May and early June. This course will include several outdoor learning experiences, working with the Lakes Environmental Association and interacting with many professionals in the field of study.

Prerequisites: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12

3553 Anatomy & Physiology 1&2 2 LRHS credits, 8 SMCC credits

Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 are instructed as dual enrollment courses with students earning credits through Southern Maine Community College. Students will register in class with SMCC. Students must earn an 8o or better to move on to A&P2.  Students will complete an in-depth study of the anatomy and functions of the human body and other similar animal systems.  The course will prepare students for further study and careers in the health and medical field.  Participants can expect to complete intense text work and vocabulary expansion as well as completing labs, group projects and research papers.  One large animal dissection will be completed.  Solid reading, writing and math skills are a must.  Guest speakers from the medical field will be invited to class.  Field trips to investigate medical facilities, career opportunities and higher education possibilities will be part of the course.  

Prerequisites: Biology  and currently enrolled in Chemistry Suggested grade levels: 11-12

3563 Forensic Science 1 credit

Forensic Science provided an opportunity to investigate education requirements, career opportunities and latest techniques and tools involved in crime scene investigations and the field of forensics.  This course involves basic concepts of anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and anthropology.  Participants can expect to complete text work and vocabulary expansion as well as labs, group projects and research papers.  Students must be self-disciplined and self-motivated learners.  Solid reading, writing, and math skills are a must.  Guest speakers from the forensic and law enforcement field may be invited to class.  Field trips to investigate various field related facilities, career opportunities and higher education possibilities may be part of this course.

Prerequisites: ESS, Biology, and Chem (A&P recommended) Suggested grade levels: 11-12

3570 Junior Maine Guide   ½ credit

Have you ever wanted to explore the topics of Maine to possibly lead you into a career of being a guide or game warden? Students will learn to act responsibly when they are in the wilderness, whether with family, friends, or while leading a group. The curriculum is designed to provide a firm foundation in outdoor skills and knowledge of proper trip planning techniques and safety concerns. The outdoor experience will include instruction, portfolio work, indoor group challenges - problems, research and student expertise sharing, guest speakers, etc. You will be graded by portfolios, participation, attendance, proficiency, and final test. Topics of study include map of Maine, survival shelter and fireplace, first aid, topographical map, trip equipment, cooking, backpacking, fire rules,environmental awareness, fishing general safety, wilderness regulations and tree identification.

Prerequisites: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12

3592 Environmental Science 1 credit

What is the future of the natural world?  What role do we play?  How can we manipulate the environment so as to  create a more livable planet? These questions and many more will be asked and answered.  Environmental Studies is designed to increase the students’ awareness of the relationships between living things and their environment.  It stresses the importance of understanding and appreciating the roles of many plants and animals in nature as well as the intricacies of climate change, acid precipitation, pollution and the biosphere.  After the students have gained sufficient first hand knowledge through class work, they put this knowledge into practice by performing selected hands-on studies in the laboratory and in outdoor environments. Students will work closely with Lakes Environmental Association in the areas of lake characteristics and laws as well as the importance of invasive species and macroinvertebrates.   The study and identification of indigenous organisms is undertaken during the year.  Current environmental issues are investigated.  The course is geared for both the non‑science oriented student and the science-oriented student. An in‑depth study project involving community contact is required of each student.  It is strongly suggested that students have strong writing and organizational skills.  This course requires independent work.

Prerequisite: Biology or a strong interest in Environ Sci Suggested grade levels: 10-12

3603 Genetics ½ credit

Genetics provides an excellent opportunity for a student interested in genetics and hereditary characteristics to expand their knowledge and understanding of their DNA.  Students will complete an in-depth study of DNA and all areas of genetics.  Students must be self-disciplined and self-motivated learners.  Solid reading, writing, and math skills are a must. Participants can expect to complete text work and vocabulary expansion.  Field trips to investigate medical facilities, career opportunities and higher education possibilities will be part of the course.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry Suggested grade levels: 11-12

3610 Nutrition ½ credit

This elective course explores nutrition concepts from the food system, to factors influencing our choices, to personal meal planning to digestive processes. Emphasis will be on choices that lead to health and wellness. Science skills and content will be embedded through activities/concepts including gardening/agriculture, anatomy related to digestion, essential nutrients, principles of energy balance, basic elements of food safety, and personal dietary evaluation techniques.

Prerequisites: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12

3620 Paleontology ½ credit

     Have you wanted to study Life the way it used to be?  In the Paleontology course, we will study not only Dinosaurs but what came before and after - leading to the way life is today.  We will be studying Megafauna as well as pre-Dinosaur life. We will be doing a Geologic Time Scale project, conduct both a virtual and participate in a mock fossil excavation activity, study fossil creation and fossil formation. We will be viewing the videos and have round table discussions about the Walking with Prehistoric beasts, Walking with Dinosaurs, and Walking with Monsters.

Prerequisites: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12

3621 Microbiology ½ credit

Are you curious about all those microbes you can not see with the naked eye?This course offers an introduction to key principles in microbiology. The student will gain a functional understanding of microscopic organisms, their role in disease and the environment, and our defenses against infections. The student will learn proper laboratory techniques, such as how to use a microscope, prevent the spread of bacteria, and collect and manage microbial cultures. Students must be self-disciplined and self-motivated learners.  Solid reading, writing, and math skills are a must. 

Prerequisites: Biology     Suggested grade levels: 11-12