Classes Offered

This class will expose students to a variety of topics in science and adheres to the Massachusetts State Science Frameworks. Students will be learn laboratory skills, use technology, practice inquiry based lab activities and participate in a variety of other classroom instruction activities. The following subjects will be covered this year: Astronomy, Structures and History of the Earth, Environmental Science, Motion and Measurement Skills, Cell Biology, Biological Systems, and Properties of Matter. This material, along with 8th grade science, will be tested on at the completion of 8th grade on the Science MCAS.

This class will expose students to a variety of topics in science and adheres to the Massachusetts State Science Frameworks. Students will be learn laboratory skills, use technology, practice inquiry based lab activities and participate in a variety of other classroom instruction activities. The following subjects will be covered this year: Chemistry, Cell Biology, Heredity and Reproduction, Evolution, Classification, Human Body Systems, Motion and Energy. This material, along with 7th grade science, will be tested on at the completion of 8th grade on the Science MCAS.

This course is a study of the interactions among the three major components of the environment, the atmosphere, hydrosphere and the biosphere. Local and global environmental issues will be addressed throughout this course. Students will continuously review and apply scientific methodology in laboratory and field activities. The skills developed in this course will prepare students for more advanced science courses.

Biology is the study of living organisms. This course will survey the topics of ecology, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution and selected topics in anatomy and physiology. Participation in lab activities and the development of lab skills is an integral part of this course. Biology provides the student with an awareness of the biological principles and the technical knowledge necessary for more specific science courses. All students will be required to participate in inquiry based, lab investigations and additional literature research. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. This course will emphasize the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success on the MCAS biology exam.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I.

A laboratory oriented course aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Course topics include: physical and chemical properties, atomic theory, periodicity bonding, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, and acids and bases. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. Students completing the course will qualify for college preparatory course in science and other advanced courses with teacher recommendations. This course will emphasize the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success on the MCAS chemistry exam. Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology. It is recommended that Algebra II be taken concurrently

This course is a required course for AP Chemistry because topics covered in Honors Chemistry are not covered in depth in the Advanced Placement course. This course offers an in-depth study of the following topics: physical and chemical properties, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, acids and bases, and equilibrium. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. Some independent study will be expected. Students completing this course will qualify for advanced courses in Biology and the Physical Sciences. Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I.

This course will survey the topics of motion, forces, energy and momentum, gravity, heat, waves, sound, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding rather than detailed mathematical analysis. Quantitative and investigative skills used in problem solving will continue to be developed. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and complete comprehensive lab reports. Completion of regular homework assignments is an important component of the course. The course will emphasize the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success on the MCAS physics exam. Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and one additional science course. Completion of Chemistry recommended.

This course is intended for students who may have an interest in the health/medical related fields. Significant independent study is required for success in this course. The topics covered range from biochemistry and cellular biology to the detailed structure and function of each human organ system. Emphasis is placed on worksheet drawings, physical models, vocabulary, note taking and some vertebrate dissections. Several health care professionals will address the class about their professions and career opportunities. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and one additional science course.

This course will apply an integrated approach to learning science in and about our local environment. Many environmental issues will be addressed. The specific topics studied range from formation of our peninsula to the fragile ecosystems that make Cape Cod unique. Students must be willing and able to participate in regular field studies, often conducted during inclement weather. Culminating projects following field studies include creating detailed, accurate, displays and written reports. Texts are technical and written for college level readers. There may be field trip fees for transportation to field sites. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and a grade of a C or better in Algebra I.

This course will survey the topics of motion, forces, energy and momentum, circular motion and gravity, heat, waves, sound and electricity. Mathematical analysis using Algebra I skills will permit more in-depth problem-solving than is included in Introductory Physics. Quantitative and investigative skills used in problem solving will continue to be developed. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and complete comprehensive lab reports. Completion of regular homework assignments is a vital component of the course. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: 90 or better in Honors Biology, or 85 or better in Honors Chemistry, or 90 or better in CP Chemistry.

This course will follow the College Board approved AP Biology curriculum. This intense program will cover the following Big Ideas: 1 - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, 2- Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain homeostasis, 3- Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes, and 4- Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties. Summer preparation will be required for this course. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. It is expected that each AP Biology student will take the AP Biology exam in May. Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry and Algebra II Students enrolling in AP Chemistry have already successfully completed Chemistry and Algebra II.

The AP Chemistry course is equivalent to the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Topics for this laboratory-based course will include structure of matter, states of matter, chemical equilibrium, reactions, chemical kinetics, descriptive chemistry and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Summer preparation will also be required for this course. After school work (laboratory and review) is expected. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and develop skills to complete a formal lab report and organized notebook. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, and a grade of B or better in Algebra I. This course is designed to give students the in-depth level of knowledge required to succeed on the AP Physics 1 test. It emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and proficiency in advanced problem-solving techniques. Topics include motion, forces, energy and momentum, circular motion and gravity, rotational motion and angular momentum, mechanical waves and sound, and electricity including basic DC circuits. A strong work ethic and proficiency with algebra are essential to success. Students will work cooperatively in the lab and complete comprehensive lab reports. Dedicated effort on and completion of regular homework assignments are vital to success in this course. It is expected that each AP Physics 1 student will take the AP Physics 1 exam. Open to students in grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Physics 1 or simultaneous enrollment in AP Physics 1. This course is designed to give students the in-depth level of knowledge required to succeed on the AP Physics 2 test. It emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and proficiency in advanced problem-solving techniques. Topics include fluid mechanics, temperature, heat, thermodynamics, electric field and potential, magnetism, electromagnetic waves and optics, and nuclear physics. A strong work ethic and proficiency in algebra are essential to success. Dedicated effort on and completion of regular homework assignments are vital to success in this course. It is expected that each AP Physics 2 student will take the AP Physics 2 exam. Open to students in grades 12

Forensic Science is focused upon the application of scientific methods and the techniques to crime and law. Recent advances in scientific methods and principles of biology, chemistry and physics have had an enormous impact upon law enforcement and the entire criminal justice system. This course is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Topics and laboratory investigations included are : crime scene investigations, fingerprinting, document and handwriting analysis, ballistics, serology, hair and fiber examination, botany, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, entomology, the role of the medical examiner, the forensic autopsy, anthropology, germ warfare, DNA analysis, psychology and profiling, toxicology, paint analysis, glass comparisons and fragmentation, arson investigations, tire and foot impressions and casts.