Science

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT MISSION

The Science Department has revised the curricula of every Science course offered at North Attleboro High School. Our mission is to engage students in authentic learning experiences that will foster a passion for learning and a confidence to solve complex problems. Embedded within the curricula are several transfer goals:

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…                                                              

• Develop questions and define problems to conduct open-ended investigations to provide explanations and generate possible solutions.

• Generate and defend arguments to confront real-life science claims by collecting, interpreting, and analyzing data to make credible and informed decisions.

• Develop critical thinking patterns that promote problem-solving skills and promote best-practices in science and engineering: develop and use models; use mathematics and computational thinking; obtain, evaluate and communicate information effectively.

LEVELING PRACTICES

Honors designates a course that is intense with respect to the pace, depth of coverage and student workload requirements. It requires extensive preparation on the part of the student and may require participation in out-of- school readings, reports, projects and activities. For success, the student should be able to read at or above grade level, possess good to excellent communication and computational skills, average to above average digital literacy skills and have the ability to analyze complex data and formulate appropriate conclusions. Students selecting Honors courses should have a passion for learning, solving complex problems, engaging in authentic inquiry, and thinking deeply about content material.

Level one designates a course that covers the same major topics and addresses the same standards as an honors course, but at a more moderate rate. Level one students should be reading at grade level, possess average to above average computational skills, average digital literacy skills, and have the ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions. Level one students should enjoy learning, solving problems, and engaging in inquiry.

Level two designates a course for students who are not necessarily planning to major in science while attending college. The pace, depth of coverage and workload requirements are not as extensive as they are for a level one course. Students should have basic digital literacy skills. Reading skills and data analysis skills will be practiced and strengthened. Level 2 students will solve problems and engage in inquiry but in a more scaffolded setting.

Every course offered at North Attleboro High School is structured to engage students in the Science and Engineering Practices. Embedded within every course is instruction and practice in the Digital Literacy Standards and Social Emotional Learning Standards.

THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES

Science and engineering practices include the skills necessary to engage in scientific inquiry and engineering design. It is necessary to teach these so students develop an understanding and facility with the practices in appropriate contexts. The Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC, 2012) identifies eight essential science and engineering practices: 

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering).

2. Developing and using models. 

3. Planning and carrying out investigations.

4. Analyzing and interpreting data.

5. Using mathematics and computational thinking.

6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering).

7. Engaging in argument from evidence.

8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.

LAB SCIENCES

All of the courses offered by the Science Department have a laboratory component and are thus considered to be lab sciences. The focus of the laboratory component of the courses will be on the practices of science, inquiry and the ability to record and analyze data. Students are expected to learn and comply with all safety standards for labs.

PATHWAYS OF STUDY

The Pathways depicted above are suggested paths and students may alter according to their interest and schedule flexibility. Students may double up their Science courses if their schedule allows. Students requesting courses not offered by the Science Department should speak to their counselor to discuss options.

COURSE OFFERINGS

FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE I 

Grade 9,  5 Credits,  Level 2 - 503

This course is designed to cover the essentials of Chemistry and offer an introduction to some major concepts of Biology. It is the recommended freshman course for students who require a strengthening of their science background, reading comprehension and test taking skills. Students are supported with assistance with study skills, habits of mind and organizational skills. This course focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering. Students selecting this course would typically take Foundations of Science II as a sophomore and would then take the Biology MCAS test during the spring of their sophomore year.

GEOLOGY 

Grade 10-12,  2.5 Credits,  Level 1 -  511,  Level 2 - 512

Geology is a semester-long, rigorous, college preparation course designed for college bound students. It is a comprehensive study of the processes and materials that make up planet earth.  Geology will study the dynamic relationship between composition and density of earth’s crust  by examining rocks, minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics in detail. Oceanography will be studied during the second portion of the semester. Students will learn about the formation, physical characteristics, and dynamic interactions of deep sea trenches, the mid ocean ridge, hydrothermal vents, seamounts, and other underwater features. Students will also learn about the importance of salinity and temperature as it relates to ocean currents. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

Level 1 students will be expected to graph and analyze data as well as read and summarize high level reading scientific articles.

METEOROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 

Grade 10-12,  2.5 Credits,  Level 1 - 513,  Level 2 - 514

Meteorology and Astronomy is a semester long, rigorous, college preparation course designed for college bound students. Its focus is on atmospheric components that are influenced by earth’s position in space. This includes the seasons, climate, and weather patterns. The astronomy portion indulges in the study of stars, galaxies, solar systems, dark energy, the big bang theory, and other conceptual topics from general relativity such as space-time. Lab activities, films, web research, graphing, and mapping enhance the topics covered in this course. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

Level 1 students will be expected to graph and analyze data as well as analyze grade level articles and texts

BIOLOGY I 

Grade 9-10,  5 Credits,  Honors – 520,  Level 1 - 521,  Level 2 – 522

Biology is the study of life. The course includes the following units of study: The Chemical Basis of Life, The Structural Basis of Life, Movement of Materials Into and Out of Cells, How Cells Harvest Energy, Photosynthesis, How Cells Divide, The Transmission of Genetic Information, The Chemical Basis of Genetics, Evolution, Taxonomy and Biodiversity, and Ecology. A survey of human anatomy and physiology will be applied to the units of study where appropriate and will include discussion of the human digestive, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, excretory, reproductive and skeletomuscular systems. Numerous laboratory experiences will offer hands-on reinforcement of the topics covered in classroom discussions. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering. The honors biology class will also cover topics in more depth in order to help prepare interested students for the AP Biology course.

FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE II 

Grade 10-11,  5 Credits,  Level 2 - 523

This course is the continuation of the Foundations of Science I course. It begins with a brief review of inorganic chemistry and a subsequent study of the important organic molecules found in living things. Topics that follow include cell structure and function, the cell membrane, cell respiration, photosynthesis, and cell division. The genetics component of the course incorporates a review of the genetic material and the mechanisms of inheritance. The year will end with a study of human biology, basic anatomy, evolution and ecology. Students are supported with assistance with study skills, habits of mind and organizational skills. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

BIOLOGY II 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Level 1 – 551,  Level 2 – 552

This second course in biology is an extension of the first year biology course and affords the student the opportunity to apply the skills and concepts learned in biology and chemistry to biological problems. The project based course is designed to challenge students and encourage critical thinking. Topics studied include biochemistry, nutrition, plants, microbiology, biotechnology, human systems and health, evolution, and ecology. Students will also evaluate current topics of biology in the media.  Current techniques in microscopy, genetics, biotechnology and computer-aided bioinformatics will also be explored.

Guidelines for Selection: Level 1 - 85 or better in Biology & Chemistry Level 2 – 75 or better in Biology & Chemistry

AP BIOLOGY (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) (EEP*) 

Grades 10-12,  5 Credits,  AP - 582

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. AP Biology includes those topics regularly covered in a college biology course for majors. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. The course is structured into 14 Units that are framed around four major concepts, or Big Ideas: 1. The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, 2. Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, 3. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes, and 4. Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. With the discussion of each of the individual units, students identify the connection of the specific topics with these four Big Ideas.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology Honors, Level 1 or 2 (521, 522 or 523) 

Guidelines for Selection: 80 or better in Honors Biology, 85 or better in Level 1 Biology, and 95 or better in Level 2 Biology

*Students will have the option of electing to participate in the Early Enrollment Program for a fee.

BIOTECHNOLOGY 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 553,  Level 1- 554

Biotechnology is a year-long course which provides entry-level as well as advanced training in biotechnology skills, methods and applications. Students will explore the fundamental principles of biotechnology. Topics include microbiology, recombinant DNA, production of biological molecules, cloning, stem cells, genetic diagnostics, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food processing (GMO’s), energy and environmental management, bioethics, and current events. Students also review employment and careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries. Laboratories include pipetting and measurement, solution preparation, DNA extraction and restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation and PCR. The laboratory-based class integrates the core competencies of the life sciences career pathway and physical sciences with the technical skills needed for postsecondary education and/or employment in the biotechnology industry. Participants in this course will also be required to regularly engage in and design their own inquiry based lab activities and report their results in detailed lab reports.

Honors Biotechnology students will be expected to write an APA formatted research paper of a minimum of 5 pages in length detailing a current application of biotechnology technology.

Guidelines for Selection: 90 or better in Biology recommended for Honors, 80 or better in Biology recommended for level 1

FORENSIC SCIENCE        

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 564,  Level 1- 565

This lab and activity based course will explore how science is used in forensic investigations to collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence to draw logical fact based conclusions. Through this hands-on course, students will be able to understand and see how skills learned in the science classroom are applied in real life situations outside the classroom in the many allied fields associated with forensic science. Throughout the school year, we will be exploring the scientific concepts of biology, along with chemistry, physics, math, psychology,to illustrate the multifaceted discipline known as forensic science. Traditional science skills like observation, modeling, experimental design & lab skills, data collection and evaluation will be emphasized, along with teamwork (which every crime scene investigator will tell you is crucial to successfully solving a crime).  Topics covered include evidence collection protocols, microscopy, hair, fiber, and fingerprint analysis, DNA technology, blood & chemical analysis, forgery, forensic pathology and anthropology, the criminal mind, and more.  Comprehensive crime scene analysis is used to cumulatively assess skills learned throughout the course.    

Honors students should expect more independent assignments and will cover topics more in depth with less review of topics covered in previous science courses.

Guidelines for Selection: All students should have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry.  

MARINE BIOLOGY - Aquaculture and Oceanography 

Grades 11-12,  2.5 Credits,  Level 1 - 555

This semester elective is a general overview of Oceanography and Marine Science. It will begin with a project-based assessment in which students set up and maintain a healthy aquarium while learning about the reproduction and behavior of the South American cichlid. Physical properties of the ocean will be studied through the composition of seawater and characteristics of waves,  currents, and tides. Biological properties of the ocean will be studied through food webs and marine environments. Several projects will be assigned throughout the semester.  This course will focus on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

MARINE BIOLOGY - Comparative Anatomy 

Grades 11-12,  2.5 Credits,  Level 1 - 556

This semester elective consists of a march through the invertebrate phyla of marine organisms will be the basis of this course.  Dissections will take place to study anatomy as well as the evolutionary relationship with other marine organisms.  Students will focus on comparing the circulatory, skeletal, and digestive systems of marine invertebrates. All students taking this class will be expected to take part in all dissections. This course will focus on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 

Grades 11-12,  Credits 5,  Honors - 570,  Level 1- 571

Anatomy and Physiology is a comprehensive study of the external and internal structures and systems of the human body along with an understanding of how these structures and systems function. Microscopic examination of cells, tissues and organs will be utilized to provide the student with an understanding of the structure of body parts. This foundation will be used to study the function of various body systems including skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, urinary and reproductive. Selected organs and organisms will be used for dissection and study.  This course is designed to prepare students for health related disciplines in a postsecondary education. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

Guidelines for Selection: Students selecting Honors should have an 80 or better in Biology Honors, 90 or better in Biology Level 1, or 95 or better in Biology Level 2. Students selecting level 1 should have a 70 or better in Biology Honors. 80 or better in Biology Level 1, or 90 or better in Biology Level 2.  

CHEMISTRY 

Grades 10-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 530,  Level 1 - 531,  Level 2 - 532

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Topics covered in this Level 1 course include measurement, dimensional analysis, bonding, mole concept, kinetics, analyzing chemical reactions, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry and oxidation/reduction reactions. Laboratory work is an important part of this course. Laboratory work is used to reinforce the concepts and ideas presented in lecture. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

Guidelines for Selection: Students selecting honors should have an 85 or better in Algebra II. 85 or better in Biology Level 1, or 95 or better in Biology Level 2. Students should be aware that previous math skills are essential as the course is calculation based. The honors class will also cover topics in more depth. Students selecting Honors level will also be required to write extensive formal lab reports. Students selecting level 1 should have an 85 or better in Algebra I. 85 or better in Biology Level 1 or 2. Students should be aware that previous math skills are essential as the course is calculation based. Students in level 2 should expect a more student dictated pace and should have a passing grade in Biology.

AP CHEMISTRY II (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) (EEP*) 

Grade 11-12,  5 Credits,  AP – 561

This second course in chemistry concerns putting into laboratory practice those theories and ideas learned from chemistry and prepares the student for the Advanced Placement test. Students must take Chemistry before taking advanced placement chemistry. The Advanced Placement chemistry course is considered to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. This course also emphasizes the correct method of acquiring, recording and presenting data. Students in AP Chemistry should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The AP course in chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual first secondary school course in chemistry with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory. In addition, as is the case with all college science courses, attendance must be a top priority, especially during laboratory sessions.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Chemistry Level 1 or 2 (531 or 532) 

Guidelines for Selection: 85 or better in Level 1 Chemistry and Algebra II.

*Students will have the option of electing to participate in the Early Enrollment Program for a fee.

AP PHYSICS 1 (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  AP – 540

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning and investigations, students will develop scientific critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills. No prior course work in physics is necessary. This course requires that 25% of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

Guidelines for Selection: Students should have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.

AP PHYSICS 2 (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  AP - 541

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and modern nuclear physics with some basic quantum mechanics. Through inquiry-based learning and investigations, students will develop scientific critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25% of the instructional time will be spent in hands- on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. 

Prerequisite: Passing grade in AP Physics 1 or Physics Honors, Level 1

Guidelines for Selection: Student should have taken or be concurrently taking Pre-Calculus or an equivalent course.

PHYSICS 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 544,  Level 1 - 542,  Level 2 - 543 

This course is an introductory Newtonian mechanics course. It covers: kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamic systems applying newton’s laws, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, collisions, circular motion, and periodic motion. Students will gain a conceptual and mathematical understanding of the mechanics of our physical world. There will be several hands-on projects in this course in which students will apply physics concepts to create original works to solve problems. 

Guidelines for Selection:  Honors physics students will be required to maintain a detailed Lab Notebook chronicling a rigorous and frequent inquiry lab component to the class.  It is recommended that you have at least an 80 in Algebra II Honors/Level 1 before taking this course.  It is highly recommended to be enrolled in trigonometry while taking this course (or have completed trigonometry). For Level 1, It is recommended that you have at least a 75 in Algebra II Lv1/Lv2. For Level 2, this course will largely be conceptual with limited mathematics involved.

APPLIED PHYSICS

Grade 10,  5 Credits,  Level 1 - 546,  Level 2 - 545

Application of Physics strives to examine the topics in the Massachusetts State Physics Frameworks using a conceptual approach with an intent to improve students' math skills prior to taking Chemistry. The state frameworks include topics such as motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light and electricity. Students will gain a conceptual and mathematical understanding of our physical world. There will be several hands-on activities in this course in which students will apply physics concepts to create original works to solve problems.

Guidelines for Selection: Students should have a successful completion of Algebra 1.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  AP - 590

Advanced Placement Environmental Science, (APES), is interdisciplinary; it is an all encompassing science course about nature that embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study including biology, chemistry, geology, ecology, political science, sociology, economics, mathematics, and geography.  The course is designed for students who have successfully completed biology and chemistry.  Students enrolled in this course will take the AP Environmental Science Exam in May.  Through labs, field work, activities, and discussion, students will gain a solid understanding of environmental science and allow students to make scientifically informed decisions, understand the interrelatedness of global issues that directly and indirectly affect them, and critically evaluate the validity of scientific claims in the media.  

This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science.  The goal is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to calculate and evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 591,  Level 1 - 592

Environmental Science is a rigorous, college preparatory course designed for college bound students. Students will study environmental issues through a comprehensive and insightful unit comprised of research, graph/data analysis, film, and project based learning. With the conclusion of climate change, students will have the background knowledge to learn about other topics as the year progresses such as the loss of biodiversity, human population growth, human health as it pertains to toxicology, food/agricultural practices, and future sustainability.

Through each unit, students will learn how human activity and choices are changing our world. They will focus on the relationships between biological and physical sciences. Students will focus on the development of skills in analyzing environmental problems, communicating about research, working both independently collaboratively, and problem solving. This course also focuses on the practices of science, technology and engineering.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 579,  Level 1 - 577,  Level 2 -  578

Mechanical Engineering is a high school-level course of engineering aimed at exposing students in grades 11 and 12 to some of the major concepts that they may encounter in a college-level engineering course. In this project-based class, students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high tech careers by exploring concepts such as: simple machines, robotics, kinematics, dynamics, materials and structures, fluids, and how energy and power are interconnected to all of these topics.  

Students are provided with the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of core engineering concepts  with hands-on, problem-based activities and projects. Projects will give the opportunity to create solutions to challenges, work collaboratively, and learn how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC Routers, and design and build robots that have different functions. Lastly, this course compliments traditional science and mathematics courses, and is designed to prepare students to pursue a post secondary education and careers in STEM related fields.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING  

Grades 11-12,  5 Credits,  Honors - 589,  Level 1 - 587,  Level 2 - 588

Electrical Engineering is a high school-level course of engineering aimed at exposing students in grades 11 and 12 to some of the major concepts they may encounter in a college-level electrical engineering course. This course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of concepts in our electronic and digital world. Topics included are: physics, principles of electricity and electrostatics, electrical circuits and components, microcontrollers and control systems, computer programming, and robotics.  

Students are provided with the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of core engineering concepts  with hands-on, problem-based activities and projects. Students will work collaboratively and learn how to use and test circuit boards, electrical components, in addition to using technology such as 3D printers  and CAD software.  A capstone project may involve designing, wiring, and incorporating robots. The capstone project gives students the opportunity to utilize skills from both the mechanical and electrical engineering courses. Lastly, this course compliments traditional science and mathematics courses, and is designed to prepare students to pursue a post secondary education and careers in STEM related fields. 

Innovation PATHWAY in advanced Manufacturing 

CAPSTONE PROJECT DESIGN 

Grade 12,  2.5 Credits,  595

Capstone Project Design is the culmination of an Innovation Pathway student’s study which allows students to demonstrate they have met the learning goals of the pathway. The course teaches the engineering design cycle, beginning with the conceptual planning and review phases of an engineering project. The course introduces technical methods for analyzing, designing, prototyping, synthesizing, troubleshooting, and testing to solve “real world” problems while working in conjunction with a local business partner.

The overall objective of this course is to give students a design experience that is as close to real life as is practicable in a high school setting. 

Course objectives include: 

Students will learn how an engineering project works, including its systems, its standards, and its practices.

Students will work as an integral member of a design team.

Students will document the experience using self-reflections, journaling, progress reports and a final report/presentation.

Students will Complete a minimum of 100 hours of project work and/or workplace experience.

Students will work on individual projects of their choice. Students will consult with a local business partner. Students will meet with a faculty member at the beginning of the semester to propose a project; work on the project during class time or during workplace experience opportunities; and present the project at the end of the semester. Student success criteria will be established by the course instructor and program director. This course is a semester-long course during the final year of the pathway.

595

General Pathway Description

Advanced Manufacturing

Students will be offered access to a  curriculum that fosters the necessary skills and learning experiences for a future career in the field of Engineering. In addition to the general graduation requirements of NAHS, this pathway represents a series of required courses that a student will take in order to receive a pathway designation on their high school diploma. As part of the pathway, students must engage in two college level courses, such as AP courses or dual enrollment in any discipline before they graduate. Students will also participate in a number of relevant certification programs as part of the pathway. The pathway concludes with a senior capstone project course that requires 100 hours of project work and workplace learning experiences with local employer partners.  

Required Courses:

Senior Capstone Project