SCIENCE

Biology and Biology with Lab

The Grade 10 Biology course precedes with the Biology themes started in Integrated Science. The diversity of life forms and the major themes of Biology as outlines by the Massachusetts Science Frameworks are emphasized and students are prepared for the Grade 10 Science MCAS in Biology. This lab option of this course offers extensive laboratory work that will prepare students who may be considering post-secondary education. Lab periods are conducted twice a week.

Major topics covered in Biology include:

• Tools of research and the cell
• The chemistry and physics of life
• Genetics and the mechanisms of change
• Ecology
• Viruses, monerans, and protists
• Vertebrates

Engineering/Technology Science (ETS)

This Grade 10 course will give students and understanding an appreciation for technology and engineering and how science, math, technology, and engineering compliment each other. The course is designed to prepare students for the Grade 10 Science MCAS in Technology & Engineering. Students will learn how advances in technology affect human society and how human society determines which new technologies will be developed.

The following units are currently covered in ETS:

• Creators of the Designed World
• Sustainable Cities
• Going with the Flow
• Power to Communicate

Anatomy and Physiology with Lab

Anatomy & Physiology is a Grade 11 course that is an introduction to the human body, the structure and function of it. A total of 15 areas of study will be covered, each consisting of 6 parts: (1) Basic Concepts, (2) Assignments, (3) Laboratory Investigations, (4) Definitions, (5) CD-ROM review, (6) Examination.

The content areas of study include:

• Structural units
• Chemistry of living things
• Cells, tissues, and membranes
• Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems
• Senses
• Nutrition
• Genetics and genetically-linked diseases
• Biotechnology

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is offered to students in Grade 11 or 12. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the environment so that they may become stewards of the land and make informed decisions regarding their own local environment. The course is taught using a variety of approaches, including hands-on projects.

Students should expect to study:

• Global perspectives on environmental science
• Ecosystems
• Water and Air
• Atmosphere and climate
• Land and food
• Biodiversity
• Energy
• Population growth
• Waste

Physics

Physics is a Grade 12 course that will provide insight to students about the physical world all around us and how it works. Physics can be used to explain the actions of a rocket, a roller coaster, or a baseball crashing through a window and also applies to many of the devices that are used in daily life.

Major topics of this course include:

• Advanced mechanics
• Energy/alternative energies
• Heat
• Magnetism
• Motion
• Catapult design
• Electricity
• Waves and vibrations
• Bridge engineering
• Flight and rockets

Chemistry with Lab

Chemistry w/ Lab is a Grade 12 course that involves a basic Science of substances, those materials of which the earth and the universe are composed. Specifically, the science of chemistry deals with the properties and structure of substances and their preparation from and interaction with other substances.

Topics that will be covered include:

• Science of chemistry
• Matter and energy
• Atomic structure
• Periodicity
• Ionic and covalent compounds
• Chemical equations
• Stoichiometry
• Causes of change
• Gases and condensation
• Solutions
• Chemical equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• Reaction rates