(1326)                 1 credit

Full Year 🔬 🧬  🌐                                                          Sample Syllabus

This introductory level course (the first level in the Bioscience CTE program) is a prerequisite to other courses in the Bioscience program.  Students will explore the history of biotechnology, careers in biotechnology, skills needed for careers in biotechnology, laboratory safety, and products and applications of biotechnology.  Students will set up and maintain a scientific notebook, learn how to select for and use equipment for measuring mass and volume, learn to prepare solutions and dilutions, use microscopes and more - while learning the foundational concepts in biology to support entry into this pathway.  All students will have the opportunity to earn an OSHA-10 lifetime certificate.

Requirement: Open to students in grades 9 and 10 only

Recommendation: Successful completion of this year's science course and teacher recommendation.

(1327)                     1 credit

Full Year   🔬 🧬 🌐  📚                                                          Sample Syllabus          

This course (the second level in the Bioscience CTE program) is focused on the various applications of DNA, genetics, biotechnology and essentially “how life works.” The course discusses medical applications that include the use of stem cells, gene therapy and xenotransplantation (transplanting animal organs into humans). It also addresses agricultural, forensic, marine, and pharmaceutical uses of biotechnology: and, discusses the ethical and social implications of biotechnology. This class would be largely based on class discussions around the ethics and importance of biotechnically and how scientists “work” with life. CMB 190 Issues in Biotechnology at University of Rhode Island is approved as a concurrent course option. Students will have the opportunity to earn 3 URI general science credits for no charge.

Requirement: Open to students in grades 10-12

Recommendation: Successful completion of Introduction to Biotechnology (with concurrent enrollment in Biology) or Biology and teacher recommendation. 

(1328)                 1 credit

Full Year 🔬 🧬 🌐 📚 🎓                                Sample Syllabus                          

This course (the final course in the Bioscience CTE program) is focused on the refinement of laboratory skills and knowledge needed to obtain the NOCTI Workforce Ready Biotechnology Certificate (4075).  Additionally, this course will include opportunities for work based learning.  This course and its assessments (both content and skill) have been carefully crafted to include topics such as FDA regulations, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), SOP writing, sterile gowning and aseptic techniques for media preparation and tissue culture, and the use of thermal cyclers and gel electrophoresis equipment. All students will have the opportunity to earn a NOCTI Workforce Ready credential for no charge. (Optional: 3 college credits are available from Excelsior College).

Requirement: Open to students in grade 12 only

Recommendation: To complete CTE program requirements - must have successfully completed: Introduction to Biotechnology, Issues in Biotechnology,  and Biology/AP Biology.  If taken as an elective, successful completion of Biology/AP Biology and teacher recommendation.

(1311)        1 credit 

Full Year  🔬 Sample Syllabus

This is an introductory course that explores earth and space science as well as physics principles. This course is designed to meet the next generation science standards (NGSS) in physical science as well as earth and space science. This course introduces students to earth and space systems as well as physical concepts of motion, forces, energy, electromagnetism and waves. This is an inquiry-based, hands-on course that incorporates the three dimensions of the NGSS: the disciplinary core ideas, practices and cross-cutting concepts. Algebra 1 concepts and engineering practices are incorporated into this course. A long-term science fair project is required for this class.

Recommendation: Successful completion of grade 8 science. 

(1312) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This is a rigorous introductory course that explores earth and space science as well as physics principles. This course is designed to meet the next generation science standards (NGSS) in physical science as well as earth and space science. This course introduces students to earth and space systems as well as physical concepts of motion, forces, energy, electromagnetism and waves. This is an inquiry-based, hands-on course that incorporates the three dimensions of the NGSS: the disciplinary core ideas, practices and cross-cutting concepts. Engineering practices are incorporated into this course. A long-term science fair project is required for this class. A student needs to be self-motivated and have a strong background in mathematics to be successful in this course. 

Recommendation: A grade of A in grade 8 science and concurrent enrollment in Geometry.

(1322)  1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This is an introductory course for juniors who have completed Principles of Earth, Space and Physics as well as Chemistry. This course is an inquiry-based exploration of the many concepts in life science. The course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Life Science as well as some earth and space science. This hands-on course incorporates the three dimensions of the NGSS: the disciplinary core ideas, practices and cross-cutting concepts. Topics to be covered include traditional areas such as ecology, the cell, biochemical processes, genetics and evolution, as well as recent and relevant advances in the field. Engineering practices are incorporated into this course. Students will meet school wide expectations for learning by participating in hands-on labs, working in individual and cooperative learning situations, and completing both traditional and performance-based assessments throughout the year.

Recommendation: Successful completion of Chemistry. 

(1324) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This is a rigorous, second-level biology course designed for students with a keen interest in the structure and functioning of the human body or those planning to pursue a career in health care or a related biological field.  A strong background in biology is essential. This program engages the student in the vocabulary of human anatomy and the functioning of the human body, utilizing inquiry based biological lab techniques, some independent project work, memorization and dissection.  A college level textbook is used.

Recommendation: A grade of B or better in Chemistry/Biology or recommendation of the Chemistry/ Biology teacher. May take concurrently with Biology.

(1325)  2 credits 

Full Year  🔬  📚 Sample Syllabus

The AP Biology course meets daily and is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. AP Biology will include those topics regularly covered in a college biology course for majors. The course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Life Science.  It is a demanding and rigorous course for students interested in pursuing an intensive science education.  The course centers on the AP College Board’s 4 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, reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis (3) Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes (4) Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. The student will also gain an understanding of the basic principles of biology through laboratory investigations and scientific practices. The student is expected to have a solid working knowledge of introductory physics and chemistry.

Recommendation: Successful completion of Pre-AP Chemistry or A in Chemistry and by teacher’s recommendation.

(1332) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬 Sample Syllabus

This is an introductory course designed for sophomores who have completed Principles of Earth, Space and Physics. This course explores chemistry concepts, cooperative learning endeavors, cognitive skills, and laboratory skills.  This course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Physical Science related to chemistry and earth and space science. Topics include atomic theory, periodic properties of elements, nuclear chemistry, electron structures of elements, chemical bonding and reactions, and thermochemistry.  Students will have the option to participate in a long-term science fair project. This is an inquiry-based, hands-on course that incorporates the three dimensions of the NGSS: the disciplinary core ideas, practices and cross-cutting concepts. Engineering practices are incorporated into this course. Students will need a strong background in Algebra 1.

Recommendation: Successful completion of Principles of Earth, Space and Physics.

(1333)        1 credit 

Full Year  🔬 Sample Syllabus

Although this is an introductory chemistry course, this course is designed to prepare a motivated student to develop a strong science background for Advanced Placement Chemistry. The course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Physical Science related to Chemistry and some earth and space science. The course covers traditional chemistry topics such as atomic theory, periodic properties of elements, nuclear chemistry, gas laws, electron structures of elements, chemical bonding and reactions, stoichiometry, the mole concept, and thermochemistry, but does so at a greater depth than Chemistry. Additionally, the course centers on the AP College Board’s 6 Big Ideas in Chemistry. This course utilizes an AP approved textbook which has challenging reading and mathematics levels. This will enable diligent students to gain a very strong background in Chemistry.  Strong math and problem solving skills are essential for student success. Students will have the option to participate in a long-term science fair project. This course is hands-on and inquiry-based incorporating engineering standards. A student needs to be self- motivated to be successful in this course.

Recommendation: A grade of A in Principles of Earth, Space and Physics or a grade of B in Principles of Earth, Space and Physics (Honors) and by teacher's recommendation.

(1336) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬  📚   Sample Syllabus

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college-level general chemistry course.  The course is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards in Physical Science related to Chemistry.  The nature of the inquiry based, hands-on activities as well as the variety of the lab experiences in this course will ensure a strong background in laboratory techniques and skills, as they explore content such as: Atomic Structure and Properties, Compound Structure and Properties, Properties of Substances and Mixtures, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermochemistry,  Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry.  Strong math and problem solving skills are essential. 

Recommendation: A grade of B in Chemistry Pre-AP or an A in Chemistry along with a strong math background and by teacher’s recommendation.

(1341)  1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This is an inquiry-based course in which the student will be guided toward a better understanding of the physical world and some basic laws of the universe.  Topics include motion (linear and two-dimensional), Newton’s Laws, momentum, energy, waves, and fluid mechanics. Since mathematics is the language by which these principles are studied, the student will require a strong background in Algebra and  basic trigonometry. Most, but not all, concepts can be understood with a mastery of Algebra I. May be used to fulfill math graduation requirements if taken as a fourth year of science. 

Recommendation: Students should have completed an advanced math course or be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus.

(1346) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬  📚    Sample Syllabus

This AP Physics C course explores concepts such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; rotation; oscillations; and gravitation.  It is a demanding and challenging calculus-based course for capable students eager to pursue an intensive science education.  Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus is required. The major goals of the course center around the student gaining an understanding of the basic principles of physics and the student acquiring the ability to apply these principles in laboratory experiences and in the solution of problems.  May be used to fulfill math graduation requirements if taken as a fourth year of science.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in Calculus and science teacher's recommendation. 

(1348) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬  📚   Sample Syllabus

The AP Physics 1 course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra- based physics. It is recommended for students who may major in the life sciences or for those who are non-science majors hoping to attend a competitive college. It is a demanding and challenging course for capable students eager to pursue an intensive science education. The course centers on the AP College Board’s 6 Big Ideas in Physics. Topics include: Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and oscillations. It will also introduce electric circuits. The major goals of the course center on the student gaining an understanding of the basic principles of physics and acquiring the ability to apply these principles in laboratory experiences and in the solution of problems. The student is expected to have a solid, working knowledge of Algebra I and Trigonometry and to have successfully completed a Pre-Calculus course. . May be used to fulfill math graduation requirements if taken as a fourth year of science.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in Calculus and the recommendation of this year’s science teacher.  

(1351)  1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This course will introduce the student to the general understanding of energy choices, from current fossil fuel sources of coal, oil, and gas, to leading renewable energies such as wind, solar, and biofuel. Students will explore the technology, benefits and feasibility of these various forms of renewable energy and will complete cost/benefit analyses of different types of renewable energy compared to fossil fuel energy. Projects include building and measuring the efficiency of wind turbines, solar panels and biofuels.

Recommendation: This course is open to all juniors and seniors. 

(1355) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

This course is a broad overview of astronomy, planetary science, the Earth’s evolution, and its oceans.  Astronomy is the study of everything that fills the empty space in the Universe - stars, planets, comets, asteroids, high-energy particles, electromagnetic radiation, and mysterious things like black holes, dark matter and dark energy.  After learning about the larger universe that surrounds our planet, a closer look at the Earth is taken through the study of its oceans.  Oceanography involves the study of all aspects of the ocean; its evolution and origins, its chemistry, and all the life and the ecosystems within it.  Students will explore multiple ocean phenomena including: plate tectonics on the seafloor, tides, currents, wind patterns, life in the oceans, and the ocean’s influence on weather and climate.  Each unit in this course will include investigations using real data from the field.

Recommendation: Successful Completion of Principles of Earth, Space and Physics and Algebra 1. 

(1359)  1 credit 

Full Year  🔬   Sample Syllabus

Environmental science blends the study of nature with exciting research that focuses on the realities of living in modern communities while still promoting personal responsibility for the health of the environment.  In this course students will develop a thorough understanding of the main environmental issues confronting our world today while learning what it means to live green without sacrificing their lifestyles. Building on the scientific principles introduced in earlier course work, students will explore topics such as animal behavior, public health, biodiversity, urban land use, energy and climate change, garbage management, sustainable development, environmental law, ecosystem analysis, resource management and the politics and ethics of the environment and society. Students will have multiple opportunities for research on how to improve their own communities through scientific investigations and action planning. Field trips, current issue analysis, field work and lab work will supplement traditional instructional methods.  Although this is a science course, an interdisciplinary and personal approach to environmental problem solving will be highlighted.

Recommendation: Completion of any Biology class or by teacher recommendation. 

(1360) 1 credit 

Full Year  🔬 📚 Sample Syllabus

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course 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 human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP environmental course: science is a process, energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the Earth itself in one interconnected system, humans alter natural systems, environmental problems have a cultural and social context and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. 

Recommendation: Successful completion of any Biology class and teacher recommendation.