The science and technology department offers a range of required and elective courses designed to meet state standards and expose students to a wide variety of science and technology topics. All students are required to earn three credits in science and demonstrate proficiency in the science standards in order to graduate. Students may also earn elective credits required for graduation. The course description for each course outlines any credits and standards associated with the course.
Science Courses - Freshman Science, Chemistry, and Biology are required for graduation. All 9th grade students enroll in Freshman Science and most students will take Chemistry in 10th grade and Biology in 11th grade. Some accelerated students will choose to enroll in multiple science courses in their 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade years to take full advantage of our elective offerings. We offer Advanced Placement elective courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics I as well as electives in Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, and Forensic Science.
Technology Courses - Our technology courses offer students an opportunity to explore their interest through a wide range of course offerings. Some courses meet the elective requirement in the area of fine arts and/or meet Fine Arts standards. Most technology courses are open to students in grades 9 through 12. Some introductory level technology courses serve as prerequisites for more advanced offerings. Click here to view a brief presentation of Marshwood High School’s technology programming.
Grade 9
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and teacher recommendation
This full year class will study numerous physics topics including properties of matter, Newtonian mechanics, momentum, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism. Students will be expected to manipulate single variable equations; collect, interpret, and analyze data; and maintain organized class materials. Students enrolling in this class should be highly motivated, proficient in the properties of mathematics, and learning new techniques, and have exemplary note taking and organization skills. This course will prepare students for future offerings of Chemistry and Biology and Physics for their sophomore, junior and senior years. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Freshman Science standards.
Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in a minimum of CP Algebra I and teacher recommendation
Students who will be enrolled in CP Algebra I as a 9th grader and have successfully completed 8th grade science tend to be both challenged and successful in College Prep Freshman Science. This full year class will study a comprehensive set of physics topics on the conceptual level. These topics include properties of matter, motion, forces, momentum, energy, heat, sound, light, and electricity. Although this course will focus on the concepts involved in these topics, students will be required to solve problems and analyze data using concepts presented in Algebra I. This will prepare students for future offerings of Chemistry and Biology for their sophomore and junior years. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Freshman Science standards.
Students who will be enrolled in Algebra I (course 0314) as a 9th grader and have successfully completed 8th grade science tend to be both challenged and successful in Freshman Science. This class will study a comprehensive set of physics topics on the conceptual level. These topics include properties of matter, motion, forces, momentum, energy, heat, sound, light, and electricity. This will prepare students for future offerings of Chemistry and Biology in their sophomore and junior years. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Freshman Science standards.
Grade 10
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Freshman Science, Geometry, and teacher recommendation
This full year course is designed for students with exceptional skills in the areas of mathematics and science. To be considered for honors courses, students must be highly motivated and have a teacher recommendation. This course includes instruction and laboratory exercises on topics including atomic theory, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometric relationships, electron configuration, kinetic molecular theory and gas laws, nuclear chemistry, acid-base theory, and thermochemistry. The mathematical and theoretical nature of chemistry will be studied in greater depth than in CP Chemistry. Students perform many laboratory exercises as well as regular classroom work. Lab reports, homework assignments, and unit tests are required. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Chemistry standards.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Freshman Science, Algebra I, and teacher recommendation
This course is a standard first course in chemistry designed for college bound students. It includes instruction and laboratory exercises on topics including: atomic theory, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometric relationships, electron configuration, gas laws, nuclear chemistry, and acid-base chemistry. Students perform many laboratory exercises as well as regular classroom work. Lab reports, homework assignments, and unit tests are required. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Chemistry standards.
Prerequisite: Freshman Science and successful completion of Algebra I
This course takes a hands-on approach to everyday chemistry topics. Topics include atoms and chemical bonding, chemical equations and reactions, gas laws, and nuclear chemistry. Student progress will be measured using laboratory performance, class participation, and traditional tests and quizzes. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Chemistry standards.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry and teacher recommendation
This lab science course is a full year course designed for the motivated, creative and exceptionally skilled student in Biology. It includes instruction and laboratory exercises on molecular biology, cells, genetics, evolution, classification, bacteria and viruses, protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, plant life and human biology. Evaluation consists of a variety of assessments including chapter tests, quizzes, lab reports, homework, mid-year and final exams, short research projects, PowerPoint presentations and longer-term experiments. To be considered for honors courses, students must be highly motivated and have a teacher recommendation. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Biology standards.
Prerequisite: Chemistry and teacher recommendation
This is a lab science open to all college bound students. It includes instruction and laboratory exercises on molecular biology, cells, genetics, evolution, classification, bacteria and viruses, protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, plant life and human biology. Evaluation consists of a variety of assessments including chapter tests, quizzes, lab reports, homework, mid-year and final exams, short research projects, PowerPoint presentations and longer-term experiments. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Biology standards.
Prerequisite: Chemistry and teacher recommendation
This course takes on a hands-on approach to everyday biology topics. A variety of life science topics are covered including animals, plants, the human body and nutrition. A practical, real life approach is used. Students are required to take class notes, participate in labs and discussion, and complete homework assignments. Regular quizzes as well as projects and portfolios are used for assessment. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the Biology standards.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II, CP or Honors Chemistry, and teacher recommendation
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a full year course open to students who have successfully completed CP or Honors Chemistry and Algebra II. Students taking this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Chemistry in the spring and are responsible for the exam fee. This Chemistry course differs from the first year Chemistry course in the level of the textbooks used; the range and depth of the topics covered; the kind of laboratory work and analysis performed by students; and the time, effort, motivation, and discipline required of students.
AP Chemistry is designed to meet the objectives of a general chemistry course at the college level. Topics include: matter and measurement; the atomic nature of matter; bonding theories; intermolecular forces and the behavior of solids, liquids, and gasses; chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry; thermodynamics; and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their knowledge of the facts, principles, and underlying theories of chemistry. The laboratory component of the course requires students to design experiments, collect and analyze data, report results, and draw data-based conclusions. Students also become familiar with many advanced laboratory and data analysis techniques in chemistry. Students interested in pursuing a career in science, engineering, or in the medical field are strongly encouraged to consider this course.
Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology, and teacher recommendation
Advanced Placement Biology is a full year course open to students who have taken a previous Biology course and completed Chemistry. The student taking this course is required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology in the spring andhe student is responsible for the exam fee. This Biology course differs from the first year Biology course in the kind of textbooks used, the range and depth of the topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by the students and the degree of time, effort, motivation and discipline required of the students. The Advanced Placement course in Biology is designed to meet the objectives of a general biology course at the college level. It provides a comprehensive, in-depth study of the biological mechanisms of living organisms. There are three major units developed in the course: molecules and cells; genetics and evolution; organisms and populations. Students are expected to develop considerable knowledge of the facts, principles and processes of biology. The laboratory component of the course is very extensive, serving to provide models of how biological information is collected, how it is interpreted, and how one formulates hypotheses from available data and makes further predictions from it. Students also become familiar with many advanced laboratory techniques in biology.
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Freshman Science, Geometry, Algebra II (co-requisite), and teacher recommendation
This class is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Students completing this course will be well-positioned to successfully take calculus-based Physics I in college. The course covers translational kinematics; Newtonian forces and dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; work, energy, and power; rotational kinematics; oscillations, and waves. This full-year course in Physics I is algebra-based and requires good problem-solving skills. Students must be motivated, creative and have a teacher recommendation. Labs and formal Lab write-ups are part of the curriculum. Proficiency and comfort with mathematical techniques is essential. Understanding of the fundamental principles involved, and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are the major goals of the course.
Students taking this course are required to take the AP Physics 1 Advanced Placement exam in the spring and are responsible for the exam fee.
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Freshman Science
Environmental Science Topics is an elective course for students who have successfully completed Freshman Science. Topics include human influences on environmental systems and ecology. Assessment will be primarily based on projects, labs, and discussion grades.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Freshman Science, Geometry, Algebra II, and teacher recommendation
This full-year course in Physics is algebra-based and requires good problem solving skills. Students must be motivated, creative and have a teacher recommendation. Topics studied include in-depth studies of kinematics, forces, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, work, energy and power; rotational kinematics and waves. Labs and formal lab write-ups are part of the curriculum. Proficiency and comfort with mathematical techniques is essential.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology, and teacher recommendation
Marine Biology is a full year course focusing on the characteristics and classification of types of marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and human impacts on marine environments. During the course students will learn:
How to create and use dichotomous keys for seaweed, mollusks, and arthropods
Characteristics of major groups of marine organisms
Factors affecting ocean physics and chemistry
How human actions affect marine ecosystems and organisms
Grades are based on labs, projects, quizzes, and tests. Students may have the opportunity to attend several field trips that include specimen identification and collection at local beaches.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology, and teacher recommendation
This course is intended for those highly motivated students who may wish to pursue a career in nursing, medicine, veterinary science, etc., or those who may just wish to know more about their own bodies. The anatomy and functional aspects of each body system are explored in detail. Students will perform a variety of dissections and physiological experiments throughout the year as well as complete projects. Evaluation is based on tests, quizzes, homework assignments, lab reports, projects and discussions.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology
Forensic Science is a laboratory and project-based course that will lead students through a foundation of law and criminal justice, history of forensics, and modern scientific advances in the field. The scientific method, data analysis, and the power of observation and critical thinking to solve a problem are addressed throughout the course. This course will involve a combination of traditional assessments, independent research/projects, and laboratory assignments.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed for anyone interested in technology but isn’t sure about what to take. This course will explore a variety of technologies including Mechanical Drafting CAD/CAM, Architectural Drafting and Design, Engineering Basics, Three Dimensional Printing, Laser Engraving and Graphics. You will learn autocad software as well as CorelDRAW software and use a variety of tools and machines to create and manipulate materials. Each component will be approximately three weeks in length providing a taste of all that Marshwood Technology has to offer.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course will provide you with the opportunity to create what you have always wanted to create. It provides a hands-on, student driven, project based environment to experiment, build, explore, retry, share ideas with others and invent as you engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Students will learn how to take their ideas from concept to reality. The course will utilize design software including Autocad and CorelDRAW with three D printing technologies to bring ideas to life. If you ever wanted to be an interior designer, an architect or an engineer this course will provide you with a better understanding of how products are created.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed for the student who likes to solve problems with a hands-on approach. The focus of the course will be for students to apply critical thinking skills and develop abilities in group problem solving through various situations relative to real world engineering challenges and obstacles encountered in class. Students will be required to manipulate materials and thoughts; research ideas in an attempt to solve problems through cooperatively learned experiences and actual test results. Much of the work will involve cooperative learning activities with students sharing ideas to achieve common goals. The appropriate and safe use of equipment and materials will benefit the student in successful completion of posed dilemmas. Students will be provided opportunities to solve problems implementing three dimensional printing technologies. Students will be required to keep a portfolio documenting all ideas and progress made as solutions to problems are reached.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Technology
This course is designed for the highly motivated, creative technology student. Students will work on teacher assigned and individually selected projects which they will research, design and develop using skills and knowledge acquired in the Intro to Technology course. Appropriate and safe use of materials will benefit the student in the successful completion of posed dilemmas designed to simulate real world engineering challenges. Research ideas and proposals must be innovative and technologically based to meet the instructor’s approval. Students will utilize three dimensional printers throughout the course in their problem solving approach. Students will be required to keep an engineering journal/portfolio documenting all ideas and progress made as solutions to problems are reached.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed for students who have no prior background in woodworking. The focus of this course will be for students to learn basic skills and techniques used in woodworking. Shop safety and proper use of tools and equipment is strongly stressed in this course. Students will be assigned basic woodworking projects that require different skills to accomplish, and they will learn the basic wood joinery techniques to do this. This course will go through the process of project development from the sketch or drawing, to wood selection and layout, to the finished product.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Intro to Woodworking
This course is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Woodworking course. In this course students will learn more advanced techniques and skills and apply them with the knowledge gained from the introductory class to complete more complex projects. Students will look at different styles of furniture design and apply those characteristics to a project of their choice. Students will also learn techniques used to present the finished project through a variety of finishing applications.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Intro to Mechanical Drafting will familiarize students in the skills and system that will be used in CAD. The course will focus on mechanical and technical drawing. Students will learn skills that are important in being able to effectively create and recreate technically detailed drawings. The course is beneficial for students interested in careers such as Engineering, Drafting, Machine Trade and other industrial/technological fields. Students will be required to complete assigned tasks and projects based on their ability to manipulate the CAD system. Students will have the opportunity to learn three dimensional concepts and turn a drawing into a real component through the use of three dimensional printing technologies.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: CAD Intro Course
Advanced Mechanical Drafting is an upper level drafting course which draws upon skills and techniques learned in the Intro level CAD classes. The class will focus on the detail and precision of proper drafting skills. The expectation is that students already have a good foundation and working knowledge of the CAD system and are comfortable using it to complete assigned projects and activities. Students are expected to understand the available attributes of the system and apply them with little prompting or new instruction.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course will focus on the proper techniques and terms used to design and layout residential type homes and buildings. All areas of residential home design will be covered giving each student a good understanding of the proper drafting skills needed to design and draw house plans from the foundation to the roof. Students will be asked to complete various assigned design problems as well as have the opportunity to create drawings and plans of their own ideas.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: CAD Intro Course
Advanced Architectural Drafting is an upper level course that will draw upon the skills and techniques learned in prior Architectural CAD experiences. A good understanding of the fundamentals of house and building design is extremely helpful and will provide a knowledge base in order to complete assignments in this course. Students will be asked to complete drawings and plans that are complex and detailed. There will be many opportunities to express individual ideas pertaining to house and building design throughout this course.
0700-Introduction to Computer Science in C++
0.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
The Introduction to Computer Science in C++ focuses on broad computer science concepts such as input/output, variables, control statements, and basic data structures. The course emphasizes problem-solving skills while focusing on real-world assignments and projects.
0701-Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
0.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
In this Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course, students will gain an understanding of the digital world they navigate every day. They’ll be exposed to the inner workings of computer hardware and software, explore the intricacies of how networks connect, and dive into the world of encryption and cryptography. They will also learn the importance of safeguarding our increasingly digital world from unauthorized access, ensuring the privacy and integrity of data.
0704-Robotics and Drones
0.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Build and program your own robots to solve fun challenges. Work with a team, using motors, sensors, and coding to create machines that can think and move. Whether competing in events or simply learning how robots work, you’ll gain hands-on experience that’s both creative and technical. Additionally, a portion of this course will introduce students to drone technology, including flight basics, safety, and FAA regulations. Students will gain hands-on experience in piloting, programming, and building drones and explore real-world applications and career paths.
0705-Introduction to Phython Programming 1
0.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Python Programming 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will learn to design, code, and test their programs while applying mathematical concepts.