Foundations of Freshman Science* 

Full Year ~ Course Number: 3010

Freshman science is an integrated look at chemistry, physics and Earth and space science.  Topics in this course include the big bang, formation of elements, the electromagnetic spectrum, speed and acceleration, geology and climate science.  In each unit we will explore how we know what we know with regard to science.  The specific science practices we will use include data analysis, argument construction, evidence from experiments and model building.

Foundations: The foundations track of this class will have a greater focus on general concepts of the science covered in this class.  The pace of learning will be more relaxed to ensure that students have the opportunity to grasp the major ideas of the course.

*Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Honors Freshman Science Investigations*

Full Year ~ Course Number: 3030

Freshman Science Investigations is a foundational science course upon which students will build as they take future science courses here at GNG High School. In freshman science they will be exploring both earth and space and the ways that scientists study them. Topics of study include the scientific method, graphing, metric measurement, volume, mass, density, geology, plate tectonics, weather and climate, Big Bang Theory and stars.

Additions for Honors - The honors track of this class has additional expectations in terms of depth of content, detail in their assessment and deeper analysis of evidence and its meaning.  

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Honors Math and Teacher recommendation. 

Microbiology & Honors Microbiology

Grade: 10

Semester ~ Course Numbers: 3103 & 3104

Microbiology explores life from the perspective only seen and understood with a microscope.  Students examine the basic structure and function of cells.  Specialization of cells is researched as well as new ways scientists have learned to use stem cells to treat injury and disease.  The processes of how cells divide and manufacture proteins from DNA are examined in detail.  Students also discover how traits are passed on from generation to generation.  The benefits of manipulating genes to create modified species are explored and the ethical implications of modern biology is debated.  Students will also have the opportunity to study anatomy and physiology through virtual and real dissections as well as how germs can evolve into epidemics.  Students are expected to develop skills in the use of microscopes and other equipment to conduct biological investigations.  Emphasis is placed on scientific research and design and implications of biology in modern life.

The distinction between Honors and Sophomore Biology credit is determined by the work the student attempts when writing a report and by their performance on the major assignments.  The main difference between the two assignment levels is the type of thinking skills needed to solve problems.  These are assessed through different quizzes, tests and the burden of proof required when students make concluding statements.  Honor's students may also be asked to complete different projects above and beyond in coordination with Performance Based educational practices.

The Honors work will be more difficult than the College Prep Biology work.  If a student has been handling academic work successfully in the past, but still struggled, it might not be a good idea for them to work at the Honors level.  On the other hand it is important for students to push themselves to a higher, more challenging level of thinking.  Any student interested in the IB programs as a junior/senior should seriously consider the Honors option.

Environmental Science*

Grades: 11&12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 3200 

Environmental science incorporates a variety of science disciplines including ecology, chemistry and biology.  Topics include ecosystems, biomes, human populations, natural resources, biodiversity, conservation, pollution management and climate change.  Exploration of these topics will emphasize field studies and original research.  Planned investigations include ecosystem (forest) analysis, soil sampling, stream studies, winter ecology and intertidal communities.  Students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, collect and manipulate data, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.

*Prerequisites: Macro/Microbiology.

Chemistry & Honors Chemistry

Grades: 10*, 11, 12

Full Year ~  Course Number: 3117 & 3116

Chemistry is the study of the nature, properties, and composition of matter, and how they undergo changes. This year-long course is designed to give an introduction to the field of Chemistry.  An emphasis will be placed on the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This course covers fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gas laws, and solutions. Class will be a mix of hands-on lab experiments, lectures, research and any other tools that will help bring the subject of chemistry to life, making it fun, interesting and relevant.  

*Prerequisites.: Enrolled in Honors Math Class. Successfully completed or be concurrently enroleed in an Algebra I class (if you are taking Algebra I concurrently with this course, it must be at the honors level), Sophomores require teacher recommendation.

* Biology is recommended for students in grade 10. Students do have the ability to take another lab science in addition to biology. If you are interested in a Chemistry or Physics/Engineering career pathway please meet with your school counselor to discuss taking physics or chemistry your sophomore year.

Science Research Program

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Semester ~ Course Number: 2339

Starting in Sophomore year, students choose and explore a topic of interest related to: physical science, life science, computer science, mathematics, or social science.  It is not essential for an incoming sophomore to know the exact area (project) they want to focus on. The teachers work with them to help them narrow down their area(s) of interest.

Initially, students are taught the process of online bibliographic research and are able to access many professional scientific databases. Students use library and internet research tools to identify specific subjects currently being studied within their chosen area of interest.

If they chose to continue, Juniors and Seniors students actively continue working on their project as well as write a research paper documenting their work and enter all possible science competitions to present their research including the Maine State Science Fair as well as IB Internal Assessments and Extended Essays.

Astronomy

Grades 11&12

Semester ~ Course Number: 7231

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of the universe and compare the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. Emphasis shall be placed on concepts basic to Earth, including materials, processes, history, and the environment.

This course introduces you to the composition and structure of the universe. Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire Universe. This course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The content includes, but is not limited to, historical astronomy, astronomical instruments, the celestial sphere, the solar system, the earth as a system in space, the earth/moon system, the sun as a star, and stars.

Wildlife Biology

Grades: 11&12

Semester ~ Course Number: 6787

This is a semester-long science elective course for students in grades 11 and 12 with an interest in the natural environment and wildlife. This course emphasizes the biological features of different wildlife species, interactions, and management techniques. The great outdoors serves as a working classroom and students should be prepared to spend time outside in this class. Topics of study include taxonomy, survey of the vertebrates (with special emphasis on Maine species), habitat evaluation, threatened and endangered species, wetland and seasonal ecology, and track identification. This course is designed to give students a new respect for wildlife, their habitats, and to prepare them for further exploration in this field.

IB Biology HL 1*

Grade 11 &12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1004

*Prerequisites: Honors Macro/microbiology & Teacher recommendation. 

IB Biology HL 2* ]

Grade: 12 

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1204

IB Biology HL is a two year course composed of Core, Higher Level, and Optional Topics. This advanced course is divided into three distinct subject areas: (1) molecules and cells, (2) heredity and evolution, and (3) organisms and populations. Students will explore cellular chemistry, cell physiology, cellular energetics, heredity molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, diversity of life, structures and functions of plants and animals, and ecology. This is a lab intensive course. As a result, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, collect and manipulate data, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem solving. The aim of the course is to prepare students for the IB Biology exam at the end of the second year.

*Prerequisite: IB Biology HL 1.

IB Physics SL 1 & HL1*

Grades: 11&12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1000 (SL) & 1005 (HL)

*Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in math course at or above Algebra II level and/or Teacher consultation 

*Must be enrolled in math course at or above Algebra 2 level & Teacher consultation.

IB Physics SL 2 & HL 2*

Grade: 12

Full Year ~ Course Number: 1102 (SL) & 1205 (HL) 

IB Physics SL, offered over a two year period, includes all of the Core topics 1) Physics and physical measurement, 2) Mechanics, 3) Thermal Physics, 4) Oscillations and waves, 5) Electric Currents, 6) Fields and forces, 7) Atomic and nuclear power, 8) Energy, power and climate change. Two additional options will be selected during the second year of the program. These will be selected from E) Astrophysics, F) Communications, G) Electromagnetic Waves, H) Relativity, I) Medical Physics and J) Particle Physics. Students in IB Physics (SL) will experience many lab experiments in their pursuit for an understanding of the physical world. A minimum of 40/60 hours will be spent on investigations (Labs), ten of which will be spent on their Group 4 Project. 

*Prerequisite: IB Physics 1.