Science

Environmental Science 4

Course #: SI141 Grades: 9 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None

Environmental Science 4 includes the study of Earth systems, energy, and human impacts on Earth systems. Through these studies, students develop a deeper understanding of the interdependence of systems on Earth and the effects human behavior has on those systems. Specific topics of study include: Energy (forms, sources, commercial uses, renewable vs. non-renewable sources, efficiency), water (freshwater, oceanography, pollution, overuse), agriculture, weather, climate and climate change, and human population growth.

Text and materials: Environmental Science, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Expectations: Students should be motivated to learn and have an appreciation for science. Homework will be given frequently and significant time outside of class should be allocated to reading and studying. This course takes a more quantitative approach than the Level 3 ES course.

Biology 3

Course #: SI231 Grades: 10-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Environmental Science

Biology 3 is designed to broaden the student's understanding of the methods of science and the fundamental processes of life. Students will collect and analyze data to better understand biological concepts. This class is recommended for students who plan to attend a post-secondary school. Topics of study include properties of life, basic chemistry, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, and evolution.

Text and materials: Essential Biology with Physiology, Campbell; three-ring binder

Expectations: Students are expected to develop a science vocabulary and be able to communicate it to others. Homework assignments, lab reports, quizzes and tests are included in each quarter/semester grade. Students should expect to spend an average of 45 minutes per class studying and/or completing assignments outside the classroom. Students are expected to participate daily in class and to complete group and individual work.

Biology 4

Course #: SI241 Grades: 10-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: 90 or better in Environmental Science 4, 95 or better in Environmental Science 3.

Biology 4 is a challenging, in-depth study of the concepts and principles of biology, ranging from the chemistry, anatomy, and physiology of a single cell to the organization of the biosphere. It is designed to build a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in science. Critical thinking and problem-solving are emphasized. Students will collect and analyze data to understand biological concepts. Topics include properties of life, basic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and evolution.

Text and materials: Biology: Concepts and Connections, 8th Edition, Campbell; calculator; three-ring binder and bound lab notebook

Expectations: Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, independent, and cooperative learners with excellent study, organizational, and critical thinking skills. Quarterly assignments (i.e. homework, classwork, and laboratory reports) vary in scope, difficulty, and time commitment. Students should expect to spend an average of 45 minutes to one hour per night studying and/or completing assignments. Many laboratories are inquiry-based, in which the student is presented a problem and asked to formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect and analyze data, and effectively communicate their findings. Tests are comprehensive and demand that one apply his/her understanding of biological concepts.

Chemistry 3

Course #: SI331 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Algebra I

Chemistry 3 is presented with two objectives:

1. To develop an understanding of many of the underlying principles of the modern science of chemistry and to develop the student's higher-order thinking skills. Connecting these principles with societal issues and historical and current events will contribute to class discussion. Thinking and communication skills are cultivated here.
2. To experience traditional and non-traditional qualitative and quantitative laboratory and/or investigative activities usually done in groups. Observation, data acquisition, mathematical data analysis, presentation, and technical writing skills are central to meeting this objective.

Units of study: Mathematics of chemistry, density, atomic structure, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, nuclear chemistry, chemical equations, moles, chemical nomenclature, chemical bonds, solutions and the ideal gas law. (Order of presentation may vary according to the instructor's approach.)

Text and materials: Introductory Chemistry, 6^th Ed., Nivaldo J. Tro, Pearson, New York, 2018; supplements as required by the curriculum

Expectations: Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, and attentive. They participate in discussions and practice safe laboratory procedures and given work to complete outside the classroom. (Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in the laboratory.)

Chemistry 4

Course #: SI341 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biology 4 with Algebra II

This more advanced chemistry course is designed to present a serious challenge to technically and scientifically focused students. This course includes units on mathematics of chemistry, atomic structure, states of matter, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, electron configuration, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, chemical bonding, gas laws, and chemical equilibrium. Observation, data-acquisition, mathematical data analysis presentation, and technical writing skills are central to the goals of this course.

Text and materials: Chemistry, The Central Science, 11th Edition, Brown, Lemay, Bursten, and Murphy; Pearson/Prentice Hall 2009; supplemental materials provided by the instructor

Expectations: Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, and attentive; to participate in discussions; and to practice safe laboratory procedures. (No inappropriate behavior is tolerated in the laboratory.) Preparation for this class requires extensive work outside of class periods; this includes homework, projects, lab reports, and studying for quizzes and tests. Comprehensive exams require steady work and substantial preparation.

Physics 3

Course #: SI431 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Physics 3 is intended to introduce the college-bound student to physics. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding through laboratory work and class discussion. Mathematical problem-solving techniques are introduced and developed throughout the course. Topics include motion, gravity, energy, momentum, waves, light, and electricity. Students have weekly homework assignments and laboratory work. Assessment pieces include tests, quizzes, homework, lab work, and outside projects.

Text and materials: Conceptual Physics, 10th Edition, Hewitt; notebook; scientific calculator

Expectations: Approximately three hours per week of work outside the class is expected. There is also a mathematical component to this course, and students are expected to have a successful mathematical experience.

Physics 4

Course #: SI441 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Chemistry 3, Precalculus 4 (Concurrent to course or successful completion of Precalculus 3)

Physics 4 is designed for students interested in a science or engineering degree. Topics include mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. Special relativity will be explored if time permits. The main laws of physics are developed in the laboratory and through class discussion. A major component of this course is the application of physical laws using mathematics. Therefore, interested students should have a strong background in mathematics and the ability to manipulate mathematical functions.

Text and materials: Physics, Giancoli, 7th Edition; notebook; scientific calculator

Expectations: Students are expected to participate in group and independent problem-solving. Homework is assigned and graded. Assessment is through tests, quizzes, homework, laboratory, and projects.

AP Environmental Science

Course #: SI352 Grades: 9-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: None

AP Environmental Science is designed 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. Course topics include earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. There is a rigorous laboratory component of this course.

Text and materials: Living in the Environment, 16th Edition, Miller; three-ring binder

Expectations: Students are expected to work extensively outside of class - up to six hours per week. Students are required to read substantial material, write several papers, and give several presentations. A summer reading and assignment list is provided to students prior to the end of the school year. Students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science Exam.

AP Biology

Course #: SI251 Grades: 10-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: 95 or better in Environmental Science 4 if taken as a Sophomore, 90 in Biology 4

AP Biology is an advanced study of the fundamental processes of biology. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing are emphasized. Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, independent and cooperative learners with excellent study and organizational skills. Lab investigations are used to develop technical skills, apply biological concepts to real-life situations, and learn and implement the scientific process. The scope of the course follows the College Board’s curriculum in preparation for taking the AP Biology Exam in May. The major topics covered include science as a process, ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, cellular energetics, cell division, heredity and evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and function of plants and animals, and some human systems.

Text and materials: Biology, 9th Edition, Campbell, N. A. and J. B. Reece, Prentice Hall, 2011; AP Biology Test Prep Workbook, Holtzclaw, 2013; three-ring binder for lab; calculator

Expectations: Students should expect to spend an extensive amount of time outside of class reading in preparation for lectures (one to two hours per chapter), completing assigned essays and laboratory reports, and preparing for comprehensive tests.

AP Chemistry

Course #: SI351 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Precalculus 4

AP Chemistry is a very rigorous course taught at great depth and covering a wide breadth of material. The pace is the same as a college course in chemistry, and students need to plan to study for one to two hours for every hour of class. The course trains students to become critical and independent thinkers with a focus on general, non-algorithmic problem-solving. By working in groups for labs, class work, and in study groups, students hone important communication skills. These skills are further developed in the writing of formal lab reports. The course covers units in the mathematics of chemistry, atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas laws, thermochemistry, electromagnetic radiation, periodicity of elemental properties, quantum mechanics, chemical bonding, phases of matter, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. As time allows after the AP Chemistry Exam, additional topics such as organic chemistry may be explored.

Text and materials: Chemistry, The Central Science, 13th Edition, Brown, Lemay, Bursten, and Murphy; Pearson/Prentice Hall 2016; supplemental as required by the curriculum

Expectations: Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, and attentive. Students are required to participate in discussions and practice safe laboratory procedures. (No inappropriate behavior is tolerated in the laboratory.) Preparation requires extensive work outside of class periods. Preparation for lectures requires reading and working through examples in the text. Problem sets are assigned for each chapter, and students take homework quizzes based on the problems. One comprehensive test is given each quarter. In addition to this work students must prepare lab reports demonstrating conceptual understanding and a high level of analysis.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Course #: SI451 Grades: 12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: AP Calculus Concurrent

AP Physics C: Mechanics is designed for the college-bound student who plans to major in science, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. Calculus is introduced slowly in the first semester, but is used freely during the second semester. Emphasis is placed on understanding physical law, problem-solving, and developing abstract reasoning skills.

Text and materials: Fundamentals of Physics, Volume 1, 10th Edition, Halliday, Resnick and Walker; notebook; scientific calculator

Expectations: Students are expected to work extensively outside of class - up to six hours per week. Fluency in mathematics is essential. Students are expected to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam.

Astronomy

Course #: SI322 Grades: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 2

Prerequisite: Environmental Science and Biology

The historical development of astronomy is traced from ancient times through the present space exploration. Constellation identification, galaxies, our solar system, birth and death of stars, and the universe are covered. Emphasis is placed on space exploration.

Text and materials: Foundations of Astronomy, Michael Seeds; three-ring binder

Expectations: Complete laboratory investigations, individual and group projects, and written and reading assignments. Recommended study time outside of class is 30 minutes daily.

Oceanography

Course #: SI323 Grades: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 2

Prerequisite: Environmental Science and Biology

Biological, geological, chemical, and physical aspects of the ocean are studied with emphasis on marine life and ecology. Topics include: Tides, waves, currents, geography of the sea floor, chemical composition and salinity of ocean water, ecology, animal identification, and resources from the sea. Emphasis is placed on coastal Maine and its biological aspects.

Text and materials: Introduction to the World's Oceans, Sverdrup; three-ring binder

Expectations: Complete laboratory investigations, written and reading assignments, and individual and group projects. Recommended study time outside of class is 30 minutes daily.

Forensic Science

Course #: SI335 Grades: 11-12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Biology

Forensic Science focuses on the collection, identification, and analysis of crime scene evidence. Emphasis is placed on the methods that link suspect, victim, and crime scene. Laboratory exercises include fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, ballistics, blood typing, hair and fiber examination, and DNA analysis. Case studies and current events are explored.

Text and materials: Forensic Science the basics, 3rd Edition, Siegel and Mirakovits, CRC Press 2016. Three ring binder

Expectations: Students will have an average of two hours of homework per week, and are expected to work well in groups and individually during class time.

Anatomy and Physiology

Course #: SI342 Grades: 11-12 Credits: 1.5 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biology 4 and Chemistry 4; in addition, it is recommended that students take Physics

Anatomy and Physiology explores the intricacies of the human body, its structure and function, and the mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. Topics of study include body organization, cell structures and functions, tissues and membranes, and the body systems: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Interactions between systems and medical applications are emphasized.

Text and materials: Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 9th Edition, Marieb, Elaine N., Pearson 2009; three-ring binder

Expectations: This course requires extensive memorization and application of vocabulary and concepts. Students are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, independent, and cooperative learners with excellent study, organizational, critical thinking, and communication skills. Expect to work extensively outside of class. Oral presentations, written reports and essays, laboratory investigations, online activities and comprehensive tests are used to assess your understanding and application of the concepts.