Science

GRADE LEVEL COURSES

Grade   Honors College Prep 1 College Prep 2

9 Physics I Physics I

10 Chemistry Chemistry

11 Biology Biology

12 AP/Elective Elective Elective

*All students must complete Physics I, Chemistry and Biology prior to registering for electives.  Biology can be taken concurrently with an elective.

The science curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework. Incorporation of science and engineering practices is emphasized and student inquiry is key to developing the necessary skills for success. The process of seeking solutions is emphasized rather than the solutions themselves, making the laboratory, as well as other student activities, vital to all courses. The structural content of the Science curriculum revolves around the core of Physics, Chemistry and Biology as well as a fundamental understanding of the natural sciences. Science is a human endeavor that relates people to the real world and application of science concepts is accentuated.  

PHYSICS I 

PHYSICS I HONORS

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation,  Open to: Fr. 

Minimum science grade A, Above Level Grade 8 Math, 

The Physics 1 course is a comprehensive and rigorous science course designed to encourage higher order critical thinking. There will be an emphasis on problem solving and inquiry skills. Topics will include; forces, motion, electricity, waves, and energy. Expected science skills include experimental design, measurement, quantitative and qualitative observations, and interpretation of scientific data. There is an application of algebra and problems related to the real world. This course includes several engineering projects such as building rollercoasters and wiring a model electric house. Emphasis will be placed on higher order critical thinking skills and development of self directed learning and independent problem solving. Students will be required to complete the Physics MCAS exam in the spring.

 PHYSICS I CP

Year Course 5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, Open to:  Fr.

Any 8th grade Science course 

The Physics 1 course is a comprehensive and rigorous science course designed to encourage higher order critical thinking. There will be an emphasis on problem solving and inquiry skills. Topics will include; forces, motion, electricity, waves, and energy. Expected science skills include experimental design, measurement, quantitative and qualitative observations, and interpretation of scientific data. There is an application of algebra and problems related to the real world. This course includes several engineering projects such as building rollercoasters and wiring a model electric house. Students will be required to complete the Physics MCAS exam in the spring.

ELE PHYSICS

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Foundational MLs in the ELE Program

The ELE Physics course supports students who are learning English as they explore motion, forces, energy, waves, and electricity through clear explanations and academic vocabulary practice. Students will use algebra to work with formulas, solve basic problems, and read graphs, with guidance. The class emphasizes experiments, labs, and hands-on projects such as measuring motion, building simple machines, and testing energy transformations in order to help students learn through real experiences while strengthening both their physics understanding and English skills.

CHEMISTRY 

Chemistry is the study of matter and how matter undergoes change.  These courses cover the major topics:  atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, chemical bonding, solution chemistry, reaction rates & equilibrium, acids & bases, and energy.

CHEMISTRY HONORS

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation.

Open to: So. 

Introductory Physics Honors grade of B or above or Physics CP-1 grade of A, Honors Math grade of B or above, Passed Physics MCAS Exam.

Honors level chemistry is the most rigorous version of the chemistry course. Emphasis will be placed on higher order thinking skills related to classwork and lab-work, with problem solving throughout the course often involving multiple steps with minimal guidance.  Laboratory work is an integral part of the course where students investigate specific laws and principles as well as apply these to new situations and integrate the activities into their understanding of related content. Students will be required to work independently in the design of experiments using mathematical, analytical, and other skills which commensurate with Honors level Algebra.

CHEMISTRY CP

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

Open to: So

Passed Physics MCAS Exam , Passed Algebra I 

CP level chemistry is a rigorous version of the chemistry course.  Problem solving will include problems that require multiple steps with guidance. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course wherein the student discovers specific laws and principles as well applying these laws to new situations.  Mathematical, analytical, and other skills which commensurate with CP Algebra CP are inherent skills required from the beginning of the course.

CHEMISTRY II HONORS

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Physics I, Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr.

May be taken concurrently with Biology and Algebra II 

The Honors Chemistry II course is designed to expose students to more complex topics and problem solving in the study of matter.  Topics will include complex stoichiometry, redox reactions, quantum numbers, organic chemistry, quantitative equilibrium systems, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Students will develop and utilize more advanced analytical thinking and problem skills through more complex questions and lab activities. Students who plan to pursue careers in STEM Fields will gain exposure to the more complex topics of Chemistry studied at the collegiate level.

BIOLOGY 

BIOLOGY HONORS

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, 

Open to: Jr.

Completion of Honors Chemistry with a grade of B or above or

CP-1 Chemistry with a grade of A, completed Physics I

This is a comprehensive, rigorous science course.  Emphasis will be placed on higher order critical thinking skills related to classwork and lab-work. Honors Biology covers the fields of ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and evolution. Students will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects that will require quantitative and analytical thinking and writing skills. There will be a focus on problem solving and constructing evidence based explanations. Students will need strong academic skills as they work toward greater ownership and independence of their learning as a preparation for AP and college level sciences.

BIOLOGY CP

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Open to: Jr. 

Completed Chemistry CP-1, and Physics I

This is a comprehensive science course. Biology covers the fields of ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and evolution. Students are expected to be able to work both independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects and assignments. There will be a focus on problem solving and constructing evidence based explanations. 

SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and successful completion

of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr.

Designed for the highly motivated student, this course focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Topics include anatomical terminology, exposure to healthcare careers, and a general understanding of the human body systems. Closer emphasis is placed on specific organs, system functions, and disorders. The outline of the course includes readings, case studies, modeling, and dissections. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work including microscopy, anatomical studies, and dissections, which are a required component of the course.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY CP1 

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and

successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr.

Designed for the motivated student, this course focuses on the structure and function of the human body.  Topics include anatomical terminology, exposure to healthcare careers, and a general understanding of the human body systems.  Closer emphasis is placed on specific organs, system functions, and disorders.  The outline of the course includes readings, case studies, modeling, and dissections.  There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work including microscopy, anatomical studies , and dissections, which are a required component of the course.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY CP2

Year Course

 5 credits

Prerequisite:   Teacher Recommendation, and 

successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr.

This course will cover the fundamentals of the human body including major body systems, structures, functions and diseases that occur within the system as well as preventative maintenance and treatments. Dissection is a required component of the course.

BOTANY  

Semester Course

 2.5 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr. 

This course will be an overview of plant science with a focus on local and native plants. Areas of study will include plant anatomy (i.e., roots, stems, leaves), reproductive adaptations, plant identification features, an overview of plant diversity and invasive plants. Use of the greenhouse will be a focus with maintenance tasks, and general responsibilities for watering, fertilizing, pest control and disease prevention. Additionally, students will participate in inquiry-based, hands-on experimentation to increase their engagement and critical thinking. 

PRODUCT DESIGN & ANALYSIS CP

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All.

Product Design and Analysis is a semester course developed by the Boston Museum of Science featuring two of the four units from their “Engineering the Future” curriculum.  Students examine the role of engineers and how they create our ever-evolving world by developing products, building structures, critiquing designs, and analyzing failure.  Projects will be constructed of simple materials and require no specialized tools or skills and will often be redesigned and rebuilt to more accurately reflect the engineering design process.   

ENERGY SYSTEMS CP

Semester Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None

Open to: All.

Energy Systems is a semester course developed by the Boston Museum of Science featuring two of the four units from their “Engineering the Future” curriculum.  Students examine thermal energy, fluid energy, and electrical energy in order to experience the similarities and differences in several energy systems.  Students then design and build systems to maximize certain criteria (power, efficiency, materials cost, lifespan, etc.) using simple materials and tools. Communication of design advantages and limitations are emphasized during each project.  

FORENSIC  SCIENCE  

Semester 

 2.5 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr. 

This course is designed to introduce the student to practical applications of chemistry, physics, and biology in the study of forensics. This course will provide students with an introduction to the theoretical understanding and practical application of forensic science techniques including forensic DNA typing, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic entomology, forensic toxicology, death investigations, forensic anthropology, crime scene investigations, evidence collection, examinations, ballistics, understanding of the relationship between forensic science and legal studies, and career opportunities in forensics. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning.

GENETICS & BIOTECHNOLOGY HONORS

Year Course

 5 credits

Prerequisite:   Teacher Recommendation and successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to:  Jr., Sr

Genetics & Biotechnology is an inquiry-based course that approaches the study of inheritance. It also includes how biotechnology utilizes our understanding of DNA structure and function in today’s world. Students are expected to have a strong foundation in Biology.  They will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, develop inquiry based experiments, analyze data and increase their critical thinking skills.  Emphasis will be placed on learning how to use advanced laboratory equipment, problem solving, independent research, projects and evidence based explanations.

MARINE SCIENCE CP1

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

Open to: Jr., Sr.

This full-year course offers an interdisciplinary study of the marine environment, integrating core concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. The curriculum is divided into Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology. Students investigate ocean physics, the global influence of the oceans on the atmosphere and climate change, the science of marine natural disasters, and the world's biodiversity and marine ecosystems. This course will emphasize developing critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills through collaborative, inquiry-based laboratories, hands-on research projects, and mandatory biological dissections.

SCIENCE FAIR

Year Course

2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Must be currently enrolled in a Science course

Open to:  All

Students will complete a Science fair project to be entered in the South Sectional Regional Science Fair representing Walpole High School.  The project must be original student work incorporating all aspects of the experimental process.  Science faculty advisors will mentor students in research and development of projects.  Multiple-year enrollment will not serve to replace a lab course as a graduation requirement.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Semester                                                                                                                

2.5 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and 

Open to: Jr., Sr.

successful completion of Physics I and Chemistry

This course focuses on introducing the student to basic concepts involved in the analysis of weather and climate. Major topics include structure of the atmosphere and the role of moisture in the development of dew, clouds, and precipitation; air masses, fronts, cyclones, thunderstorms, severe weather (such as tornadoes, flash floods and hurricanes) as well as climatology and climate change. This course will be hands-on and with an emphasis on current events.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCIENCE 

AP BIOLOGY

Year Course

5 credits

Prerequisite: Honors Physics I, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry

Open to:  Sr

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course equivalent to the introductory biology course taken during the first year of college. This course is to be taken only after successful completion of courses in biology and chemistry. Students will take this course to pursue an interest in biology, to prepare for college, and/or obtain college credit.

Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetic information transfer, ecology, and interactions. The approach will develop advanced problem solving skills both in class and in the lab. Students who take this course must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Honors Physics I, Honors Chemistry.

Open to: Jr., Sr

Honors Biology (may be taken concurrently)

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. Topics will include earth systems and resources, the living world, population biology, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global change and opportunities for lab/fieldwork investigation activities. It 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 and/or preventing them.  Students who take this course must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

AP PHYSICS 1

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Physics I and Algebra II

Open to: Jr., Sr

Teacher recommendation 

AP Physics 1 is equivalent to most college-level introductory physics courses with a focus on the following topics: kinematics; dynamics; fluid dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion. 

Emphasis will be placed on understanding physical science literacy and applying physics concepts to think critically and solve problems independently . Algebra and trigonometry are the primary mathematical tools for problem solving. Science literacy is the process of both knowing physics and doing physics. Hands-on laboratory and the scientific notebook will be emphasized. Students who take this course must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

AP PHYSICS 2

Year Course 

5 credits

Prerequisite:  Physics I and Algebra II

Open to: Jr., Sr

Teacher recommendation 

AP Physics 2 is equivalent to most college-level introductory physics courses with a focus on the following topics: thermodynamics, electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, geometric optics, waves, and modern physics. 

Emphasis will be placed on physical science literacy and applying physics concepts to think critically and solve problems. Algebra and trigonometry are the primary mathematical tools for problem solving. Science literacy is the process of both knowing physics and doing physics. Hands-on laboratory and writing lab reports will be emphasized. Students who take this course must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.