Science

Mission Statement

The mission of the faculty of the Science Department is to give our students the background knowledge and skills necessary to become scientifically literate. We recognize that our students face significant challenges now and in the future related to Energy, the Environment, and Human Health.

Through our course offerings, the Science Department engages students in laboratory and field work activities with real-world relevance. This inquiry-based approach utilizes a multitude of technological tools for data collection and communication of results.

Our teachers have high expectations of all learners. Our goal is to give students the preparation, skills, and vital scientific knowledge required for success in college and on the job. We recognize our obligation to produce informed and involved citizens who will make a positive difference in the world.

Teaching Staff

Name	Courses
Mike Elkavitch, Department Chair	AP Chemistry Honors Chemistry College Prep Chemistry
Ken Cloutier	Oceanography Earth Science College Prep Biology
Robin Croteau	Honors Biology College Prep Biology 123 Biology
Molly Flower Eppig	Honors Earth Science College Prep Earth Science 123 Earth Science
Moira Milne	Honors Chemistry College Prep Chemistry
Beth Wallace	Honors Physics College Prep Physics College Prep Earth Science
Dana Wood	Environmental Science College Prep Earth Science
Carol Young	Anatomy and Physiology AP Biology College Prep Biology

Science Dept Program of Studies

Listing of the Science Department Courses

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

2010 - 2011

All students must take one credit of Earth Science and one credit of life science to complete state requirements for graduation.

Science Course Sequence

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Physical Science 030 or Earth Science 123, 012, 010	Biology 123, 012, 010	Chemistry 012	Physics 012, Honors Physics 010
	Chemistry 010 (w/permission)	Environmental Science 012, 123
	Environmental Science 012, 123 (w/Bio prereq and Teacher permission)	Oceanography 012,123	Environmental Science 012, 123
	Oceanography 012,123(w/Bio prereq and Teacher permission)	Anatomy and Physiology 012(ATC)	Oceanography 012,123
		Physics 012/Honors Physics 010	Anatomy and Physiology 012(ATC)
		AP Biology 010(if available) AP Chemistry 010(if available)	AP Biology 010(if available) AP Chemistry 010(if available
	Individualized Science123 (see course description)	Individualized Science123 (see course description)	Individualized Science123 (see course description)
	Applied Technology 123	Applied Technology 123(ATC)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT

Earth Science Grade 9 1 semester 1 credit

Level 123, 012, or 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course is required for all 9^th grade students, level to be determined by middle school recommendation and placement testing. Earth Science, the study of the earth and the space around it, is your introduction to sciences at the high school level. It incorporates elements of chemistry, biology, physics, ecology and oceanography. The course will cover the earth’s place in space, the composition and shape of the earth’s surface, the shaping of the earth’s surface by many forces, the earth’s origin and past, and resources of our planet. In addition, students will be exposed to scientific thinking and writing skills.

123 Level: This Survey of Earth Science course covers the essential knowledge of the topic at a more concrete level. Connections will be made between the subject matter and everyday life.

012 Level: This course goes beyond the essential knowledge of Earth Science to examine the important aspects of the topic as they impact events of the past, present, and future. This course requires that students have strong reading comprehension, communication, processing and math skills.

010 Level: This course presents material in a similar manner to the 012 level. However, there is a greater emphasis on independent research and self-initiated learning. Students participating in this course have a particular interest in science; outstanding organizational and study skills. Active participation in problem solving is expected. This course requires that students reading comprehension, communication, processing, and math skills that are significantly above average.

LIFE SCIENCE REQUIREMENT

Biology 123 (Gr. 10 priority, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 123 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course, a survey of the diversity of life, relates cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, metabolic, and ecological relationships. Case study and real applications afford opportunities to demonstrate acquired competence.

Biology 012 (Gr. 10 priority, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

Biology 012, the study of living organisms, increases students' understanding of themselves as living organisms. The course unifies classification, evolution, reproduction and inheritance, development, structure and function, energy relationships, ecology, and the relationship between science and society. Significant emphasis is placed on learning by problem solving through various activities. Students successfully completing this course will be more scientifically literate can better understand science-related issues of our society, and can make informed decisions as citizens.

Biology 010 (Gr. 10 priority, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course utilizes covers the same general topics as level 012, but utilizes molecular biology as its base. It also involves more reading, writing, and homework, as well as application of higher-level thinking skills. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Hon. Chem. and recommendation of the teacher.

SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology 2 semesters 2 credits

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This college-level survey course emphasizes molecular and cellular biology. Significant class time is spent on lab activities as well as individual and class projects. This course prepares students for the AP Exam, which provides opportunity of college credit. Prerequisites: Hon.Chem. and Biology with a grade of B+ or better, and permission of the teacher. This course and AP Chem will be offered every other year dependent on enrollment.

Anatomy and Physiology 1&2 1 or2 semesters 1 or 2 credits

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This very demanding course was designed for students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in a health-related field. Students in this class explore the systems of the human body through both individual and group projects. Participation in dissections, lectures, laboratory experiences and independent research is required. The successful student demonstrates good time management skills. This is a two part course; students may opt for the first or second part of this curriculum separately for one credit each. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and completion of Biology 012 or 010 with a minimum C average or Biology 123 with a minimum B average.

Individualized Science 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 123 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

Designed for students needing an alternative approach for life science or physical science credit, this student-directed course focuses on individual projects meeting students' interests. Students design and conduct their own hands-on research projects and explore current science/technology/social issues. Permission of the instructor is required.

Environmental Science 123 (Grades 10, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 123 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course combines the study of local ecosystems with that of current environmental issues. Human use and misuse of the environment is emphasized. Topics range from tree identification, soil ecology, water quality, and mammal tracking to habitat destruction, human population growth, global warming and solid waste issues. Frequent trips outdoors, even in cold weather, should be expected. The student's grade will be based on class participation, homework assignments, quizzes, projects, and labs. Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Earth Science and Biology.

Environmental Science 012 (Grades 10, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course combines the same content areas as ES 123 but assumes a higher level of academic skills and performance, Grading places greater emphasis placed on individual projects. Students are also required to keep a nature journal and should expect nightly homework assignments. Prerequisites: Earth Science and Biology with a grade of B or better.

Oceanography 123 (Grades 10, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 123 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course stresses physical, chemical, geological, biological and ecological aspects of the world's oceans. Oceanography is the scientific study of all aspects of the oceans, their boundaries and contents, involving the largest environment on earth. By studying this massive area, we hope to answer questions about weather, energy, mineral resources, environment, food, and our origin and to learn about our connection to all things in the sea. Some dissection should be expected. Prerequisite : Passing Grade in Earth Science and Biology.

Oceanography 012 (Grades 10, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This course covers the same content areas as level 123 but assumes a higher level of lab and thinking skills. Good reading and writing skills are helpful, and nightly homework should be expected. Dissection is an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Completion of Earth Science and Biology at a B or better grade.

Chemistry (Grades 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This approach to college-prep chemistry as an experimental science emphasizes math application and laboratory activities. Students are introduced to quantitative concepts of chemistry and are encouraged to inquire and make accurate observations and valid conclusions. Emphasis is on scientific method and appropriate application of inquiry, observation, and inference to solve problems. Prerequisite: Math I

Honors Chemistry (Grades 10, 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This college-prep chemistry course is taught at a faster, more in-depth pace. This course is open to selected sophomores and juniors. Students wishing to elect chemistry in sophomore year must take Honors Chemistry rather than Chemistry 012. Prerequisites: B or better in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Recommendation and/or permission of the teacher.

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (Grades 11, 12) 2 semesters 2 credits

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This college survey course, emphasizing theory and concepts, is designed for students with strong interest in chemistry. Students are prepared for the required AP exam, which provides for the possibility of college credit. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations supplement the lecture portion of the course. Prerequisite: Chemistry 010 with a grade of “B" or better and Permission of the teacher. A previous or concurrent course in Physics is strongly suggested. This course and AP Bio will be offered every other year dependent on enrollment.

Physics 012 (Grades 11, 12) 1 semester 1 credit

Level: 012 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This is a Conceptual Physics course requiring working skills in Algebra and Geometry. The fundamentals of motion, force, energy, work and physical properties of matter including inertia, momentum, and gravitational attraction are covered. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Algebra 1 012 is recommended.

Honors Physics 010 (Grades 11, 12) 1 semesters 1 credit

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

This honors level physics course is intended for college bound students planning to major in Science or Technology. Successful completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry is a requirement, with PreCalculus 012 recommended. This Physics program will provide an in depth treatment of motion, force, work, energy, and momentum. Wave mechanics, sound, light, electrostatics, electricity and electronics are also addressed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry, PreCalculus 012 recommended.

AP Calculus/ AP Physics 2 semesters 2 credits

Level: 010 SLE(s): Prob. Solving, Use of Knowledge, Respect for S/Oth

Calculus was initially developed as a tool to solve problems in many areas, particularly in physics. This course is designed to reinforce that idea. While adhering to both curriculums, the students will be applying their newly found calculus knowledge to physics problems. Upon completing the course students will receive two credits, one math and one science, and have the opportunity to take three AP exams. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Calculus 012 or AP Calculus OR recommendation of the mathematics department.