THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OFFERS COURSES THAT WILL PROVIDE THE FOUNDATION FOR STUDENTS TO BECOME SCIENTIFICALLY LITERATE CITIZENS. BASIC COURSES INCLUDE GEOLOGY, ASTRONOMY, BIOLOGY, CHEMCOM AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS. MORE ADVANCED COURSES OFFERED ARE CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY.

314 ASTRONOMY (C) (Fall)

315 ASTRONOMY (G) (Fall)

SUMMARY:

Astronomy is a challenging course offered to freshmen. The course provides a historical perspective of our understanding of the universe as well as discussion of modern theories about the origin of the universe. The course is strongly recommended for freshmen since it is here that students develop and refine analytical and technological skills required for future science courses.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

(1) Students are expected to complete regularly assigned readings and written assignments. (2) Students are expected to prepare for weekly quizzes and major examinations. (3) Students must successfully complete a comprehensive investigation involving sky observation, data collection, graphing, and analysis. (4) Students will become competent in the use of digital image processing through the completion of weekly investigations.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on an individual’s work, participation, work in groups, completion of lab investigations, and other traditional methods that measure content and understanding.

KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 1.18 Research, 1.19 Informational Sources, 1.20 Communication of Data

Field of Knowledge: 7.12 Space, Time and Matter, 7.15 Theories, Systems and Forces

0.5 Credit – Semester

314 GEOLOGY (C) (Spring)

315 GEOLOGY (G) (Spring)

SUMMARY:

Geology involves a rigorous semester-long investigation of a dynamic Earth. The course includes consideration of plate tectonic theory as well as volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building. This course is strongly recommended for freshmen since it is here that students develop and refine analytical thinking, practice scientific writing, and technological skills required for all future science courses.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

(1) Students are expected to complete regularly assigned readings and written assignments. (2) Students are expected to prepare for weekly quizzes and major examinations. (3) Students must successfully complete a comprehensive investigation concerning river life cycles. (4) Students will become competent in the use of image processing, virtually reality, and other techniques through the completion of weekly investigations.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on an individual’s work, participation, work in groups, completion of lab investigations, and other traditional methods that measure content and understanding.

KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 1.18 Research, 1.19 Informational Sources, 1.20 Communication of Data

Fields of Knowledge: 7.12 Space, Time, and Matter, 7.15 Theories, Systems, and Forces

0.5 Credit - Semester

322 BIOLOGY (C)

325 BIOLOGY (G)

SUMMARY:

This is a full year course designed for sophomores. Topics include the interrelationships of organisms in their environment, a study of cells and how they function, genetics, evolution, microbiology, and a survey of the plant and animal kingdoms. This course includes many labs and activities to introduce students to laboratory and field investigative skills. Students also have numerous opportunities to utilize image processing skills and electron microscopy.

EXCEPTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

Students are expected to complete assigned work, including daily homework, frequent quizzes, large tests, research reports and presentations. Students must also participate in laboratory experiments, class projects and field trips.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on a variety of strategies, including individual work, participation, work in groups, completion of lab investigations, and other traditional methods that measure content and understanding.

KEY STANDARDS:

 Vital Results: 1.18 Research, 1.20 Communication of Data

 Field of Knowledge: 7.1 Scientific Method, 7.13 Organisms, Evolution and Interdependence

1.0 Credit – Year

SUMMARY:

Electrons, Rainbows, Explosionsand more

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and transformations of matter and energy. It is a science based on measurement and observation. This introductory course begins with these fundamental ideas emphasizing the significance and reliability of measurements, and the conclusions based thereon. The course then follows a traditional approach to the study of chemistry exploring descriptive chemistry, the structure of matter, the relationships between structure and properties of matter, and selected topics from electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and polymer science. Throughout the course there is a major emphasis on the collection and analysis of data, drawing conclusions based on experimental data and observation, and on problem solving. Importance is placed on connecting the behavior and structure of the intangible, imperceptible world of the atom to an understanding and appreciation of the tangible world we perceive and experience.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

Students are expected to: (1) have completed Astronomy/Geology, Biology, Algebra I and Geometry and be taking Algebra II concurrently; (2) come to class prepared which includes completing regularly assigned reading and homework problems; (3) keep an organized notebook and to take notes on material presented in class; (4) make up any missed labs in a timely manner; (5) prepare for laboratory experiments, follow instructions and handle the chemicals and equipment with care; (6) seek help when encountering difficulties with any aspect of the course.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on an individuals laboratory work, tests, quizzes and homework assignments.

KEY STANDARDS:

 Vital Results : 1.17 Notation and Representation, 2.2 Problem Solving

 Fields of Knowledge: 7.1 Scientific Method, 7.2 Investigation, 7.12 Space, Time and Matter

1.0 Credit – Year

CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY/ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS Course Series (4 Parts)

SUMMARY:

Within the four courses making up the Chemistry in the Community/Environmental Applications sequence, students will study the components of the interactions within natural systems in order to understand how humans change and are changed by their environment and to consider lifestyle choices that when acted on may lead to a sustainable society.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

Students are expected to (1) maintain an organized notebook that includes lecture notes, labs and handouts. This notebook will be saved for reference purposes through the four semesters of the course series; (2) participate in all aspects of classroom activities; (3) attend class regularly (minimum attendance will be enforced).

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment is based on lab reports, quality of notebook, homework, participation, and tests and quizzes.
KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 3.9 Sustainability (understanding systems and personal impact and decision making), 3.10 Teamwork, 3.11 Students interact respectfully with others, 2.14 Planning and organization, 1.20 Creative and analysis of graphs and charts

Fields of Knowledge: 7.1 Scientific Method, 7.11 Students understand living and nonliving systems, 6.9 Students examine interrelationships

338 CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY I – Behavior of Matter (C) (Fall)

SUMMARY:

Understanding matter and its properties is a basis for understanding, analyzing and making informed decisions about issues we face in our local and global communities. This course focuses on studying the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of matter and the energy changes that accompany those transformations. An underlying concept introduced here and used throughout the Course Series is the Law of Conservation and Matter and Energy. General topics that will serve as frameworks in which to study the behavior of matter are our water needs, natural resources, petroleum, and the atmosphere.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

See course series overview above.

ASSESSMENT:

See course series overview above.

KEY STANDARDS:

See course series overview above.

0.5 credit - semester

338 CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY II – Applied Chemistry (C) (Spring)

SUMMARY:

This course continues to build on the study of the behavior of matter and systems. An underlying focus is the transformations of matter into new substances and the amount of energy produced or consumed by those transformations. The focusing topics include a closer look at petroleum use, food, nuclear chemistry, fertilizers, explosions and chemical generation of electrical power.

Pre-requisite Chemistry in the Community I- Behavior of Matter

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

See course series overview above.

ASSESSMENT:

See course series overview above.

KEY STANDARDS:

See course series overview above.

0.5 credit - semester

336 ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS I – Water and Air Quality (G) (Spring)

SUMMARY:

Students will explore current issues involving air and water quality. These issues include drinking water standards and measurement of water quality, water treatment, acid rain, global climate change, ozone depletion, and particulates. Exploration of these topics include lecture, discussion, labs and field trips. As students begin to understand these pollution problems, solutions will also be explored.

Pre-requisite: Chemistry in the Community I – Behavior of Matter

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

In addition to the expectations stated above in the course series, students will also be required to be willing to go outside and get dirty and wet.

ASSESSMENT:

See course series overview above.

KEY STANDARDS:

In addition to he standards for the course of studies, standard 7.13 Interdependence of all systems that support life will also be addressed.

0.5 Credit – Semester

336 ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS II – Human Population and Consumption (G) (Fall)

SUMMARY:

Earth is a planet of finite resources. The human population has exceeded 6 billion people and it’s still growing. How many people can Earth support? Will we run out of essential resources, like clean air and water? This semester focuses on factors that affect population growth and on patterns of consumption that threaten our very existence.

Topics covered included: Carrying capacity, food production, ecological footprints, fair earthshare, solid and waste disposal, recycling, habitat destruction and fragmentation, endangered species, natural capitalism, sustainability.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

In addition to the expectations stated above in the course series, students will also be required to challenge the status quo.

ASSESSMENT:

See course series overview above.

KEY STANDARDS:

In addition to he standards for the course of studies, standard 7.13 Interdependence of all systems that support life will also be addressed.

0.5 Credit – Semester

343 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (G) (Fall and/or Spring)

SUMMARY:

Physicists are often classified as theoreticians or experimentalists based on the physical and intellectual tools that they use to explore nature. Theoreticians like Einstein are associated with deep mathematical abstraction while experimentalists like Faraday are better known for their literally physical sense of how nature behaves and for the ingenuity of the experimental techniques by which they reveal nature’s most hidden, but essential features. The goal of Experimental Physics is to develop in each student an intuitive rather than a formulaic understanding of basic physical laws and concepts. The course emphasizes direct experience and, though it is less mathematically rigorous than Advanced Physics, students should understand that measurement and computation, scientific methodology, and the development of mathematical models to describe physical systems are what physics is about. Mathematical skills beyond basic algebra and geometry will be developed as needed, but a sincere curiosity and motivation are essential. Students will learn to use mechanical concepts such as acceleration, force, torque, work, energy, and power as well as ideas from the study of electricity and magnetism such as electric potential and current to analyze basic physical systems. As a final project students will produce a working model that satisfies specific design requirements. Experimental Physics may be taken as a one-semester (0.5 credit) course in the fall or spring or as a full-year (1.0 credit) course.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

It is expected that each student will: (1) have completed Geometry and Algebra I or, preferably Algebra II; (2) begin the study of physics with a genuine curiosity about the behavior of the physical world; (3) demonstrate this curiosity by asking questions and participating in discussions; (4) maintain a thorough records of his or her experimental work and insight in a lab notebook; (5) create and present a working model that satisfies specific design requirements as a final project; (6) maintain good attendance; (7) seek help in a timely manner when encountering difficulty; (8) spend, on average, at least 2 to 3 hours per week on assignments outside of class; (9) cooperate in the safe and delicate handling of fragile or potential dangerous experimental equipment.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment of each student’s development will be based on his or her mastery of problem solving skills and the vocabulary and basic concepts of physics as demonstrated in homework, problems assigned to groups, and quizzes. Assessment will also be based on evidence of insight and initiative in experimental work and the thoroughness of the record of that work in a lab notebook. Fluency in the language of physics during class discussions will also be considered. The final project will be assessed by how well it satisfies design requirements and on how well the design challenges are explained.

KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 1.8 Reports, 2.1 Types of Questions, 2.2 Problem Solving Process, and 3.10 Teamwork

Fields of Knowledge: 5.19 - 5.21 Speaking, Understanding, Reading and Writing a Non-Native Language, 7.1 Scientific Method, 7.7 Geometric and Measurement Concepts, 7.10 Mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning, 7.12 Space, Time, and Matter

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra Prob/Stat I and Geometry with Trig.

0.5 Credit - Semest

342 PHYSICS (C/A)

SUMMARY:

The study of Physics is an attempt by human being “to invent ideas [that correspond] to the reality of our world.” (Einstein) Students will learn to use concepts such as momentum, force, energy, waves, charge, electric potential, and electric and magnetic fields to construct mathematical models that describe basic phenomena such as motion of a particle under the influence of gravitational, electric, or magnetic forces, propagation of sound and light, electric currents in circuits, and electromagnetic induction. This course is recommended for students with a genuine curiosity about the physical world who are also capable of handling abstract information. Each student will be encouraged to carefully examine his or her own experiences while developing theoretical models of physical phenomena and to expand his or her experience and test models by experimental means. Students will learn the mathematical language and experimental techniques essential to physics. The course emphasizes problem solving at the advanced level. Mathematical skills beyond Algebra II and Trigonometry including statistics, operations with vectors, and an introduction to calculus will be developed. The course is designed to prepare students for the study of science and engineering at the college level, but it may also be of interest to students who are mechanically or philosophically inclined.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

It is expected that each student will: (1) have completed Algebra Il with Trigonometry or, preferably PreCalculus; (2) begin the study o physics with a genuine curiosity about the behavior of the physical universe; (3) demonstrate this curiosity by asking questions and participating in discussions; (4) maintain good attendance; (5) seek help in a timely manner when encountering difficulty; (6) spend, on average, at least 2 to 3 hours per week on assignments outside of class; (7) cooperate in the safe and delicate handling of fragile or potential dangerous experimental equipment.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment of each student’s development will be based on his or her mastery of problem solving skills and the vocabulary and basic concepts of physics as demonstrated in homework, problems assigned to groups, and quizzes. Assessment will also be based on evidence of insight and initiative in experimental work and the clarity and thoroughness of the record of that work in lab reports. Fluency in the language of physics during class discussion will be also be considered.

KEY STANDARDS:

 Vital Results: 1.8 Reports, 2.1 Types of Questions, 2.2 Problem Solving Process, and 3.10 Teamwork

 Fields of Knowledge: 5.19 - 5.21 Speaking, Understanding, Reading and Writing a Non-Native Language, 7.1 Scientific Method, 7.7 Geometric and Measurement Concepts, 7.10 Mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning, 7.12 Space, Time, and Matter

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3 years of mathematics, including Algebra II with Trigonometry, and a concurrent fourth year recommended. Questionable individual cases must receive the approval of the instructor.

1.0 credit - Year

351 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (A)

SUMMARY:

This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue college-level biology while still in high school. At the conclusion of the AP course, students may elect to take a three hour national biology exam. The successful student may be given advanced standing in college, omitting the introductory biology course. AP Biology is a very traditional lecture/laboratory based course with a minimum of one half hour of homework per night. Topics covered include cellular biology, biotechnology, evolution, animal and plant biology, and ecology. This course meets 8 periods per week and uses a college text plus additional readings from scientific journals.

Prerequisite: Minimum "B" in Chemistry or permission from the Chemistry teacher

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

(1) Students are expected to go outside in the spring and fall occasionally to conduct field studies. (2) Students are expected to finish daily reading assignments and participate in lectures. (3) Students are expected to make up labs that they miss due to any absence. (4) Students are expected to complete a year long research project.

ASSESSMENT:

Tests, quizzes, lab reports, presentations, homework and daily work are the principal evaluation tools.

KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 1.3 Reading Comprehension, 2.2 Problem Solving Process, 3.10 Team Work

Fields of Knowledge: 7.1 Inquiry, Experimentation and Theory, 7.3 Nature of Scientific Theory, 7.13 Organisms, Evolution and Interdependence, 7.14 The Human Body

1.0 Credit – Year