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Science Department
J. Hills, Department Head
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Courses |
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Main Office: (203) 797-4800
Attendance Office: (203) 790-2893 or (203) 790-2864
A comprehensive physical science course which includes content from physics and chemistry. Emphasis is placed on concepts of light, heat, sound, work, nuclear energy, the periodic table, chemical formulas, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities are part of the student’s learning experience.
PREREQUISITE: Concurrently enrolled in pre-Algebra, Algebra, or Geometry.
A course in practical basic science concepts including the application of geology, physics and chemistry to everyday events. Selected understandings of energy, electricity, magnetism, mechanics, structure of matter, and common chemical reactions. Laboratory activities are part of the student’s learning experience.
PATTERNS AND PROCESSES BIOLOGY
Through experimentation individually or in groups, the student is able to understand simple, fundamental biological principles and their relationship to man and life so that the student will be a better citizen. Here the student learns more by doing than by reading.
GENERAL BIOLOGY - HUMAN/PLANT & ANIMAL
The General Biology course is divided into two semesters. During one semester, the principles of human biology will be presented. Anatomy and physiology of the human body are highlighted. The other semester covers the plant and animal kingdoms, conservation, ecology, and careers in science.
This course is designed for above average 9th grades who have successfully completed IPS 8E with a grade of B or better. Students will be challenged beyond the book work and class work to do independent projects and research.
Using basic laboratory techniques and research methods, the student has the opportunity to explore the world of living organisms. Emphasis is placed on concepts dealing with the ways organisms share certain characteristics, and are different in others. Studies include microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecological concepts.
PREREQUISITE: Completed IPS with a C or better.
ADVANCED BIOLOGY (AP) (UCONN) (LEVEL 5)
This college level biology course is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced college courses in biology and related sciences as well as to prepare students for the AP Biology test. Topics include molecular and cell biology, genetics, diversity of organisms, plant biology, animal physiology, DNA technology and bacteriology. It is designed to stimulate higher achievement in superior students. (Through arrangement with Uconn, students may earn college credit while enrolled provided they meet specific Uconn requirements.)
PREREQUISITE: B+ in College Biology and B+ in Theoretical Chemistry.
MARINE BIOLOGY (LEVEL 3) 11-12
Marine Biology will explore the fascinating life forms, from microscopic to whale-sized, that live in the oceans. Practical, hands-on experiences and career possibilities will be emphasized. Designed for students who want additional studies in the life sciences, this course will investigate plant and animal physiology, ocean ecology, and maritime industries such as fishing, whaling and seafood production. Not for lab credit.
THE HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH & DISEASE (LEVEL 3) 11-12
This course is designed for those interested in careers that involve people the health care fields, psychology, law and law enforcement, teaching, social work, physical therapy, and many others. Learn the workings of and problems of major body systems, as well as the high tech and common sense methods of disease prevention and treatment. Investigate career possibilities in the growing health care and human services fields, or learn how health issues affect many other aspects of life and work.
FRESH WATER BIOLOGY (LIMNOLOGY) (LEVEL 3) 11-12
Freshwater Biology will explore the diverse life forms found in streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands from the microscopic to the macroscopic. Practical hands on experience and career options will be presented and emphasized. This course will investigate plant and animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to the freshwater environment. Freshwater ecosystems, large and small, are vital to all of us. Only 1% of the earth’s water is fresh. It provides us with drinking water, and water to irrigate food crops. It provides habitat for fish we can eat. It provides recreation. It also helps return water to the atmosphere to keep the water cycle going. The study of freshwater is crucial to our understanding of living organisms.
This course is a study of the principles and concepts of astronomy with heavy emphasis on recent accomplishments in space. The vast opportunity for new discoveries about the universe is explored. A mathematics background is not required.
Earth Science surveys the study of geology, including rocks and minerals, and oceanography. Emphasis is on basic concepts of the physical structure and development of the earth including, earthquakes, volcanoes, changes in the oceans, movement of the earth’s continents, and distribution of fossils. Course content is presented at different levels to meet the needs of all students.
Meteorology surveys the principles and concepts related to understanding weather and climate. Students gain conceptual knowledge through the formal study of the elements of weather and the cause and effect relationships of climate. Local weather conditions will be emphasized to promote understanding and awareness of basic principles. Course topics include: weather forecasting, meteorologic instruments, and atmosphere-geographic interactions. Science study skills are emphasized throughout the course and research papers on topics of interest are required.
SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT (LEVEL 3) 11-12
Science and the Environment is designed to increase the students’ awareness of their surroundings. Emphasis on the important interrelationships among living things and the physical environment. Course topics include: investigations in ecology; populations of living things; water and air pollution; energy relationships.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS I (LEVEL 3) 11-12
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS II (LEVEL 3) 11-12
Conceptual Physics will be a qualitative study of the central concepts of physics. The emphasis will be on relating to the things that are familiar in the everyday environment, and not to mathematical concepts. The course is designed for students who are considering a variety of post-secondary educational experiences: business, vocational, technical, community or four year college. Students will follow and apply scientific reasoning and comprehend its application to everyday life. Students will logically discuss scientific ideas and express important points in clear written form. Students taking this course will have demonstrated through classroom performance, tests and grades the ability to express factual knowledge related to basic science concepts.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Algebra and Geometry with a C or better, completed successfully or concurrently enrolled in Algebra II.
Note: Conceptual Physics will be presented in two semester courses, which may be taken consecutively or non-consecutively. Part I will include: Mechanics, Properties of Matter, and Heat. Part II will include: Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
INTEGRATED/PHYSICS & MATH (LEVEL 4) 11-12
This course is designed for juniors and seniors who desire to follow a science related program on the college level. Through the integration of Math IV and Physics by a team of teachers, the students will be able to boost math skills by applying mathematics to problems in physics. This course will include extensive use of the graphing calculator, computer simulation, CB2, lab experiments and class discussion. The course will meet 12 periods per week and students will receive 5 credits in math and 7 credits in physics.
THEORETICAL PHYSICS (LEVEL 4) 11-12
Theoretical Physics is an introductory course covering mechanics, kinetic and potential energy, gas laws, wave theory, electricity, magnetism and modern discoveries in physics. The course explains these areas through laboratory investigations, computer assisted programs, class discussions, and problem solving. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Algebra II, completion or concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry.
HONORS PHYSICS (LEVEL 5) 11-12
Honors Physics is the study of mechanics, kinetics and potential energy, wave theory, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics with a high emphasis on the application of mathematics. Students will be expected to pursue independent research in one of the above areas. PREREQUISITE: Approval of Honors or Theoretical Chemistry teacher and Math IV teacher.
PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY (LEVEL 3) 11-12
A full year course for the student with an interest in chemistry who anticipates possibly working with chemicals or in a chemistry related field, this course emphasizes fundamentals of basic chemistry as they are encountered in everyday life and in the workplace. Social applications and political implications of chemistry are discussed and demonstrated. The course includes hands-on laboratory activities and related readings, as well as investigations into possible careers in chemistry related areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (LEVEL 3) 10-11-12
A full year course for the student who plans on post-secondary education, but perhaps not primarily in the sciences, or as a science major. This is a lab course for academically capable students interested in science, but not in extensive mathematical applications. Emphasis is primarily on social, political, economic, and health concerns in both the local and global environments, but fundamental principles and safety regarding hands-on investigative laboratory techniques of chemistry are also significant components of this course. Reading and research is required, as well as careful analysis in writing and class discussion of complex interactions of science and society. Students should be reading at 9th grade level or above.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Algebra with a C or better; successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Geometry; successful completion of IPS with a C or better, or PGS with a B or better. (Sophomores as transfers only).
THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY (LEVEL 4) 10-11-12
A full year course for students who plan technical or four year post-secondary education, possibly as science majors. Good math ability is necessary, since basic concepts and principles of chemistry are studies from a mathematical approach. The student has the opportunity for an experimental investigation of a descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative approach to chemistry.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Geometry with a C+ or better if a junior or senior, or concurrent enrollment in Geometry if a sophomore.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (LEVEL 5) 10-11-12
Honors Chemistry is an in-depth study of the principles and concepts of chemistry in depth with emphasis on the application of mathematics. During the course, a student is expected to pursue independent research in some field of science.
PREREQUISITE: Approval of Honors Chemistry teacher and Biology teacher and have a B+ average in Math and Science.
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (AP) (UCONN) (LEVEL 5) (COLLEGE CREDIT) 11-12
This college level chemistry course follows the curriculum of the Advanced Placement Program suggested by the College Board. The emphasis is on chemical calculations and mathematical formulations of principles. Laboratory work includes experiments that involve individual observations of chemical substances and reactions, the recording of data, and the calculation and interpretation of results based on quantitative data. Course topics include structure of matter, chemical bonding, states of matter, reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, descriptive chemistry, and chemical calculations. (Through arrangement with Uconn, students may earn 8 college credits while enrolled provided they meet specific Uconn requirements.)
PREREQUISITE: B in Theoretical Chemistry Grades 11,12...7 periods a week - 7 credits 8 college credits