Science
Program Description
All students take four years of science beginning with two years of biology. Ninth graders prepare for MCAS which they take in June. Beneficiaries of grant support from the biotechnology industry, sophomores study bioethics and anatomy and physiology. Upperclassmen spend their two years studying both physics and chemistry.
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Instructed Areas
Grade 9
Advanced Biology I
Biology I
This course is designed as a first year Biology course. There will be an emphasis placed on the topics of cell structure and function, genetics, biodiversity, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Particular interest will be given to topics that relate to activities in the student’s technical area of study.
Grade 10
AP Biology
AP Biology is offered to students who have already completed an introductory biology course and have passed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System state assessment in biology. This course is preparation for the AP Biology Exam administered to students at the end of the school year.
The AP Biology course has been structured around the four big ideas, each with its own enduring understandings and essential knowledge, as set forth by the College Board.
1. The Process of Evolution drives the diversity and unity of life
1. The Process of Evolution drives the diversity and unity of life
2. Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain homeostasis
3. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes
4. Biological systems interact and these interactions possess complex properties
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology. Particular attention is placed on the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of these biological systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for continuation in the field of life science and/or health-related careers through hands-on approach to anatomy and physiology.
Grade 11
Advanced Chemistry
Chemistry
In this course, emphasis is placed in scientific reasons, chemical techniques and chemical principles. Moving from basic atomic structure to the formation of compounds, students will study key concepts of chemistry including chemical bonding, behavior of gasses, chemical reactions, and electrochemistry. Towards the end of the course, students receive an introduction to organic chemistry.
Advanced Physics
Physics
This course teaches the key concepts of physics including those pertaining to mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and concluding with an introduction to atomic and nuclear physics. Students will discover the physics in everything they do and see. Special attention will be made to make connections between the study of physics and each student’s technical area. Students will receive a solid foundation that will allow them to achieve college and career readiness.
Grade 12
Advanced Chemistry
Chemistry
In this course, emphasis is placed in scientific reasons, chemical techniques and chemical principles. Moving from basic atomic structure to the formation of compounds, students will study key concepts of chemistry including chemical bonding, behavior of gasses, chemical reactions, and electrochemistry. Towards the end of the course, students receive an introduction to organic chemistry.
Advanced Physics
Physics
This course teaches the key concepts of physics including those pertaining to mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and concluding with an introduction to atomic and nuclear physics. Students will discover the physics in everything they do and see. Special attention will be made to make connections between the study of physics and each student’s technical area. Students will receive a solid foundation that will allow them to achieve college and career readiness.