| SCIENCE All students must successfully complete three years of science to graduate from Lunenburg High School. Beginning with the class of 2007, this requirement will include a one-year course in biology. Most 8th graders should choose earth science as their 9th grade science course. These students would then take biology as their 10th grade course and would take the MCAS biology exam at the end of that year. Eighth graders who have been recommended for 9th grade Honors in science will take biology in 9th grade. These students will then take chemistry as their tenth grade course and will take the MCAS chemistry exam at the end of that year. Earth Science 1 credit Prerequisite: none Grade 9 This full-year course will cover the principles of meteorology, astronomy, geology, oceanography and paleontology. Connections to environmental science will also be explored. Students will develop an understanding of their connection to the natural world. This course will emphasize depth of coverage in topics, and will incorporate hands-on research and activities into the classroom. Earth Science Topics 1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of special services teacher or guidance counselor only. Grades 9-10 Earth Science Topics is a full-year course designed to introduce students to the physical workings of planet Earth, as well as Earth�s place within the universe. The course is current-event based, with an emphasis on connections to the daily life of the student. Topics are approached in depth over longer time periods to ensure comprehension. Hands-on activities are common and students with limited science backgrounds are welcome. Biology 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science Grade 9-10 This course will cover the following concepts: � Living things are made of atoms bonded together to form organic molecules � All living things are composed of cells. Life processes in a cell are based on the interactions between organic molecules. � Genes are a set of instructions found in the DNA of each organism. These instructions code for proteins, which in turn determine an individual�s traits. � Human anatomy and physiology shows the relationship between the structure and function in organ systems in humans. � Evolution and biodiversity are the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments. � Ecology is the interaction between living organisms and their environment. Students will take the MCAS exam in Biology in May. Honors Biology 1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of teacher and department head Grade 9-10 Honors level biology is designed for the student who not only has a serious interest in science, but who has also demonstrated outstanding abilities in math, writing and reading comprehension. The course will cover the same topics listed in the standard biology course, but in greater depth, and a variety of enrichment exercises will be included. Biology Topics 1 credit Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Recommendation of special services teacher or guidance counselor only. � Biology topics is a full-year course designed to introduce students to the following concepts: � Living things are made of atoms bonded together to form organic molecules � All living things are composed of cells. Life processes in a cell are based on the interactions between organic molecules. � Genes are a set of instructions found in the DNA of each organism. These instructions code for proteins, which in turn determine an individual�s traits. � Human anatomy and physiology shows the relationship between the structure and function in organ systems in humans. � Evolution and biodiversity are the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments. � Ecology is the interaction between living organisms and their environment. Topics are approached in depth over longer time periods to ensure comprehension. Hands-on activities are common and students with limited science backgrounds are welcome. Chemistry 1 credit Prerequisite: Biology Grades 10-12 This course is designed for the college bound student. The course will cover properties of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gases and kinetic molecular theory, solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium and kinetics, thermochemistry, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory experiences and hands-on activities. Honors Chemistry 1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of Biology Teacher Grades 10-11 This full year course is designed to prepare the advanced student for upper level science courses, including Advanced Placement Chemistry in the junior or senior year. It will cover all of the same topics as the standard course, but in greater depth. Students will take the MCAS Chemistry exam in May. Physics 1 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry and concurrently taking Algebra II or higher Grades 11-12 This full year class is a lab-oriented approach to physical science. Topics to be extensively studied include motion, forces, mechanics, conservation of energy, wave motion, sound, optics, base electricity, and electronics. Individual projects related to bridges and electronics are required. Horticulture I 1/2 credit (Spring or Fall) Prerequisite: 9th and 10th grade science Grades 11-12 This half-year course is an introduction to the study of plants and their uses. The course will cover the basic structure and function of plants, the identification of some major families of houseplants, greenhouse management, and floral and plant crafts. Students will be involved in lab activities 2-3 days per week and will work in the greenhouse at least one day per week. Students will create and care for several plant projects that they can take home, one of which will be submitted to the New England Flower Show. Horticulture II 1/2 credit (Spring) Prerequisite: Horticulture I Grades 11-12 This half-year course is being offered as a continuation of Introduction to Horticulture I. Several areas of horticulture will be examined through more in-depth studies and projects. A plant collection and other more advanced greenhouse projects are included. Students coming from Horticulture I will be expected to enter the New England Flower Show. Horticulture Topics 1 credit Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Recommendation of special services teacher or guidance counselor only. Horticulture Topics is a full-year course that is an introduction to the study of plants and their uses. The course will cover the basic structure and function of plants, the identification of some major families of houseplants, greenhouse management, and floral and plant crafts. Students will be involved in lab activities 2-3 days per week and will work in the greenhouse at least one day per week. Students will create and care for several plant projects that they can take home, one of which will be submitted to the New England Flower Show. Topics are approached in depth over longer time periods to ensure comprehension. Biotechnology 1/2 credit (fall semester) Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a B average or better. Grades 11-12 Biotechnology is an advanced level course designed for juniors or seniors who have a strong interest in biology. After studying the basics of DNA structure and function, students will carry out a series of authentic lab exercises. They will extract DNA from mammal tissue, analyze DNA by electrophoresis, carry out DNA fingerprinting, diagnose a mutation and do some genetic engineering. Some genetically engineered products that are available on supermarket shelves will also be studied. This highly relevant topic will improve students� scientific literacy, expose them to possible career opportunities and provide background to help them make informed decisions on bio-ethical issues. Anatomy and Physiology 1/2 credit (spring semester) Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a B average or better. Grades 11-12 Anatomy and Physiology is an elective course designed for juniors or seniors who have a strong interest in biology and/or medicine. The course starts with a brief study of cytology and histology during which they will use the microscope to become familiar with the characteristics of the cells and tissues that make up the human body. The remainder of the course will cover the major organ systems of the human body from two perspectives, (1) anatomy, which is the study of the structure of the body and how those structures relate to each other and (2) physiology, the study of how those structures work. The anatomical aspects are studied primarily through the dissection of a fetal pig. Any student who finds dissection objectionable should consider taking Human Biology instead. Human Biology 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology Grades 11-12 This elective course is designed for juniors and seniors who would like to know more about how the human body is put together and how it works but do not want to dissect a fetal pig. The focus of this course will be anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the eleven organ systems of the human body with special emphasis placed on how to keep those systems running smoothly throughout a lifetime. Laboratory work may sometimes involve the use of tissue samples but most of the time will deal with the physiology of organ systems. Where the honors level Anatomy & Physiology is good preparation if you plan to major in biological sciences, Human Biology will provide a good background for a freshman level biology course for non-majors. Terrestrial Ecosystems 1/2 credit (Spring) Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th and 10th grade science Grades 11-12 This course incorporates all components of living and non-living matter in the Northeast's wetlands and wooded areas. The emphasis will be on practical knowledge of the local environments, including identification of plant and animal species. The interaction of the human species with its surroundings will also be stressed. Students will conduct research in the field, collect and interpret data, and report on their findings. Aquatic Ecosystems 1/2 credit (Fall) Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th and 10th grade science Grades 11-12 Ecology is the study of the relationship between living things and their environments. This course will focus on the relationships that exist in the ponds, lakes and streams of Lunenburg and Shirley. Students in this class will monitor the physical, chemical and biotic factors of the aquatic ecosystems in their ecological neighborhoods. They will then share these findings, using telecommunications, with students from other schools. Students will be applying their knowledge of chemistry and biology to solve real life environmental problems. Astronomy 1/2 credit Prerequisite: 9th and 10 grade science Grades 11-12 A wide variety of issues will be addressed in the project-based course. Students will gather information about the universe through observation and calculation. Students will also write about astronomy's role in our society and the future of space exploration. A strong math background is recommended and a familiarity with computers will be helpful. Students will be required to attend at least one "star party" after school hours. Electronics 1/2 credit Prerequisite: 70 in Algebra I Grades: 10-12 This half-year course includes scientific, mathematical and practical/laboratory approaches to electricity and basic electronics. Topics covered include atomic structure, electron flow, resistance, voltage sources, power, resistive circuit analysis, induction, capacitance, bread boarding, and digital applications. In addition to investigative labs dealing with each of these topics, students will investigate the operation and construction of power supplies, simple motors, and multi-meters. Advanced Placement Chemistry 2 credits Prerequisite: 9th and 10th grade science and Chemistry II or full year Chemistry Grades 11-12 (Two periods per day) This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students should attain a greater depth of understanding of fundamentals and should develop a higher competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course differs qualitatively from other high school chemistry courses with respect to the kind of textbook used, topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics covered, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and variety of experiments done in the lab. *Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. |
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