The Science Department curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Science Curriculum Frameworks. Our department is committed to providing our students with the tools and concepts necessary to pass the Grade 10 Biology MCAS. We have selected key topics to stress within the instructional time for Science. We strive to move our students to internalize high standards, while providing support and encouragement to make their success a reality. It is our goal that our students will appreciate the complexity of our natural world by improving their observation, thinking and writing skills. We try to deliver concrete hands on experiences which will enhance student understanding. English Math and Senior Project standards are reinforced with the inclusion of mini-research projects. The Science Department addresses scientific thinking and concepts in the Science domains of: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physical Science and Physics in order to promote science literacy among our students. A scientifically literate society of workers is our best hope.
Biology is the science of life. This course is designed to explore introductory concepts of life science topics. Biology I includes the characteristics of living organisms, the chemistry of life,ecology and cell structures and functions, along with the scientific inquiry skills to develop appropriate analysis of data and lab safety requirements. The Standards are aligned with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Frameworks for High School Biology which will prepare students for the Biology Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam. Students will take the MCAS exam at the conclusion of Biology 2.
This course includes the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. Topics include genetics, principles of evolution, diversity of life and basic human anatomy and physiology. Lab activities, lab reports, and projects will be integrated into the curriculum to reinforce concepts and material taught to students. The standards are aligned with the DESE Frameworks for High School Biology. Students will take the MCAS exam upon completion of this course.
Prerequisite Biology and successful completion of the MCAS
Students will consider how structure and composition at sub-atomic scales explain structure-property relationships in chemistry and influence energy transformations and dissipation of energy during chemical and physical changes. This course will emphasize science and engineering practices related to design, investigation, modeling, evaluation, and mathematical reasoning.
Specific subtopics include matter & change, measurements & calculations, atomic theory & structure, arrangement of electrons & quantum numbers, periodic law & periodic table trends, and chemical bonding & molecular geometry.
Prerequisite Chemistry 1
Students will consider how structure and composition at sub-atomic scales explain structure-property relationships in chemistry and influence energy transformations and dissipation of energy during chemical and physical changes. This course will emphasize science and engineering practices related to design, investigation, modeling, evaluation, and mathematical reasoning. Specific subtopics include chemical equations & reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, gas laws, and acids, bases, & solutions.
Environmental Science is a one-year introductory, discussion based course that will provide a foundational understanding of environmental science. Students will develop an understanding of scientific thinking related to environmental processes and human influence/impact on the environment through analysis and application of the concepts to real world situations. This course provides an overview of Earth’s Systems. How earth’s systems are interdependent. The trophic cascade and environmental sustainability. Along with climate change and its impact on all aspects of the natural world and society. The students will analyze and compare many huge global environmental issues with local Cape Cod environmental concerns.
prerequisite Algebra 1 and successful completion of the MCAS
Students will cover various topics including motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws, projectile motion and momentum. Other topics may include thermodynamics, waves, pendulums and basic electricity. This is a one-year course that will follow the MA State Frameworks for Introductory Physics.
In addition to using the course textbook students will utilize numerous electronic labs related to course topics
prerequisite Biology and successful completion of the MCAS
Physical Science is a one year course that is designed to explore the introductory concepts of Oceanography, Astronomy and Meteorology along with the scientific inquiry skills to develop appropriate analysis and communication of data.
Physical Science is an alternative to physics for students with teacher approval.