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Science Department

*NOTE: Standard track 9th grade students may take Biology with permission of the instructor, but must take Physical Science in grade 10.

To meet Vermont Standards in Science, Students will complete a balanced course of study in Science that will include the minimum of one course each in physical, life, and earth/chemical sciences. Students must take a minimum of three (3) science courses.

Physical Science (Grade 9) 1 credit
This course will introduce the concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy, as stated in the Vermont Standards of Space, Time and Matter, Universe, Earth and Environment. Students will perform laboratory experiments and basic mathematics calculations related to theses topics.

Biology (Grade 10) 1 credit
Biology is the study of living things. The approach of this course emphasizes the fundamental unity in the diversity of life forms. Each process is discussed using examples from all five kingdoms of organisms with particular attention given to human beings. This course will include a lab two times per week. The vital results addressed in this course are reading comprehension, report writing, listening and questioning, communication using scientific notation and problem solving. The content standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Living World, The Universe, Earth and Environment and the Human Body. Standard track 9th grade students may take Biology with permission of the instructor, but must take Physical Science in grade 10.

C.P. Biology Lab (Grades 9, 10) 1.25 credits
C.P. Biology develops biological principles within four major biological headings using the laboratory, lectures and discussions. This is a strong laboratory program of an investigative nature emphasizing the processes of science. The vital results addressed in this course are reading comprehension, report writing, listening and questioning, communication using scientific notation and problem solving. The content standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Living World, The Universe, Earth and Environment and the Human Body. Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that students have 10th grade standing or are 9th graders who have completed Algebra I and are taking Geometry concurrently with Biology.

C.P. Chemistry/Lab (Grades 10, 11) 1.25 credits
Chemistry is a laboratory course that stresses problem-solving. Topics include quantitative analysis, atomic theory, binding kinetic theory, gas laws equilibrium, acids and bases and oxidation-reduction. The vital results addressed in this course are report writing, communication using scientific notation and problem solving. The content standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Space, Time and Matter, Mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning and The Universe, Earth and Environment. Students are expected to provide their own scientific calculator. Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry (or recommendation of Math Connection II teacher).

C.P. Physics/Lab (Grades 11, 12) 1.25 credits
Physics is a course using a mixture of laboratory inquiries, demonstrations, lectures, discussions and problem solving in the following areas: mechanics (forces and motion), electricity, magnetism, heat, light, sound and atomic and nuclear physics. The vital results addressed in this course are report writing, communication using scientific notation and problem solving. The content standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Space, Time and Matter, Mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning and Design and Technology. Prerequisite: Algebra II, Math Connections III or permission of instuctor. Students are expected to furnish their own calculator.

Ecology, Geology, and Meteorology 1 credit
The study of Ecology, Geology, and Meteorology will give you a chance to learn more about the natural world around you; and will include such topics as soils, weather, ecological systems, natural resource management, aquatic ecosystems and the ecological interdependence between humans and their environment. Field Labs are a part of the course, and will include trips to terrestrial and aquatic habitats including streams, forests and beaver ponds. The Vermont Vital results addressed in this course are reading comprehension, report writing, questioning and problem solving. The Vermont Content Standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Living World and the Universe Earth and the Environment. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a passing grade.

AP Biology/Lab (Grade 12) 1.25 credits
Advanced Placement Biology follows the College Board™ Syllabus which presents the field of Biology at the collegiate level and depth. Upon successful performance on the Advanced Placement exam, students may earn up to 8 college credits (one full year). The vital results addressed in this course are reading comprehension, report writing, listening and questioning, communication using scientific notation and problem solving. The content standards addressed are scientific method and topics from the Living World, The Universe, Earth and Environment and the Human Body. Prerequisite: C.P. Chemistry and Completion of the first year Biology course and a strong background in sciences.

AP Physics/Lab (Grade 12) 1.25 credits
Advanced Placement Physics follows the College Board™ Syllabus which builds from the first year of Laboratory Physics. Upon successful performance on the Advanced Placement exam, students may earn up to 8 college credits (one full year). Prerequisite: C.P. Physics/Lab.