SCIENCE
Science programs at Harwood Union reflect the goals and objectives of the middle-senior high school and the specific contributions that science education can make toward the accomplishment of those objectives. Therefore, the goals and objectives of the science curriculum are stated relative to educational goals rather than to content goals.
The objectives of the science program include the following as guiding principles:
1. To provide many opportunities to use and develop the rational powers.
2. To allow the student to actively engage in the collection of information, the development of generalizations based on the organization of the information, the formulation of deductions from these generalizations, and the testing of these deductions through actual experimentation.
3. To continue to develop and refine strategies of inquiry.
4. To continue the development of scientific literacy and the spirit of rational inquiry.
5. To provide the opportunity for students to enjoy the experience of learning.
INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE
The best recommended preparation for college-bound students anticipating a science/math related career is four years in the core program.
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- Topics in Earth- Space
- Earth-Space Science
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- Investigations in Everyday Science
Honors |
- Investigations in Everyday Science
Honors |
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Honors
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RECOMMENDED GRADE 9 SCIENCE COURSES
Topics In Earth-Space Science (210) 1 credit
Prerequisite: Recommendation of science teacher and, as needed, permission of science department chairperson.
Topics in Earth-Space Science involves a practical look at the earth, the way in which it has developed and the ways in which it hasaffected our lives. Inaddition, this course will investigate the world beyond the earth and what it may reveal about both our past and our future. Teacher-guided activities and methods include lab work, reading, discussion, research, projects, and student presentations.
Earth-Space Science (212) 1 credit
Prerequisite: Recommendation of science teacher.
This laboratory course is designed to enable students to gain a basic understanding of our planet and its relationship to the rest of the universe. Students will investigate the changes that led to the development of the world as we know it through laboratory, class, and homework assignments. Regular reading and written work is required.
Earth-Space Science (214) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Recommendation of current science teacher and, as needed, permission of science department chairperson.
This very demanding laboratory course is designed to enable students to gain an in-depth understanding of our planet and its relationship to the rest of the universe. Major emphasis will be placed upon the themes involving the changes that led to the development of the world as we know it. Students will investigate topics through a combination of lab work, research, reading, projects and lecture.
RECOMMENDED GRADE 10 SCIENCE COURSES
Topics In Biology (220) 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Earth-Space Science with a passing grade, recommendation of science teacher and, as needed, permission of science department chairperson.
In this course, students will study ecology, simple biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, comparative anatomy, physiology and a survey of the kingdom of life. Classroom activities will include significant teacher guided and assisted laboratory investigations and discussions.
Biology (222) 1.5 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Earth-Space Science with a passing grade and recommendation of science teacher.
In this course, students will study ecology, simple biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, comparative anatomy, physiology and a survey of the kingdom of life. Students will engage in laboratory investigations, field work, outside reading, and class discussion. Observation of the natural world, collection and analysis of data, development of logical thinking processes and science writing skills are emphasized.
Biology (224) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in Earth-Space Science and recommendation of science teacher.
This course requires strong writing and mathematical skills. A high level of performance and additional outside reading are required for students in this class. Students will study ecology, simple biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, comparative anatomy, physiology and a survey of the kingdom of life. Students will engage in laboratory investigations, field work, outside reading, and class discussion. Observation of the natural world, collection and analysis of data, development of logical thinking processes and science writing skills are emphasized.
RECOMMENDED GRADE 11 AND 12 SCIENCE COURSES
Chemistry (232) 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I, Earth-Space Science, and Biology with minimum grade of C.
Through teacher-led presentation this science laboratory course prepares the student for further science study at the post-secondary school level. Emphasis will be on individual and group help during class and outside class. Frequent laboratory experience will be a combination of verifying concepts developed in the classroom and problem-solving that requires student design.
Students will observe and develop an understanding of physical and chemical changes in matter and how they can be represented and manipulated. Topics include the language of chemistry, the
periodic table, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, radioactivity, bonding, energy and rates of reactions, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, and carbon compounds.
Chemistry (234) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in Algebra I and Geometry. Algebra II either passed or concurrently enrolled. Completion of Biology and Earth Space Science. Minimum grade of B- in another Honors Science course. Permission of Chemistry teacher.
This science laboratory course is designed so that the teacher acts primarily as a guide rather than as a source. Science-oriented students who are self-motivated, self-reliant, inquisitive,
persistent, and who have above average reasoning and mathematical abilities are encouraged to take this course.
This course is designed, so far as is practicable, to use the methods and inductive processes developed in previous science courses. The subject is presented not only as preparation for future study of chemistry but also as an integrated picture, a model of human intellectual activity, and a purposeful mode of inquiry. Students will study in depth fundamental principles of atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry and acid-
base theories with emphasis on quantitative aspects. The verbal and mathematical skills of the students are challenged with extensive problem solving in the laboratory, in the classroom, and at home.
Science and Technology (236) 1.5 credits Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth-Space Science and Biology plus recommendation of science teacher. Open to students in grade 11 & 12. This course will be offered in alternate years with Investigations in Everyday Science (253) and will be offered in 2005-06.
This course will have a project focus with possible topics to include bridge designing and building, projectile motion, composting, windmills, and solar energy.
This course is designed to provide students with a third or fourth year science credit and a practical foundation for understanding the science principles that underlie the increasingly technological world in which we live. Active participation is essential. Activities will include projects, investigations, team competitions, and problem solving. The science focus will mesh the chemistry of matter and the physical science behind how things work with environmental issues, including conservation, energy, and society’s impact on nature.
Human Physiology (244) 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Earth Space Science and a minimum grade of C in Biology Honors or Biology. Juniors and Seniors only.
This Science Laboratory course is designed to acquaint and familiarize students with the chemical and physical processes that control their bodies. The course is structured for students who want more detailed analysis of the functions of the human body beyond those already discussed in the standard biology or health courses. Laboratory activities will be used to emphasize the physiological and holistic relationships of the body. Guest lecturers may be used to emphasize holistic relationships.
Astronomy (246) ½ credit
Prerequisite: Students need to have passed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or be enrolled concurrently in Algebra II).
We live in an era in which much is known about the different levels of structure of our Universe: planet, solar system, galaxy, cluster, and beyond. How stars shine, what they are made of, how fast they are traveling away from us, what happens when they burn out, how many there are in our galaxy—all these questions have been answered by astronomers. If you are interested in finding out how astronomers approach these and other questions, then this is the course for you. We explore one problem each week as a lab exercise. We sometimes use numerical data to calculate results. Sometimes we use images, which we can measure and manipulate. We also use telescope-simulators (via the computer) to take our own data. In addition, we use a textbook to study individual topics and learn how to do basic observing.
AP Environmental Science (251) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Minimum grades of B in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I and Algebra II
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Conceptual Physics (248) 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry with a minimum grade of B, or Chemistry (Honors) with a minimum grade of C. Completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
In this course, students use the Conceptual Physics text (Hewitt) to gain some understanding of everyday phenomena such as the forces acting on you when you go around a corner in your car. Though there is not much mathematics in the textbook, students need to be able to use measurement skills and algebra to successfully complete the lab exercises.
Biology II (250) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Earth Space Science and a minimum grade of B in Biology and Chemistry. Open to students in grade 12.
This course is intended to be a second course in biology for students wishing to prepare for college life science courses. Although this is not an AP course, the knowledge and skills gained will help to prepare students for the SAT II Biology Achievement and AP Biology Exams. The subject matter studied will include cellular life, human physiology, principles of inheritance and evolution, biodiversity, microbiology and disease, plant and animal structure and function,
ecology and behavior. The textbook, Starr’s Biology, has been used by St. Michael’s, Johnson State and the University of Vermont for freshman students.
This course is intended to spark students into exploring individual needs and interests in biologically related fields, i.e., Allied Health, Medicine and Wildlife Biology. Professional experts within science related fields are invited as guest lecturers. Field trips to environmental and research laboratories may be required. Students should be highly motivated in their quest for knowledge in the life sciences.
AP Physics (252) Honors course 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry (Honors) (B minimum); or completion of Chemistry (A minimum). Recommendation of chemistry teacher
In this course, students are challenged to gain some understanding of the basic principles, which underlie motion, gravity, electricity, magnetism, and light. Students perform regular lab exercises, participate in physics demonstrations, and do regular problem-solving exercises in order to examine in detail some of the patterns in nature that physicists have discovered. Solid
ability in mathematics is a definite advantage in this course, as is a willingness to work hard in order to achieve a goal.
Investigations in Everyday Science (253) 1.5 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Space Science and Biology and recommendation of science teacher. Open to students in grade 11 & 12. This course will be offered in alternate years with Science and Technology (236) and will not be offered until 2006-07.
This course will relate everyday materials to science. Hands-on projects will explore such topics as solar cooking, alternative energy sources, the chemistry of flavors, and using everyday tools to
improvecooking and cleaning. Instruction includes, but is not limited to, labs, student projects, research, and demonstrations.
Bioethics (254) ½ credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10th grade biology
We live in an era of constant technological innovation and advances in scientific understanding of life. While the new biotechnologies have provided us with powerful choices to improve life on earth, keep us healthier longer, and prolong individual life, it has also created complex situations where ethical questions arise. From the bedsides of the sick and dying, where physicians and families confront critical choices, to national and state capitals, where policymakers struggle to shape equitable health and environmental policies, people everywhere are grappling with issues of bioethics.
This course is designed for students to learn about new biological and medical research practices and problems, to learn about current public policy regarding those issues and how public policy has evolved. The course will encourage the exchange of ideas. Students will learn to recognize
differing perspectives and points of view, analyze bioethical problems, construct and evaluate arguments.
Student Assistant (290)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
The Student Assistant will work in the classroom/laboratory under the supervision of the teacher.
The type of assistance will depend upon the needs of the teacher and students in the class. It could include such activities as:
Helping students with assignments
Tutoring students on make-up work
Remedial tutorial work
Reviewing assignments with students
Preparing materials and supplies for laboratory work
Maintaining and operating equipment
Preparing and distributing materials
Supervising and assisting in the clean up efforts of the laboratory
Fulfilling routine clerical work.
