Science

Category: Science / Description: The Chelsea High School Science Department curriculum, course content, and instructional methods are all designed to support and direct students as they: Develop critical-thinking and analytical skills; Engage in active learning; and Develop a coherent understanding of the physical world.The Science Department curriculum is aligned with the current Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. Chelsea High School Policy on Dissection and Dissection Alternatives In accordance with the 2005 policy on Dissection and Dissection Alternatives set forth by the Massachusetts DESE, Chelsea High School has developed the following policy. Student participation in hands-on science is important to learning science. Dissections are valuable learning experiences and all students are encouraged to participate in them. When dissection is used in the classroom at Chelsea High School: Teachers thoroughly explain the learning objectives of the lesson and use written and audio-visual materials as appropriate to maximize the educational benefits of the experience. All specimens are treated with respect. All students are informed – prior to the dissection – that they have the option of discussing individual concerns about dissection with their classroom teacher. When the dissection is complete, all remains are disposed of appropriately and in compliance with applicable Chelsea Public Health regulations and guidelines. Dissection Alternatives Each Chelsea High School science course that includes dissection also offers a dissection alternative. When a science teacher receives a written request from a parent or guardian objecting to their student’s participation in a dissection, the student will be permitted to demonstrate competency through an alternative method. Any student who wishes to participate in an alternative activity in place of dissection must do the following: Notify the science teacher of his/her choice to participate in an alternative activity in place of participating in a dissection; Submit a parent or guardian’s written request for the alternative activity to the science teacher or the principal. This request is given to the Lead Science Teacher Accept responsibility for completing an alternative activity provided by the science teacher. The teacher will specify in writing what is expected of the student during the alternative activity. Alternative activities are designed to provide students with the same content knowledge as the dissection activity and will require a comparable investment of time and effort. Complete the alternative activity within the assigned time and demonstrate the same content knowledge to the teacher as students who performed the dissection activity. Agree to be subject to the same course standards and examinations as other students in the course.

Course Number: C418 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: In this class, students will gain a deeper understanding of the human body’s structure and how the systems in the body work together to support life. Students study organ systems in the human body – including their composition, structure and function – at multiple levels, including chemical composition, cellular structure, tissues, and organs. Students will do hands-on activities, including the dissection of a mammal. Students will design and carry out scientific investigations related to Anatomy & Physiology using the scientific method. With a strong focus on writing skills, students are expected to write an argument using scientific evidence to support it, translate quantitative data into an analysis of that data, and construct written conclusions. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry. With the permission of the Science Department Lead Teacher, Chemistry may be taken concurrently.

Course Number: C418S / Category: Mathematics /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: In this semester long course students will focus on the study of the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the systems responsible for movement and protection of the human body. Students will be able to explain the relationships between the human body systems responsible for protection and movement through both structure and function. Students will be able to explain how each body system responds to various disruptions in homeostasis, through both structure and function. Students will be able to assess how changes in homeostasis impacts quality of life. Students will be able to analyze data from the human body systems in order to assess the functionality of organs in those systems and, in some cases, compare this data to diagnostic criteria. This course is a follow up to Anatomy and Physiology A and includes additional body systems not explicitly explored in the A course and provides deeper investigation into how the human body works.

Course Number: C452 / Category: Science / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: AP / Length: Full Year / Description: This course is the equivalent of a full-year, college-level introductory Biology course offered to students majoring in Biology. The textbook for this course is used at many colleges and universities. Students perform laboratory work identical to that done in an introductory college Biology course. Students master the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to understand the rapidly changing science of Biology. Students must demonstrate that they have the necessary work ethic to succeed in a demanding academic environment before registering for this course. Prerequisites: A grade of B or above in Biology and Chemistry and a teacher recommendation. Chemistry Honors must be taken concurrently during 1st semester.

Course Number: C451 / Category: Science / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: AP / Length: Full Year / Description: This course is equivalent to a college level general chemistry course, and provides students with a foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. They cultivate their understanding of chemistry and scientific practices as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students must be highly motivated to tackle this extremely rigorous course and must demonstrate that they have the necessary work ethic to succeed in a demanding academic environment before registering for this course. Prerequisites: Grades of B or above in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors and Algebra 2, and recommendations from both a mathematics and science teacher (Simultaneous enrollment in Chemistry Honors fulfills the Chemistry requirement).

Course Number: C455 / Category: Science / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: AP / Length: Full Year / Description: An introductory-level but rigorous algebra- and trigonometric-based physics course designed for 11th and 12th grade students who have both the commitment and desire to engage in physics at a high level. The course is structured for those potentially interested in pursuing AP Physics C and who have a strong interest in a scientific or engineering focus in college and career. Students learn fundamental topics such as motion, force, energy, harmonic motion, and electricity, and are expected to write thoroughly about them in inquiry labs and research papers. Students also use applied math to solve for variables in several physics laws and are expected to develop and produce a project or the annual Chelsea High School Science Fair. This course is roughly equivalent to the old Physics Honors, though students will be required to take the AP Physics 1 exam at the end of the year. Prerequisites: A grade of B or above in Algebra I and Chemistry, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, and a teacher recommendation

Course Number: C411 / Category: Science / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year / Description: Students study organic systems at the molecular level (through cell biology and genetics), the tissue and organ level, and the macro level (through ecological study of whole organisms and populations). Developing a solid understanding of the processes of life allows students to make scientifically informed decisions related to their health and to the health of the planet. Students take the Biology MCAS exam at the end of the course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a Freshman or 8th grade science course.

Course Number: C410 / Category: Science / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year / Description: A rigorous introductory course designed for students who have both the commitment and desire for a demanding classroom experience. Students who choose this course are generally interested in pursuing AP Biology and anticipate having a scientific or engineering focus in their college studies and career. Students study organic systems at the molecular level (through cell biology and genetics), the tissue and organ level, and the macro level (through ecological study of whole organisms and populations). Developing a solid understanding of the processes of life allows students to make scientifically informed decisions related to their health and to the health of the planet. Students are expected to develop and produce a project for the annual Chelsea High School science fair. Prerequisites: A grade of B or above in a Freshman or 8th grade science course and a teacher recommendation.

Course Number: C431 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Chemistry is a semester long class where students study the composition of the physical world. Students learn about matter and its interactions. They also learn lab skills around safe handling of chemicals, conducting experiments to explore their world and how to analyze data. Projects students work on are creating a rocket using hydrogen and oxygen gas and using chemistry to identify heavy metal contaminants in water supplies. Major topics include structure of the atom, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases and solutions chemistry.

Course Number: C430 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: Honors / Length: Semester / Description: A rigorous course designed for students who have both the commitment and desire to engage in high level quantitative science. The course is designed for students interested in pursuing AP Chemistry and who have an interest in a scientific or engineering focus in college and career. Students learn about the properties of matter and how those properties help organize elements on the periodic table. Students study atomic structure and chemical reactions in-depth to better understand the nature of chemical change. By calculating stoichiometry problems and molar concentrations, students also learn about proportionality and strengthen their mathematical skills. Students are expected to develop and produce a project for the annual Chelsea High School science fair. Prerequisites: A grade of B or above in Algebra 1 and Biology and a math teacher recommendation.

Course Number: C834 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Description coming. See Ms. Zandbergs.

Course Number: C476 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: In this Quarter-long class students will learn and apply the steps of the engineering process to design and build solutions to complex problems. One type of project will be a civil engineering project, another will be a computer-aided design project.

Course Number: C403 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course engages students in project-based learning while studying topics such as ecology, water, energy, air, human populations, biomes and environmental pollution and threats. Students use laboratory equipment to assist their process of inquiry and discovery. They will also use their knowledge of environmental science to research real world problems and develop practical solutions. Chemistry may be taken concurrently.

Course Number: C833 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Exploring Computer Science courses present student with the conceptual underpinnings of computer science through an exploration of human/computer interaction, web design, and computer programming. While these courses include programming, the focus is on computational practices associated with doing computer science, rather than just a narrow focus on coding, syntax, or tools. Exploring Computer Science courses teach students the computational practices of algorithm design, problem solving, and programming with a context that is relevant to their lives.

Course Number: CXL-419 / Category: Pathways, Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course provides Law & Public Policy students with an opportunity to cover coursework similar to Forensic Science, but in more depth and breadth. Additional curriculum units specific to the LPP Pathway are integrated throughout and topics are aligned with the other core courses in the Pathway. This is an interdisciplinary class that must be taken with the other LPP core classes: Law & Public Policy, and English in the Law & Public Policy Pathway. (For more information on the Pathways, see Page 37) Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and/or Chemistry and acceptance into the LPP Pathway. With the permission of the Science Department Lead Teacher, Chemistry may be taken concurrently.

Course Number: C802 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: To be marketable and attractive to employers in today’s world potential employees must have well-developed 21st century technology skills. In this course, students develop these skills by working with a wide variety of computer applications in specific areas such as word processing, working with spreadsheets, and developing presentations. They will apply file navigation techniques and acquire skills needed to complete reports, term papers, and projects. Students learn and apply techniques for researching content on the Internet and study the practical and ethical issues that arise from web-based research.

Course Number: C405 /Category: Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: Students get a hands-on introduction to the steps involved in creating biotechnology therapeutics and career opportunities available in this growing industry. In this lab-intensive course, students practice current techniques used by the biotechnology industry, including the use of recombinant DNA techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the use of molecular “tracers.” Students will study the application of immunological concepts throughout the course and finish by completing a portfolio-based project.  Prerequisite: Completion of 9th grade biology or biology honors

Course Number: C419 / Category: Science, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: In this class, students learn about how scientists use forensic evidence to solve crimes. Topics covered include crime scene investigation, trace evidence, ballistics, fingerprints, DNA analysis, forensic psychology, blood evidence, and forensic anthropology. Performance tasks include a mystery powders lab where students use lab techniques to investigate the physical and chemical properties of several powders, and a forensic anthropology lab where students collect and analyze data to determine the owner of a fibula bone found at a construction site. Prerequisite: Completion of 9th grade biology or biology honors.

Course Number: C404 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students carry out scientific investigations about topics in the life sciences. They gain knowledge of basic life science facts and their importance for our everyday lives. Topics covered include basic nutrients and their importance to our health; plant reproduction and genetically modified foods; plant and animal biodiversity; environmental concerns, and climate change. Students learn how to conduct scientific experiments, do scientific research, read scientific texts, use several internet-based tools, and produce evidence-based writing. This class is recommended for students who need to improve their literacy skills and/or need a year of science before taking Biology.

Course Number: C441 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: An Algebra-based physics course designed for 11th and 12th grade students. They will learn fundamental topics such as motion, force, energy, harmonic motion and electricity, and will be expected to write thoughtfully about them in inquiry labs and research papers. They will also use applied math to solve for variables such as velocity, acceleration, energy, and momentum. Students who have taken Introductory Physics as a freshman cannot take this class. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Chemistry.