Coyle and Cassidy

High School

 

 

      2 Hamilton Street  |  Taunton, MA 02780  |  Phone: 508.823.6164  |  Fax: 508.823.2530

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Science Department



FRESHMEN SCIENCE

HUMAN BIOLOGY H (Level 3) - This course is designed for freshmen students who have demonstrated superior ability in science as evidenced by their placement test scores and academic record. This course provides an intensive study of the human body emphasizing the structure and function of the individual organ systems. An introduction to cell biology and chemistry is integrated into the curriculum. An additional focus of this course is contemporary health issues (AIDS, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc.). Students will strengthen decision making skills as well as learn about safety issues affecting themselves and members of their community. Students will develop their critical thinking and science reasoning skills.

PREREQUISITE: Superior ability in science reasoning skills as evidenced by placement test scores and 8th grade science performance. Department Chair approval.

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, and cooperative learning activities. Both independent thought and group problem solving techniques will be stressed. Technology skills such as INTERNET research, Microsoft Word, and EXCEL will be incorporated into the methodology.

HOMEWORK: Weekly assignment.  Students are expected to review notes on a nightly basis.

OUTSIDE READING: Assigned to complement material covered in course.

PROJECTS/EXAMS: One major cumulative project, cumulative and comprehensive exams.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: A minimum of one period before exam depending on area of difficulty.

MARKING: School’s marking system.

HUMAN BIOLOGY (Level 2) - Building on a fundamental understanding of cell biology, this course provides an in-depth study of the human body emphasizing the structure and function of the individual organ systems. System dysfunctions are also explored including their etiology, treatment and prevention. A major focus of this course is contemporary health issues (AIDS, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc.). Through a variety of methodologies, students develop a comprehensive understanding of human biology as it relates to health issues. Students will strengthen decision making skills as well as learn about safety issues affecting themselves and members of their community.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of 8th grade science. All freshmen are required to take human biology.

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, questioning techniques, INTERNET research, use of Microsoft Word, Excel.

HOMEWORK: Weekly assignment. Students are expected to review notes on a nightly basis.

OUTSIDE READING: Assigned to complement material as needed.

PROJECTS/EXAMS: One major cumulative project, cumulative and comprehensive exams.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods before exam depending on difficulty.


SOPHOMORE SCIENCE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Level 4) – This is an intensive course covering the major themes of biology. It is designed to prepare students for the required advanced placement exam in May. In the first half of the year, heavy emphasis will be placed on basic biochemistry and organic chemistry, plus cell biology, cellular respiration and photosynthesis. These topics will be followed by mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, biodiversity and ecology. Students will be tested on every chapter covered in class. Students will be placed in Advanced Placement Biology by the instructor/department chairperson.

PREREQUISITES:

·         Successful completion of Human Biology Honors.

·         Evidence of critical thinking skills, self-motivation and excellent work ethic.

·         Science department recommendation.

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, lab experimentation. Technology use includes Power Point, Publisher and use of Vernier Probe Software.

HOMEWORK: Written assignments, online review quizzes, daily study of notes

OUTSIDE READING: Essential that students study the assigned chapters thoroughly. Additional readings as assigned.

PROJECTS/PAPERS: PowerPoint projects and research papers.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: As needed; not to exceed one class period before chapter tests

 

HONORS BIOLOGY (Level 3) – This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. This course is designed for those students who are highly motivated and work well in groups. As an honors course, emphasis is placed on independent assignments, analytical, process and thinking skills. In the first half of the year, topics covered include the scientific method, ecology, the cell cycle and meiosis, genetics and inheritance, genetic technology, the human genome project, and evolution. The second half of the year will on basic biochemistry and organic chemistry, plus cell biology, cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Our goal is to offer students the opportunity to understand the increasingly complex interplay between society and biological science, as well as prepare them for demanding courses in chemistry.

PREREQUISITES:

·         Successful completion of Human Biology Honors.

·         Evidence of critical thinking skills, self-motivation and excellent work ethic.

·         Science Department Recommendation.

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, group activities, lab experimentation. Integration of technology including Power Point, Publisher and Vernier software.

HOMEWORK: Written assignments, daily study of notes

OUTSIDE READING: Essential that students study the assigned chapters thoroughly. Additional readings as assigned.

PROJECTS/PAPERS: PowerPoint projects and research papers.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: As needed; not to exceed one class period before chapter tests.

 

BIOLOGY (Level 2) - This course is required of all students who have successfully completed Human Biology and transfer students without previous biology experience. Life will be discussed from a functional point of view and students will be encouraged to work in a self-directed manner. Topics will include an in-depth discussion of Cell structure, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Protein synthesis, Cell division, Genetics, Reproduction, Adaptation, Evolution, Ecology, and some Organismal Biology. The laboratory section of the course will introduce students to modern laboratory techniques.

PREREQUISITES:

·         Successful completion of Human Biology.

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, questioning techniques, experimentation in the lab.

HOMEWORK: Study notes/ reading assignments on a daily basis. Written assignments to reinforce concepts.

OUTSIDE READING: Articles from Periodicals throughout the year.

EXAMS/PROJECTS: Mid-Term and Final exams. One cumulative and comprehensive project.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One full period before exam.


JUNIOR SCIENCE

HONORS INTEGRATED MATH/PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY (H.I.M.P.T.) (Level 3.5) - This is a 2-credit honors level course that includes those topics proper to both honors physics and honors analysis. As far as possible, the physics will motivate the mathematics and the mathematics will enrich the physics. MBL equipment (microcomputer based laboratory) will be used extensively to collect and analyze data. There will be an emphasis on the use of the graphing calculator, spreadsheets, software and statistics throughout the course. Lectures will introduce new topics followed by individual and group activities to develop the topic

 

PREREQUISITE:  Evidence of success in Algebra Phys II Honors and Geometry Physics Honors

 

*See Math course descriptions

 

 

CHEMISTRY H (Level 3)- This course is offered to highly motivated Juniors who have demonstrated superior ability in science but do not qualify for H.I.M.P.T. Through lectures, group work, and laboratory investigations, students will learn the fundamental principles of chemistry. In this intensive course, the following topics will be covered: atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical nomenclature, gases, thermochemistry, and properties of solutions. .

PREREQUISITES: Science Department recommendation

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, questioning techniques, experimentation in the lab.

HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written, other days study notes or reading assignments.

PROJECTS/PAPERS: Three cumulative exams, one major project.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods before exam.

 

CHEMISTRY (Level 2)- This course is required for all students who have successfully completed human biology and biology. It will investigate matter, its structure and properties and the changes it undergoes. Concept development will be emphasized with some exposure to problem solving. The course stresses the relevancy of chemistry to the world in which we live. The lab experience will reinforce the concepts and principles presented in class as well as provide students with the opportunity to learn proper laboratory techniques and basic data interpretation. Specific topics which will be covered in the classroom include: Atomic structure, Chemical bonds, Molecular composition, Chemical Equations and Stoichiometry, Nature and behavior of Gases, Solution Chemistry, Acids and Bases, Organic Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, experimentation in the lab.

HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written, other days study notes or reading assignments.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods before exam.


 

SENIOR SCIENCE

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY H (Level 3)- This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. Each system of the body will be examined with a clinical emphasis on major organs and their functions. The effect of disease on body systems is also discussed. This class is designed to provide an experiential learning situation for students and includes a lab component involving dissection.

PREREQUISITES:

  • Evidence of success in Biology course with a minimal grade of B.

  • Ability to do independent work.

  •  Department approval

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, questioning techniques, experimentation in the lab, use of Vernier probe technology as well as Power Point.

HOMEWORK: Daily reading and review of material. Written assignments to reinforce concepts

PROJECTS/Exams: Mid-term exam/Final cumulative research paper/presentation.

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One or two full periods before exam

 

SCIENCE TOPICS (Level 2) - This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to evaluate health issues in terms of causes, population affected, risk factors and prevention strategies. Various topics such as infectious disease, cancer, HIV, heart disease, human sexuality, personal and community safety as well as current issues in health will be explored in terms of pathophysiology, treatments and prevention. Students will gain information on health careers, health promotion strategies and will learn valuable first aid techniques. This course will be beneficial to any student interested in the health care field or who has an interest in health topics in general.

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Human Biology, Biology and Chemistry.

METHODOLOGY: Discussion, cooperative learning activities, technology skills such as INTERNET research, Powerpoint and Movie Maker.

HOMEWORK: Daily review of notes, weekly written assignment.

OUTSIDE READING: It is expected that students will read the newspaper and other assigned articles in order to keep current in health issues.

PROJECTS: One major project, several independent projects throughout the year. 

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One class period before exam

 

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE (Level 3) - This course will provide students with an accurate picture of what forensic science involves along with a detailed description of the different laboratory techniques that are often used in the solving of a crime. Emphasis will be given to the chemistry and biology that are the basics for the techniques used and how each evolved throughout history.

PREREQUISITES:

  • C+ or better in Chemistry Honors

  • Department approval

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, case studies, experimentation in the lab, PowerPoint presentations

HOMEWORK: 3-4 days written which include case summaries and weekly textbook assignments, along with studying notes daily or reading assignments

PROJECTS/PAPERS: Scheduled throughout the year and cover most course objectives.  These projects include crime scene and case analyses, mock trials, research papers of past or recent court cases, and lab practicals

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One full period before exam

 

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY HONORS (Level 4) - This course is designed for students who show great promise in science and is recommended to highly motivated students who have a strong background in mathematics and problem solving skills. This course is designed to be an in depth study of the fundamental laws and principles of chemistry that set the foundation for Organic, Qualitative, and Quantitative Analysis, Physical, Analytical and Coordination Chemistry.

PREREQUISITES:

  • Successful completion of H.I.M.P.T.

  • Science Department recommendation

METHODOLOGY: Lecture, discussion, problem solving, lab experimentation, technology usage such as Vernier software, Excel, and PowerPoint

HOMEWORK: Concept review problems assigned weekly along with the daily class handouts, studying of notes daily, frequent written assignments - article summaries

PROJECTS/PAPERS: Two major exams (midterm and final), along with one major project that incorporates most course objectives (involves the use of Excel)

REVIEW FOR EXAMS: One period before exams - depending on areas of difficulty

 

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  Coyle and Cassidy High School . 2 Hamilton Street . Taunton, MA 02780 . Telephone: 508-823-6164 . Fax: 508-823-2530