SCIENCE DEPARTMENT COURSES 2007-2008

Science is both a body of knowledge and a process by which that knowledge is refined and expanded. In today’s technological society, literacy in science, both as knowledge and as a process, is crucial. This knowledge will help students to satisfy their natural curiosity about the world around them and to make sense of that world. As a process, high school science education will develop the student’s skills to think critically, and develop problem-solving techniques to apply, synthesize, create, and evaluate knowledge. It is important that students experience the development of knowledge for themselves, for when they are a part of that development, they are more likely to modify and augment their own knowledge base. Students should be actively involved in solving realistic problems, developing concepts, relating those concepts to one another, and applying those concepts to new situations. To obtain these skills and knowledge, the state of New Hampshire requires students to have two and one-half (2.5) years of science to graduate. One year must be a physical science (typically Journey Through Physical Science), one year must be a life science (Biology), and one semester must be Health. Most colleges require three years of high school lab science in addition to Health so that a large number of students also take some of the elective courses (typically Chemistry) in addition to those courses that are mandatory. Students interested in scientific or technical careers or who are interested in enrolling in very competitive post-secondary institutions should consider taking four (4) or more years of high school lab science. In addition, students who are curious about the world around them are also encouraged to take additional courses beyond those that are mandatory to help satisfy that natural curiosity.

Recommended for 9th Grade

503       JOURNEY THROUGH PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1A and 2A – Required Physical Science course

This full-year lab science course is made up of two, one semester (0.5 credit) courses, which are taught by the same teacher. One of the semester courses reviews concepts in chemistry, while the other covers physics concepts. It is designed for above-average students preparing for college programs that have very competitive admissions standards and/or those students interested in a scientific or technical career. It is designed to introduce students to the basic skills and concepts of physical science. It is taught through a practical, student-centered approach to problem solving within an age appropriate mathematical environment. Students are given realistic challenges in chemistry and physics. Through hands-on activities, projects, and labs, students develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete those challenges. Some of these activities may include the creation of hot air balloons, rockets, and musical instruments. Students will need to provide a four-function calculator for this class.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of a science program on the 8th grade level with superior grades, or permission from the department chair. The student should be enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry concurrently.

507       JOURNEY THROUGH PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1B and 2B – Required Physical Science course

This full-year lab science course is made up of two, one semester (0.5 credit) courses, which are taught by the same teacher. One of the semester courses reviews concepts in chemistry, while the other covers physics concepts. It is designed for students preparing for college programs and to introduce students to the basic skills and concepts of physical science, through practical, student-centered problems. Students are given realistic challenges in chemistry and physics. Through hands-on activities, projects, and labs, they develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete those challenges. Some of these activities may include the creation of hot air balloons, rockets, and musical instruments. This course moves more slowly than the A-level course and has fewer requirements. This course covers the same topics as the A level, but emphasizes the general concepts rather than detailed problem solving. Students will need to provide a four-function calculator for this class.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of a science program on the 8th grade level with at least average grades.

511       JOURNEY THROUGH PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1C and 2C – Required Physical Science course

This full-year lab science course is made up of two, one semester (0.5 credit) courses, which are taught by the same teacher. One of the semester courses reviews concepts in chemistry, while the other covers physics concepts. It is designed to introduce students to the basic skills and concepts of physical science, through practical, student-centered problems. Students are given realistic challenges in chemistry and physics. Through hands-on activities, projects, and labs, they develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete those challenges. Some of the activities may include the creation of hot air balloons, rockets, and musical instruments. This course moves more slowly and has fewer requirements than the A and B levels. Students will need to provide a four-function calculator for this class.

515       EXPLORATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1 AND 2 – Required Physical Science course

This full-year lab science course is made up of two, one semester (0.5 credit) courses, which are taught by the same teacher. One semester course reviews concepts in chemistry while the other covers physics concepts. The course is designed to introduce students to basic skills and concepts of physical science through practical, student-centered problems. Students are given realistic challenges, but are not introduced to theoretical concepts or highly mathematical skills. Hands-on activities, projects, and labs form the basis of classroom instruction. The course is designed for students who encounter difficulty in learning through normal classroom methods. Teachers stress multi-sensory and individualized instructional practices. Supplementary instruction may be available from special educators in classrooms as well as resource rooms.

PRE-REQUISITE: Permission required from the Dir. of Special Education or the Science department chair.

Recommended for 10th Grade

500       HEALTH EDUCATION A – Required Health course

This half-year (0.5 credit) course will focus on 5 different topics: Mental and Emotional Health and Disease; Death and Dying/Suicide; Sexuality and Parenthood; Substance Abuse; Exercise/Nutrition. Students taking this course should have superior scholastic ability.

501       HEALTH EDUCATION B – Required Health course

This half-year (0.5 credit) course covers the same material as Health Education A, except at a slower pace and in less depth, and general expectations are more geared for a student with average ability. Please read the Health Education A description for a list of the topics covered.

502       HEALTH EDUCATION C – Required Health course

This half-year (0.5 credit) course covers the same material as Health Education B, except at a slower pace and in less depth than Health Education B. Please read the Health Education A description for a list of the topics.

521       BIOLOGY A1 (sem. 1) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is designed for above-average students preparing for college or university programs that have competitive admissions standards or those students interested in pursuing a scientific or technical career. Course content includes the study of living things at the molecular and cellular levels, including ecology, biochemistry, homeostasis, photosynthesis, and respiration. Students will be able to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills through class discussions, projects, and laboratory experiments.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Journey Through Physical Science A with a grade of 80 or better, one credit in Journey Through Physical Science B with a grade of 90 or better, or permission from the department chair.

522       BIOLOGY A2 (sem. 2) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is a continuation of course 521. Course content includes genetics, biodiversity, DNA and protein production, and evolution.

PRE-REQUISITE: Biology A1 or permission from the Science department chair.

524       BIOLOGY B1 (sem. 1) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab, life science course is designed for students who are seeking preparation for college in a scientific major field. Course content includes the study of living things at the molecular and cellular levels, including ecology, biochemistry, homeostasis, photosynthesis, and respiration. Students will be able to develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills through class discussions, projects and laboratory experiments. This course is less detailed in content and has fewer requirements than Biology A1.

PRE-REQUISITE: One semester (0.5 credit) in Journey Through Physical Science B with a grade of 70 or better, or permission from the Science department chair.

525       BIOLOGY B2 (sem. 2) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is a continuation of Biology B1 (524). Course content includes genetics, biodiversity, DNA and protein production, and evolution.

PRE-REQUISITE: Biology B1 or permission from the Science department chair.

527       BIOLOGY C1 (sem. 1) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab, life science course is designed to develop basic skills and to stress the fundamental characteristics of living things. Course content includes the study of living things at the molecular and cellular levels, including ecology, biochemistry, homeostasis, photosynthesis, and respiration. Special emphasis is placed on the relationships that exist between biology and everyday life. Students will be able to develop problem-solving skills through laboratory experiments, projects, and class discussions. This course has fewer requirements than Biology B1.

PRE-REQUISITE: One semester (0.5 credit) in Journey Through Physical Science B or C or permission from the Science department chair.

528       BIOLOGY C2 (sem. 2) – Required Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is a continuation of Biology C1 (527). Course content includes genetics, biodiversity, DNA and protein production, and evolution.

PRE-REQUISITE: Biology C1 or permission from the Science department chair.

529       HONORS BIOLOGY

This full-year course is scheduled for one and one-half (1.5) periods. The course is designed for above-average students preparing for college or university programs that have competitive admissions standards or for those students interested in pursuing a scientific or technical career. Course content includes the study of living things at the molecular and cellular levels, including sections on cell chemistry, cell structure, photosynthesis, respiration, protein production, genetics and evolution. Students will be able to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills through class discussions and laboratory experiments. A large portion of this course involves laboratory exercises. There is also a summer assignment that is expected to be completed by the first day of class. Entrance into this Honors course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better at the A level; teacher recommendations; standardized test scores; and a possible interview with a selection committee.

PRE-REQUISITE: Students must be sophomores and have taken Journey Through Physical Science A at Pinkerton and have received an 88 or better. It is recommended that students have also taken Algebra 1A and received an 88 or better, and be concurrently enrolled in Geometry A.

Recommended for 11th Grade

520       BOTANY – Elective Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is designed for the college ability student to survey the plant kingdom. Instruction in leaf identification, the structure and function of seed plants, and the growing and care of plants will be offered. Laboratory and outside identifications are included to coincide with topics discussed in the classroom. A project is required of each student. It is recommended that the life science student also take Anatomy and Physiology or Field Biology for a full year of study.

PRE-REQUISITE: Biology A1 and A2 with an average of 70 or better or Biology B1and B2 with an average of 80 or better, or permission from the Science department chair.

523       AP BIOLOGY – Elective Life Science course

This full-year (1.5 credit) lab science course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their freshman year. The emphasis is on preparing and encouraging the student to take the AP exam. AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis in AP Biology will be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Topics include molecules and cells (25%), heredity and evolution (25%), and organisms and populations (50%). Students should be aware that an additional 2.5 periods per week are required for lab. There is also a summer assignment that is expected to be completed by the first day of class. Entrance into this Advanced Placement course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better at the A level; teacher recommendations; standardized test scores; and a possible interview with a selection committee.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Biology A, Chemistry A, and a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better (or Honors Chemistry, Advanced Placement Chemistry, or Advanced Placement Physics with an average of 80 or better).

539       FIELD BIOLOGY – Elective Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is designed as a hands on project based program for students interested in freshwater, terrestrial, and marine environments. The course will develop skills in the collection and identification of organisms from each of these environments. Projects and written reports are mandatory and comprise a large portion of the grade. Field trips will be included.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Biology.

540       ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY – Elective Life Science course

This half-year (0.5 credit) lab science course is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in the life sciences at a post secondary institution. It is an intensive study into the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems of the human body. The emphasis will be on lab work, including a detailed mandatory dissection of a fetal pig. It is recommended that the life science student also take Botany or Field Biology for a full year of study.

PRE-REQUISITE: Biology A1 and A2 with an average of 70 or better, or Biology B1 and B2 with an average of 80 or better, or permission from the Science department chair.

571       HONORS CHEMISTRY – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1.5 credit) lab science course is an in depth study of the fundamental principles of chemistry. It is designed to serve the following student groups: 1) students intending to take Advanced Placement Chemistry or Advanced Placement Biology; 2) students intending to pursue a scientific or engineering career; and 3) students desiring a strong academic background in the sciences. A great emphasis is placed on mathematical and theoretical chemistry. This course involves an in depth study of the following topics: measurements; classification of matter; atomic structure; formula and equation writing; mathematical relationships involving chemical reactions; properties of solids, liquids, gases, solutions, acids, and bases.  Students should be aware that an additional 2.5 periods of laboratory per week will require a commensurate increase in course work as well as a greater proficiency in writing and mathematical skills when compared to Chemistry A (573). There is also a summer assignment that is expected to be completed by the first day of class. Entrance into this Honors course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better at the A level, a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better at the A level, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a possible interview with a selection committee.

PRE-REQUISITE: A cumulative science GPA of 88 or better in A-level courses, at least Biology, a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better in A-level classes, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2A.

573       CHEMISTRY A – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1 credit) lab science course is an in depth study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, and meets 5 periods per week. It is designed to serve the following student groups: 1) students intending on taking Advanced Placement Chemistry or Advanced Placement Biology; 2) students intending to pursue a science or engineering career; and 3) students desiring a strong academic background in the sciences. Emphasis is placed on mathematical and theoretical chemistry. This course involves an in depth study of the following topics: measurements; classification of matter; atomic structure; formula and equation writing; mathematical relationships involving chemical reactions; properties of solids, liquids, gases, solutions, acids, and bases.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Physical Science A and Biology A, Algebra 1A, Geometry A, with an average of 80 or better in each, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2A, or permission from the Science department chair.

574       CHEMISTRY B – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1 credit) lab science meets the general laboratory science requirements for students entering post-secondary technical schools, or two- or four-year college programs. Concepts such as measurement; classification of matter; atomic structure; formula and equation writing; chemical reactivity; properties of solids, liquids, and gases, solutions, and acid/base chemistry will be covered, emphasizing descriptive rather than mathematical relationships.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Physical Science, 1 credit in Biology, and Algebra 1B or Integrated Math 2, with an average of 70 or better.

575       APPLIED CHEMISTRY – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1 credit) lab science course offers a practical, hands on approach to chemistry that meets the laboratory science requirement for students entering post secondary technical schools, two year programs, and some four-year, non-scientific programs. Concepts such as measurement; the classification of matter; atomic structure; formula and equation writing; chemical reactivity; properties of solids, liquids, and gases, solutions; acid/base chemistry, and electrochemistry will be covered through their relevance to environmental, industrial, health, and consumer issues. This course covers the same material as Chemistry B but differs from it in its conceptual, non-mathematical focus. Transfer between Chemistry B and Applied Chemistry during the year is not possible due to the difference in sequence and focus.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Physical Science and 1 credit in Biology.

576       METEOROLOGY – Elective Physical Science course

This half-year unleveled, one semester (0.5 credit) lab science course is for students looking for additional science credit in the physical sciences. It covers the basic concepts of weather and climatology in a hands-on manner and includes the following topics: thunderstorms, nor’easters, aerosols, and climate change. During the course, daily, local, national, and international weather, and major weather events will be analyzed and discussed. By the end of the course, students will be expected to prepare daily weather forecasts using data from the world-wide-web and Pinkerton Academy’s weather station.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Biology.

577       ASTRONOMY – Elective Physical Science course

This half-year unleveled, one semester (0.5 credit) lab science course is for students looking for additional lab science credit in the physical sciences. The course will focus on topics such as the use of telescopes, the history and continuing evolution of the universe, the life cycle of stars, and observational astronomy. Projects and written reports are required as well as night-time viewing sessions. Although there will not be extensive use of math, the ability to think abstractly will enhance success in this course.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of 1 credit in Biology.

Recommended for 12th Grade

541       AP PHYSICS B – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1.5 credit) lab science course is recommended for future engineering and math science students or any student seeking an advanced treatment of the subject. It covers the major areas of traditional physics: mechanics, heat, structure of matter, nuclear energy, optics, and electricity. A problem solving approach is used, and lab work is scheduled to coincide with the concepts being taught. An additional 2.5 periods per week are required for lab. Entrance into this Advanced Placement course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better at the A level, a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better at the A level, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a possible interview with a selection committee. There is also a summer assignment that is expected to be completed by the first day of class. The emphasis is on preparing and encouraging the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Biology A, Chemistry A, and a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better. (Or Honors Chemistry, AP Biology or AP Chemistry with an average of 85 or better. One credit in Algebra 2A and a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better in A-level courses.

543       PHYSICS A – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1 credit) lab science course meets for only 5 periods per week. It covers the major areas of traditional physics: mechanics, heat, structure of matter, nuclear energy, optics, and electricity. A problem-solving approach is used, and lab work is scheduled to coincide with the concepts being taught.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Physical Science A, Biology A, Algebra 1A, and Geometry A, and Algebra 2A, with an average of 80 or better in each, or permission from the Science department chair.

544       PHYSICS B – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1 credit) lab science course covers the same major areas of traditional physics: mechanics, heat, structure of matter, nuclear energy, optics, and electricity. In this course, the math used in problem solving is not as involved as that in Physics A, and a greater emphasis is placed on a general understanding of the concepts, rather than the more detailed understanding needed to solve more complicated problems. Lab work is included within this program. Physics B is recommended for students who desire a foundation in the concepts of physics necessary for any further study in post-secondary education.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Physical Science B, Biology B, Algebra 1B, Geometry B, and Algebra 2B, with an average of 75 or better in each, or permission from the Science department chair.

 542      APPLIED PHYSICS

This full-year (1 credit) course offers a practical, hands-on approach to physics that meets the laboratory science requirement for students entering post-secondary technical schools or two -year programs.  Concepts such as mechanics, heat, structure of matter, optics, and electricity will be covered. This course covers the same materials as Physics B but differs from it in that it requires  less math and covers topics in a very different sequence.  Because of the major differences in approach between Physics B and Applied Physics, transfer between these courses during the year is not possible. Lab work is a major component of this course.

PRE-REQUISITE: Successful completion of one credit of 9th grade Physical Science and one credit of Biology. Also, it is necessary to have completed 1 credit of Chemistry or be concurrently enrolled in Integrated Math 3.

570       AP CHEMISTRY – Elective Physical Science course

This full-year (1.5 credit) lab science course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students will attain an in depth understanding of fundamentals of chemistry and competence in dealing with chemical problems. The following topics are covered: atomic theory and atomic structure; chemical bonding; structure of matter; nuclear chemistry; chemical equilibria; chemical kinetics; and thermodynamics. Laboratory work is emphasized. Students should be aware that an additional 2.5 periods per week are required for lab. Entrance into this Advanced Placement course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better at the A level, a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better at the A level, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a possible interview with a selection committee. There is also a summer assignment that is expected to be completed by the first day of class. The emphasis is on preparing and encouraging the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

PRE-REQUISITE: One credit in Biology A, Chemistry A, and a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better. (Or Honors Chemistry, AP Biology or AP Physics with an average of 85 or better. Also, a cumulative math GPA of 88 or better in A-level courses, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2A or Calculus.

572       HONORS SCIENCE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH - Elective Physical or Life Science course                            (depending on project chosen)

This full-year (1 credit) lab science course will offer a small select group of students the opportunity to perform original scientific research under the guidance of both Pinkerton and college faculty. Students must be highly self-motivated, willing to work independently, and possess a stellar academic record. The topic selection and library research phases of the project will be completed during the summer prior to the courses so that experimental research can begin in September. Students will be expected to maintain accurate and valid research notes. A final research report and PowerPoint presentation will be required at the end of the course. Each individual will be held to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity throughout this program. During the year, students will need to be able to go weekly to the University of New Hampshire in Durham to work with their research professor. Entrance into this Honors course will be by application based on the following criteria: a cumulative science GPA of 88 or better (at the A level); teacher recommendations; standardized test scores; and a possible interview with a selection committee or any honors course with an average of 80 or better.

PRE-REQUISITE: A cumulative science GPA of 88 in A-level classes or better or any honors course with an average of 85 or better.