Science
We live in a world that is dominated by the influence of science and technology. The ability to make informed decisions as voters and consumers requires an understanding and appreciation of the nature of science. Since science is both a body of knowledge and a process of investigation, these two components are an integral part of each science course offering. Students should expect a rigorous course of study that encourages higher-level reasoning, incorporates the use of technology and involves laboratory inquiry. Skills in reading, writing and mathematics are an important component of science instruction. Science courses are carefully aligned with the National Standards of Science Education and the Connecticut Science Frameworks and develop appropriate skills for the CAPT and SAT. All students are encouraged to take four years of science including a balance of the life sciences and the physical sciences.
COURSE OFFERINGS
This course is a general study of biology. Topics may include: the study of
organisms, body systems, plant systems and functions, reproduction and development,
evolution, traits of living things, and relationships in the environment.
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811 COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY
5 Points
This course is an intensive study of biological principles. Topics may include
ecology, cell physiology, genetics, evolution, life diversity, plants, invertebrates,
vertebrates and human biology. This course satisfies the requirement of a laboratory
science for college admission. Laboratory investigations are an integral part
of this course.
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812 HONORS BIOLOGY
5 Points
Prerequisites: An A average in science or teacher recommendation
This course is an intensive study of biological principles. Topics may include:
cell physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, microorganisms, plants, invertebrates,
vertebrates, and human biology. Laboratory investigations are an integral part
of this course. This course is designed to prepare the students for the SAT
II Biology Examination.
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This introductory course explores the basic principles and phenomena of physics
and chemistry. Topics of study may include: the motion of object, the laws of
motion, energy, conservation, atomic structure, the properties of matter, chemical
bonding and chemical reactions. Explanations and applications to the everyday
world are emphasized. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this
course.
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813 EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS
5 Points
This laboratory course offers an introduction to the study of the Earth. Units
include: weather and the oceans, the geophysical earth, the Solar System and
the Universe. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.
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814 COLLEGE PREPARATORY EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS
5 Points
This course focuses on the dynamic forces that shape the Earth. Students study
and observe geologic, meteorologic, astronomic, and oceanic processes that make
the Earth unique in the Solar System. Laboratory investigations are an integral
part of this course.
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815 HONORS EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS
5 Points
Prerequisite: An A average in science or teacher recommendation
This course offers an intensive investigation into the principles and processes
of astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. Topics may include the
historical development of astronomy, man's place in the Universe, the origins
and evolution of celestial bodies, minerals, rock cycle, fossils, mountain building,
plate tectonics, weather, climate, ocean currents and deep-sea exploration.
Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.
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822 CHEMISTRY
5 Points
Prerequisites: successful completion of one year of high school science and
CP Math 1.
Concurrent enrollment in CP Math 2 recommended This course is a general study
of chemistry and its applications in everyday life. Topics may include: matter
and energy, atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical
equations, energy, solutions and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction
rates, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory investigations are
an integral part of this course.
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821 COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHEMISTRY
5 Points
Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least one year of high school science
and CP Math 2.
Concurrent enrollment in CP Math 3 recommended. This course is a comprehensive
study of modern chemical concepts. Topics may include: matter and energy, atomic
structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, energy,
solutions, chemical equilibrium, stoichiometry, gases and condensation, acids
and bases, reaction rates, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. This course
satisfies the requirement of a laboratory science for college admission. Laboratory
investigations are an integral part of this course.
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828 HONORS CHEMISTRY
5 Points
Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least one year of high school science
and CP Math 2, and permission of the department head.
Concurrent enrollment in CP Math 3 recommended. This course provides an intensive
and rigorous study of chemical principles. Topics may include matter and energy,
atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations,
energy, solutions and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates,
electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory investigations are an integral
part of this course. This course is designed to prepare the students for the
SAT II Chemistry Examination.
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833 PHYSICS
5 Points Prerequisites: successful completion of one year of high school science
and CP Math 1.
Concurrent enrollment in CP Math 2 recommended. This course provides a basic
survey of conceptual physics. Topics may include: mechanics, properties of matter,
heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.
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831 COLLEGE PREPARATORY PHYSICS
5 Points
Prerequisites: CP Math 3 or concurrent enrollment, and the successful completion
of two years of high school science
This course is a comprehensive study of the fundamental concepts of classical
and modern physics. Topics may include: Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory
and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, historical
astronomy, and nuclear physics. This course satisfies the requirement of a laboratory
science for college admission. Laboratory investigations are an integral part
of this course.
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840 HONORS PHYSICS
5 Points
Prerequisites: CP Math 3 or concurrent enrollment, and the successful completion
of two years of high school science and permission of the Department Head
This course provides an intensive and rigorous study of the concepts of classical
and modern physics. Topics may include Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory
and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, historical
astronomy and nuclear physics. Laboratory investigations are an integral part
of this course. This course is designed to prepare the students for the SAT
II Physics Examination.
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875 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2 1/2 Points
Prerequisites: successful completion of Biology. Earth and Space Systems recommended
This one-semester course will study the relationships that exist between people
and the environment. Topics may include: scientific analysis, interdependence
of earth systems, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable resources,
environmental quality, global changes and their consequences, environment and
society, and choices for the future. Laboratory and field investigations are
an integral part of this course.
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820 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
5 Points
Prerequisites: CP Biology and CP Chemistry
This course provides a study of the structure and function of the human body.
Topics may include: body organization, systems for support and movement, systems
for communication, control, and integration, transportation, respiration, nutrition,
excretion, reproduction, defense and adaptation. This course satisfies the requirement
of a laboratory science for college admission. Laboratory investigations are
an integral part of this course.
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876 MARINE BIOLOGY 2.
5 points
Prerequisites: successful completion of Biology
This one-semester course will utilize Long Island Sound as a teaching model
for the study of the marine environment. Topics may include the geological,
physical and chemical factors of the marine environment, marine diversity and
marine ecology. Participation in the field experiences is an integral part of
the course and essential for the successful completion of the course.
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836ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
5 Points
Prerequisites: CP Biology, CP Chemistry, 2 years of mathematics and permission
of the Department Head
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first
year biology at the college level as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination
Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics may include: molecules and cells, heredity
and evolution, organisms and populations, biotechnology and genetics. Laboratory
investigations are an integral part of this course. Students are expected to
participate in the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.
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842 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of laboratory science including CP Chemistry, (Honors
Chemistry is recommended), 2 years of mathematics and permission of the Department
Head
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first
year chemistry at the csollege level, prescribed by the College Entrance Examination
Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics may include: the structure of matter,
kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic
concepts of thermodynamics. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced
Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.
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838 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of laboratory science including CP Physics, 2 years
of mathematics and permission of the Department Head
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first
year physics at the college level, prescribed by the College Entrance Examination
Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics may include Newtonian mechanics, heat,
kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics,
and modern physics. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement
Examination at the conclusion of the course.
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874 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of laboratory science including CP Biology, (Earth
and Space Systems and Environmental Science are recommended), 2 years of mathematics
and permission of the Department Head
This course is designed to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first
year Environmental Science at the college level, prescribed by the College Entrance
Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics may include scientific
analysis, interdependence of earth systems, human population dynamics, renewable
and nonrenewable resources, environmental quality, global changes and their
consequences, environment and society, and choices for the future. Laboratory
and field investigations are an integral part of this course. Students are expected
to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the
course. Alternatives to Dissection Dissection is one of many instructional methods
used in life science courses. Students may request alternatives to dissection.
Alternatives include such materials as videos, computer programs, films, filmstrips,
models, transparencies, charts, diagrams, dissecting microscops and textbook
overlays. If alternatives to dissection are requested, teacher assistance will
be available at all times, and no grades may be adversely affected because alternatives
are requested.
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