Science

Independent Research Projects
An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in advanced level classes. Those courses include: Advanced Biology I & II, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics, Advanced Physics 2, and Anatomy & Physiology. Students will research an area of scientific interest, propose a science project, write a literature review, plan and implement an investigation, and present their findings. Students will also have the opportunity to enter their science projects in the GHS Science Fair as well as the Western Regional Science Fair.

SCI200 BIOLOGY I
Full Year Course Grade 9 5.00 Credits

This course, or Advanced Biology I, is required for all freshmen. Biology I is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts of ecology and cellular biology. Using a hands-on laboratory-based approach to the life sciences; students begin with a study of the ecology of populations of organisms to develop an understanding of human impact on the biosphere. Students will then move on to a study of the chemistry of life, the microbiology of cell processes and cell specialization. Biology I, along with Biology II, will cover the Massachusetts State standards which students will
be expected to master for the MCAS test.

SCI210 ADVANCED BIOLOGY I
Full Year Course Grade 9 5.00 Credits

This course, or Biology I, is required for all freshmen. Advanced Biology I is an in-depth study of the concepts of ecology and cellular biology. The course offers a laboratory-based, hands-on approach to the life sciences. Students begin with a study of the ecology of populations of organisms in order to begin to understand human impact on the biosphere. This is followed by a study of the
chemistry of life, the microbiology of cell processes, and cell specialization. Data collection and analysis is emphasized.
Advanced Biology I, along with Advanced Biology II, will cover the Massachusetts State standards which students will be expected to master for the MCAS test. An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Advanced Biology I. (Refer to the description of the Independent Research Project above the course descriptions)

SCI309 BIOLOGY II
Full Year Course Grade 10 5.00 Credits

This course, or Advanced Biology II, is required for all sophomores. Biology II is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts of Genetics and Evolution. Using hands-on laboratory-based approach to the life sciences; students begin with a study of population genetics, followed by a study of the evolution of body systems. Along with Biology I, this course covers the Massachusetts State standards which students will be expected to master for the MCAS test.

SCI211 ADVANCED BIOLOGY II
Full Year Course Grade 10 5.00 Credits

This course, or Biology II, is required for all sophomores. Advanced Biology II is an in-depth study of the concepts of Genetics and Evolution. The course offers a laboratory-based, hands-on
approach to the life sciences. Data collection and analysis is emphasized. Students begin with a study of population genetics, followed by a study of the evolution of body systems. Along with Advanced Biology I, this course covers the Massachusetts State standards which students will be expected to master for the MCAS test. An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Advanced Biology II. (Refer to the description of the Independent Research Project above the course descriptions)

SCI678 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Semester Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Environmental Studies is a project-based contemporary, interdisciplinary approach that helps students understand their natural environment and the environmental problems facing the world. Laboratory investigations form a major portion of this course. Students will study natural resources, ecological principles, population dynamics, energy use, human interactions with the environment, and civic responsibility. Mathematics is stressed to facilitate a deeper understanding of many environmental principles.

SCI679 ASTRONOMY
Semester Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Astronomy is an in-depth scientific exploration of the human place in the Universe; the course covers the origin and history of the Universe and the formation of the Earth and the solar system.
Students will compare the Earth's properties with those of the other planets and explore how the heavens have influenced human thought and action. This course includes study of the properties of
light and matter and the tools astronomers use to measure radiation from celestial sources. The course also covers contemporary topics such as black holes, the expansion of the universe, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

SCI800 WEATHER, CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY
Semester Course Grades 11-12 2.50 Credits

Do you understand these terms? There are huge differences in meaning. If interested, and if you are an upper class student with a “keen” interest in weather and the internet, this could be the
course for you. With the use of computer models from various internet weather sites, you will learn how to predict the weather and answer such questions as; will it rain, snow, sleet or hail or why is it
so hot in the desert and so cold in the mountains? This course is open to upper class students with access to the internet at home.

SCI300 PHYSICS
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.
Physics is for those students who do not plan to go on in the fields of science, medicine or engineering. It is for students who wish to view nature more perceptively without the fear of difficult
mathematics. This course is primarily a qualitative study of the central concepts of physics, which relate to things and events that are familiar in our everyday world. The major topics studied in this
course includes: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Properties of Matter, Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.

SCI310 ADV. PHYSICS
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Pre-requisite: 80 or better in Algebra 1.
Advanced Physics is for students who are interested in careers in the science related fields and/or are planning to continue taking science in college. The course stresses the role of mathematics
in the scientific process and provides a foundation to better understand the sciences as a whole. Major topics include: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Properties of Matter, Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Advanced Physics.

SCI313 ADV. PHYSICS 2
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics, Advanced Physics, or permission of the GHS Science Department.
Advanced Physics 2 is an algebra based second year physics course. It is for those students who have completed an introductory course in physics, or have experienced some physics in previous
science classes. The course begins with a brief overview of mechanics and physical quantities. Topics that follow include: Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, the
Quantum Nature of Light, Atomic Physics, and Nuclear Physics.
An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Advanced Physics 2.

SCI400 CHEMCOM (CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY)
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom) emphasizes the impact of chemistry on society. This yearlong college preparatory course is designed primarily for the large number of students who
plan to pursue non-science careers. Its purposes are to help students to realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives, use the principles of chemistry to think more intelligently and make informed decisions on scientific or technological issues.

SCI410 ADV. CHEMISTRY
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.
Advanced Chemistry is recommended for students considering science, medicine or engineering as a career. The course will continue to develop the relationship between mathematics
and the sciences. Concept mastery, critical thinking, and problem solving skills will be stressed. Major topics include: Reactions and Equations, Stoichiometry, Electrochemistry, Equilibrium and
Redox Chemistry. An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Advanced Chemistry.

SCI650 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.
Anatomy & Physiology is an introduction to the fundamental terminology and concepts of anatomy and physiology. This course is for students who plan to go on in the fields of science or
health. The course stresses the major concepts and principles important to understanding the human body. An Independent Research Project is required of students enrolled in Anatomy & Physiology.

SCI675 PLANTS & THE ENVIRONMENT
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology.
Plants & the Environment is an environmental science course that uses plants as a tool to explore ecological relationships. Students will work cooperatively in research, laboratory work and projects. The course stresses the ecological principles necessary to make informed decisions on related environmental issues. Major topics include: Plant structure and function, ecology, and propagation. Topical environmental issues will be explored, such as global warming, invasive species, and acid rain. Students will be expected to take part in the Envirothon, a state-wide environmental competition that requires investigative and communication skills.

SCI801 THE SCIENCE OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Semester Course Grades 9-12 2.50 Credits

This introductory course explores the science of photography through a combination of theory and hands-on work. Students will learn how to use their digital cameras to capture, edit and produce
interesting digital images. Fundamental techniques of composition and exposure will be covered as well as the basic use of Photoshop for editing and printing pictures. Students will spend time looking
at and discussing each other’s work, as well as the work of well known photographers. Students must have their own digital camera. This class is limited to 20 students.

SCI680 IPS (INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE)
Full Year Course Grades 11-12 5.00 Credits

IPS is a year-long science course designed for students who may be experiencing difficulties understanding physical science concepts. The course uses an inquisitive laboratory-based approach to explore fundamental principals of chemistry. IPS provides a wide variety of problems, ranging from simple confidence-builders to those requiring high-level thinking skills. Students will measure, record, and interpret data, drawing conclusions from their work. The course stresses the scientific process, lab skills, independent and team work, the need for evidence in reaching conclusions, and provides a solid foundation for future science courses.