The Science Department assumes “primary responsibility” for assisting students in achieving proficiency in Academic Expectations 5 (Data Analysis), 6 (Reasoning), 7 (Technology), and 8 (Understanding Context). We also acknowledge our collaborative efforts in reinforcing and supporting all of the other academic expectations outlined on page vi of this Program of Studies. The goals and objectives of the course offerings listed below reflect the overall goals of Lexington High School's Science program 9-12. In the case where a specific course might concentrate on an additional academic expectation, the number of the expectation addressed is listed below the course title.
The Science Department offers a comprehensive program designed to satisfy a variety of student interests and needs. All freshmen are required to take earth science. Sophomores study biology. Juniors study chemistry and seniors either physics or astronomy. Science courses are offered at varied levels of study as described below. Special interest courses are not leveled. Students are urged to discuss course selection with staff members if they are not sure of appropriate placement. In those instances where a final exam is indicated, please note that this exam will count 10-20% of the year's grade. All courses with final examinations will have a minimum of 80% of the exam common to all sections of the course. Students should observe any listed pre or co-requisites. Deviation from the stated pre- or co-requisite for any course requires the approval of the Science Department Head.
Science Quick Reference Guide
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Other Courses
Earth Science courses are full-year courses that introduce the student to the basic principles of astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. These courses emphasize experimental investigations and encourage the development of analytical thinking.
320 - Advanced Earth Systems Science
Prerequisite: Grade of A in
eighth-grade Science, completion of Algebra 1 and teacher
recommendation.
This course and its laboratory component are designed to provide a
comprehensive study of Earth Systems Science concepts for students
who are interested in the subject and are highly motivated, independent
learners. Reading skills well above grade level and an ability to
deal with abstract concepts are required. Students will develop their
investigatory skills through laboratory and project work that builds
on middle school experiences. In addition to the regular class work,
students will conduct an original research investigation independent of
class time. An extensive assignment including readings, written work
and observational astronomy will be given over the summer preceding
the course. Mid-term and final exams will be given.
321 Lv 1 Earth Science
This college preparatory course and its laboratory component are designed to provide an investigative survey of the scientific principles associated with the Earth Sciences. Laboratory work includes directed study that continues to build upon the skills developed in middle school. Grade-level reading skills are expected. In addition to the regular classwork, students will participate in an original research investigation, an environmental stewardship project, or an alternative project independent of class time. Mid-term and final exams will be given
327 Lv 1 Explorations in Earth Science
This course and its laboratory component are designed to provide an investigative survey of the scientifi c principles associated with the Earth Sciences. Laboratory work will continue to build on the inquiry skills developed in middle school. A strong emphasis will be placed on the continued development of organizational skills, previewing and other reading tactics, note taking, measurement, graphing and analysis of data. In addition to regular classwork, students will participate in an independent project. Mid-term and final assessments will be administered.
All Biology courses are full-year introductory survey courses which cover characteristics of all living things. The units include, but are not limited to biochemistry,cell biology, genetics evolution, physiology, anatomy, reproduction, development, biodiversity and ecology.
330 Hon - AP Biology
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course and laboratory
component provide for study at the most advanced conceptual
level. Because the introductory survey curriculum is so rich,
students are required to complete an independent study of a
curricular unit, following guidelines provided by the department,
during the summer before sophomore year. In addition to the
regular class work, students will design and execute an original
research investigation independent of class time. A final exam
will be given. Those who work successfully in this course are
encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.
335 Lv 1 Biology
This course and laboratory component are designed to provide a survey of biological principles for students who are interested in the subject and have demonstrated high motivation. Reading skills above grade level and ability to deal with abstract concepts are expected. A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully in this course are encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Biology.
336 Lv 2 Biology
This course and laboratory component are designed to provide students
with a working knowledge of biological principles. It can serve
as an important component of college preparatory study. Grade-level
reading skills are expected. A final exam will be given.
Students who take full year courses in chemistry become familiar with chemical principles and applications including the SI metric system of measurement, scientific notation, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, periodic relationships, chemical bonding, gases and kinetic theory, molecular structure, types of chemical reactions and quantitative relationships, solution chemistry, energy relationships, and equilibrium.
340 Hon - AP Chemistry
Co-requisite: Advanced Mathematics 252 or 253 and
teacher recommendation
This course and laboratory
component provide for study at an advanced conceptual level. Each
student will design and execute an independent research
investigation outside of class time. Because the chemistry
curriculum is so demanding, students are required to complete an
independent study of a curricular unit, following guidelines
provided by the department, during the summer before junior yearand
during the school year. A final exam will be given. Those who work
successfully in this course are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement
Exam in Chemistry.
345 Lv 1 Chemistry
Co-requisites: Algebra 2 and
teacher recommendation
This course and laboratory component are designed to provide a
survey of chemical principles for students who are interested in
the subject and who have demonstrated high motivation. An ability
to deal in abstract concepts is expected. A final exam will be
given. Students who work successfully in this course are
encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry.
346 Conceptual Chemistry
This course and laboratory component are
designed for students who want a working knowledge of chemical
principles. It can serve as an important component of college
preparatory study. Mid-term and final exams will
be given
Physics studies the interrelationship between matter and energy. Students will become familiar with concepts from the areas of kinematics, force and motion, momentum, energy and work. Additional units may include wave motion, optics, electrostatics, electricity, and magnetism.
350 Hon - APC Analytical Physics
Co-requisite: Honors Calculus (263 or 264) and teacher recommendation
Analytical Physics is designed at a mathematically advanced level
in selected topics of physics. The course emphasizes mechanics but
also deals with aspects of electricity and magnetism. In addition to
the regular class work, students will design and execute an original
research investigation or engineering challenge. An optional reading
assignment will be offered for interested students in the summer prior
to senior year. A final exam will be given. Students who work successfully
in this course are encouraged to take the Physics C Advanced
Placement Examination.
351 Hon APB Physics
Prerequisite: Advanced Mathematics (252,253) and teacher recommendation
Honors physics is a course designed at an advanced level through a
broad range of physics topics and laboratory experiences without using
calculus. Because the curriculum is so broad in scope, students are
required to complete an independent study of a curricular unit in the
summer prior to senior year. Most of the assignments, tests and class
work deal with problem solving using mathematical relationships. In
addition to the regular class work, students will design and execute
an original research investigation or engineering challenge. A final
exam will be given. Students who work successfully in this course are
encouraged to take the Physics B Advanced Placement Exam.
355 Lv 1 Physics
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
This course and laboratory component are for students who are
interested in science and have high motivation. An ability to
deal with the abstract and reason mathematically is essential to
success. A final exam will be given. Students who work
successfully in this course are encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Physics.
356 Conceptual Physics
This course and laboratory component provide students with a working knowledge of the basic principles of physics. It can serve as an important component of college preparatory study. Students will be expected to apply algebraic relationships to problem solving and laboratory investigations. A final exam will be given.
361 Lv 1 Astronomy
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
An introduction to Astronomy, this class will focus on the application of physics to the study of the universe.
Intended for highly motivated students interested in science,
this class expects students to think critically as well as to make use
of mathematical reasoning in the solving and creation of problems related
to astronomical phenomena. Topics covered: the history of observational
astronomy; the night's sky; celestial navigation; physical laws of radiation and
motion; stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis; supernovae; aspects of relativity;
black holes; the large scale structure of the cosmos; inflation; space based
astronomy; precision cosmology; astronomy in the news. A final exam will be given.
362 Introduction to Robotics and Engineering
Co-requisite:
Physics
This course is designed to introduce students to the practical engineering
applications of basic principles in the fi elds of computer programming
and electricity and electronics. The course activities take a
hands-on approach to the design process used by engineers and technicians
in creating programmable electronic devices. The course begins
with an introduction to microcontrollers and progresses through
the many challenges associated with the building and programming of
a small robot, incorporating the concepts of motor control and interfacing
to the real world through the use of sensor input.
357– Integrated Math and Physics
257 – Math
398 Research Projects
This course is available to seniors and juniors who are self-motivated and interested in working in a specific area of science. This course may not replace core science requirements. The projects can involve individual research, surveys, drawings, model building, equipment construction, multi-media material development, computer program design or student teaching. All projects are individually designed. Students are required to make a presentation of their work to the science faculty. The students must obtain a sponsor teacher and must present the project plan through the sponsor to the Science Department Head. Grading will generally be on a pass/fail basis.
Posted January 28, 2008 by Steve Ellis
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