Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit531H/533 Biology
This is a required course for graduation.Note:
The purpose of Biology is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge about the way living organisms function, pass on traits, evolve and exist in an environment. Through a combination of laboratory investigations, lectures, and various media, students develop central concepts that illustrate cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and a basis for ecology. Biology 531H is taught at an accelerated pace; therefore self-motivation and strong reading skills are required for success.
535 Earth Science (Grades 9,10,11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
The course will cover the four disciplines of Earth Science: Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy, with a strong emphasis on the first two topics. Students will explore topics such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, weathering, erosion, rocks, minerals and many more related disciplines. Emphasis will be placed upon laboratory investigations with hands on manipulatives.
541H/543 Chemistry (Grades 10,11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
: "B" average or better in Integrated Math I or Instructor recommendationPrerequisite
The purpose of Chemistry is to emphasize the structure of the atom, the chemical bond and chemical changes. Students learn to solve related mathematical problems, perform experiments and apply careful observation and imagination in reporting results. Course 541 is taught at an accelerated pace.
545 Chemistry in the Community (Grades 10,11,12) Five blocks per week - Full Semester - 1.00 Credit
Chem-Com is a student-centered, activity based, issues oriented chemistry course that encourages small group learning. It includes many traditional chemistry concepts as well as more biochemistry, industrial, organic and environmental chemistry than is normally encountered in a traditional high school Chemistry course. The most unique feature about Chem-Com is that chemistry skills are taught on a need-to-know basis with environmental, societal and technological issues/problems determining the depth and breadth of the chemical concepts taught.
546 Field Botany (Grades 10,11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
: Successful completion of Biology 531H or 533Prerequisite
The Field Botany course provides the student with extensive knowledge and experience in identifying forest and field vegetation that is native to our area. Students will participate in field experiences throughout the semester. Students will carry out experiments including plant growth and propagation methods, and observe the importance of soil nutrition, light characteristics and soil types as they relate to natural plant growth. Students will observe the complete life cycle of plants and the changes that occur, from dormancy to leaf-out. The course will provide the necessary plant knowledge to fulfill requirements at schools with majors in landscaping, horticulture, forestry, turf management or arborculture.
551H Physics (Grades 11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
: "B" average, or better, in Integrated Math III and Chemistry or Instructor recommendation. (Trigonometry is strongly recommended but not required.)Prerequisite
Those students interested in further physical science experiences pursue this course. The process of the physical sciences is stressed along with the subject matter. Analysis of the results of both experimentation and problem solving situations form the core of study. Research dealing with historical experiments in physics provides an interesting view of the scientific method.
552 Applied Physics - Principles of Technology I (Grades 11,12) Five block per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
: Successful completion of Integrated Math I or Instructor recommendationPrerequisite
This is an activity-based course in applied physics. It provides a practical understanding of the principles of mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal systems, and the math associated with them. This program has been referred to as Physics in Work Clothes. Students have the opportunity to work the physical principles through numerous lab experiments and critical thinking exercises.
555 Environmental Science: Global Ecology and Environmental Ethics (Grades 11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 credit
The course provides students with a basic introduction to ecology, global ecosystems, and current world wildlife issues. Students explore the uniqueness of planet Earth; the many habitats found on earth, and carry out ecological studies in terrestrial environments around the school. Computers are used to create graphs, analyze field data, and access the internet for sharing data findings. Throughout the course students participate in lab activities, field studies, DVDs, computer projects and local ecological monitoring. The course provides students with basic information skills necessary to understand potential global environmental problems, biodiversity loss, and how as individuals each student can positively impact natural systems.
556 Environmental Science: Global Problems and Technological Solutions (Grades 11, 12) Five blocks per week - Full Semester - 1.00 Credit
The course provides students with an opportunity to examine global environmental problems in depth. Through scientific investigations of social and scientific data, completion of original research, monitoring projects, lab activities, DVDs, computer data analysis, and Internet information, students will examine global warming and climate change, global population issues, water, air and soil pollution, acid deposition, ozone depletion, and degradation of natural resources. Students are presented with existing and emerging green technologies that offer strategies for living in harmony with planet Earth. Students study environmental ethics, human environmental behaviors, and gain an understanding of living sustainably in order to modify their environmental behaviors.
557H Environmental Planning (Grades 11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
The course focuses on identifying and learning about Ashburnham and Westminster's natural resources, (forests, watershed, wetlands, lakes/ponds, wildlife) and the knowledge/skills needed for sound environmental planning and environmental decision-making in the community. Students learn how to make development decisions in the community that balance community welfare and growth with protection of sensitive ecological areas. Students are involved in local environmental issues, practice the skills needed for good environmental decision making, participate in field studies, lab activities, challenge projects, simulations, field trips, and listen to environmental professionals through audio and visual technologies.
Students learn the basics of GIS (Geographic Information System) Technology using data from MA GIS, Fisheries and Wildlife, EPA, NASA remote sensing, USGS Aerial maps and other sources. Students participate in Vernal Pool certification using standards from the MA Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program, or assist local community environmental groups in protection, monitoring and planning of local open space properties.
561H Organic Chemistry (Grade 12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
: Chemistry and Biology or Instructor recommendationPrerequisite
The study of organic chemistry is emphasized. Heavy emphasis is placed on the study of carbon containing compounds, their preparation and reactions. Laboratory work is an integral part of this i A working knowledge of organic chemistry is a necessary prerequisite to a clear understanding of medicine, nursing and pharmacy. This course is a definite advantage for those students planning to concentrate on any scientific field in college.
562H Advanced Chemistry and Physics (Grade 12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
Physics 551H, Chemistry 541H or Instructor recommendationPrerequisite:
This course is recommended for those students who have participated in an accelerated science program and is required for those taking the AP Chemistry course. This course emphasizes laboratory experiments and analysis. Topics in qualitative and quantitative analysis are the core of this course. The study of atomic theory and radioactivity provides students with a better understanding of the evolution of scientific thought.
570 AP Chemistry (Grade 12) Five blocks per week-full semester 1.00 Credit Semester I only (Must take Advanced Chemistry and Physics Semester II to complete laboratory requirements.)
Prerequisite: Chemistry 562H, Physics 551H, Instructor recommendation
The AP Chemistry course is designed for students who wish to attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. The course will be taught to meet the standards of the National AP Chemistry Curriculum. Topics covered will include atomic theory, bonding, reactions, kinetics, stoichiometry, equilibrium and electrochemistry. The course places emphasis upon critical thinking and quantitative thinking. Students will be required to take the AP Chemistry examination in the spring to receive AP credit. Students will take the laboratory portion of the course by taking Advanced Chemistry and Physics.
988 Independent Study - Environmental Science - GIS (Geographic Information System Technology) (Grades 11,12) Five blocks per week - Full semester - 1.00 Credit
Prerequisite: Computer Literacy required, Independent Study Application required
GIS is a computer mapping program that links geographic information (where things are) with descriptive information (what things are like) and data tables. The information is produced in graphic layers, enabling the creation of unique maps. These maps are used to facilitate decision making i.e. To determine high crime areas, potential sites for homes, sources of infectious disease, traffic routes possible sources of cancer, sources of water contamination, potential wildlife habitat, analysis of natural resources.
Students pursuing careers in engineering, environmental sciences, health, law enforcement, military, fire science, social services, regional planning, natural resources, emergency response, land development and architecture; should take GIS.
The course is divided into three major phases. During the Skill Building phases I & II students work 5 blocks a week on individual computer skills. Once the skills are mastered, students design a community-based independent project for phase III. The project uses their GIS skills to assist a local or state agency. Students will also work with GPS (Global Positioning System), Remote Sensing Systems and Satellite Imaging.
Students will earn certificates through a web-based Virtual Campus that is recognized by many colleges. Students once skilled in GIS can obtain employment while continuing their education.
Science Pathways at Oakmont Regional High School
Career & College Prep:
Biology 533
then
Earth Science 533 and/or ChemCom 545 and/or Chemistry 543 and/or Field Botany 546
then
Envir. Sci.-Global Ecology 555 and/or Envir. Sci.-Global Problems 556 and/or Physics 551 and/or Principles of Tech 1 552
then
Environmental Planning 557 or Advanced Chem & Physics 562 or Organic Chem 561
Honors/College Prep:
Biology 531
then
Chemistry 541
then
Environmental Science-Global Ecology 555 and/or Environmental-Science Global Problems 556
and then
Environmental Planning 557
or
Biology 531
then
Chemistry 541
then
Physics 551
and then
Organic Chem 561 and/or Advanced Chem & Physics 562 or AP Chemistry 570
or then
Environmental Science-Global Ecology 555 and/or Environmental Science-Global Problems 556 and/or Environmental Planning 557