Science

Science summer

The State of Connecticut and the Stamford Public Schools’ frameworks foster the development of interest in global issues and the ability to collect, analyze, and use data to explore and explain related science concepts for students in grades 9 and 10. For students in grades 11 and 12, the focus of learning shifts to the development of deep understanding of science concepts and principles and to the preparation for future studies and careers.

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:

Science 9
Physical Science 9
Biology
Biology 10
Earth and Space Systems
Chemistry
Physics
CP Science 9
CP Biology
CP Earth and Space Systems
CP Chemistry
CP Physics
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics B
AP Physics C
AP Environmental Science
Electives:
Environmental Science (½ year)
Forensic Science (½ year)
CP Forensic Science
Human Physiology
Marine Biology (½ year)
Science Research
Robotics (½ year)
Biotechnology (½ year)

Core Academic Course Descriptions:

CP_Honors_AP_Electives

816_SCIENCE 9 - 5 Points
This course explores basic principles of physics, chemistry, and earth science.
Students’ learning is through an inquiry-based approach designed to foster critical thinking, investigative, and decision making skills, as well as cooperative and basic research skills. As a result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of the three core sciences and their related applications.
835 and 860_PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 - 5 Points
This course explores basic principles of physics, chemistry, and earth science.
Students’ learning is through an inquiry-based approach designed to foster critical thinking, investigative and decision making skills, as well as cooperative and basic research skills. As a result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of the three core sciences and their related applications. Administrative approval required.
810_BIOLOGY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: At least one year of high school science
This course explores biological principles. The course examines: ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. Students’ understanding of biology is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of biology and its related applications. This course meets 7 periods per week.
987 and 861_BIOLOGY 10 - 5 Points
This course explores biological principles such as ecology, cell biology, genetics,
evolution, microorganisms, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. Student’s understanding of biology is fostered through laboratory investigations, and problem solving. As result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of biology and its related applications. Administrative approval required.
813_EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS - 5 Points
Prerequisite: One year of high school science
This course explores earth and space science principles in a comprehensive approach. The course examines: the dynamic forces that shape the earth, weather and the oceans, the geophysical earth, the solar system, and the universe. Students’ understanding of earth and space science is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of earth and space science and its related applications.
822_CHEMISTRY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and two years of high school science
This course explores chemical principles. The course examines: matter and energy, atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, theory of gases, solutions and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students’ understanding of chemistry is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of chemistry and its related applications. This course meets 6 periods per week.
833_PHYSICS - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and two years of high school science.
This course explores classical and modern physics principles. The course examines: Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, historical astronomy, and nuclear physics. Students’ understanding of physics is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of physics and its related applications.

College Prep Course Descriptions:

Core_Honors_AP_Electives

837_COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCIENCE 9 - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CP Algebra 1
This course explores basic principles of physics, chemistry, and earth science in a
comprehensive approach. Students’ learning is through an inquiry-based approach designed to foster critical thinking, investigative, and decision making skills, as well as cooperative and basic research skills. As a result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of the three core sciences and their related applications.
811_COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY - 5 Points
Prerequisites: At least one year of high school science
This course explores biological principles in a comprehensive approach. The course examines: ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. Students’ understanding of biology is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking
activities. As a result of this course, students explore and explain concepts of biology and its related applications. This course meets 7 periods per week.
814_COLLEGE PREPARATORY EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS - 5 Points
Prerequisite: One year of high school science
This course explores earth and space science principles in a comprehensive approach. The course examines: the dynamic forces that shape the earth, weather and the oceans, the geophysical earth, the solar system, and the universe. Students’ understanding of earth and space science is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of earth and space science and its related applications.
821_COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHEMISTRY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry, and at least one year of high school science. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is recommended.
This course explores chemical principles in a comprehensive approach. The course examines: matter and energy, atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, theory of gases, solutions and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students’ understanding of chemistry is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of chemistry and its related applications. This course meets 6 periods per week.
831_COLLEGE PREPARATORY PHYSICS - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment) and two years of high school science.
This course explores classical and modern physics principles in a comprehensive
approach. The course examines: Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, historical astronomy, and nuclear physics. Students’ understanding of physics is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of physics and its related applications. This course meets 6 periods per week.

Honors Course Descriptions:

Core_CP_AP_Electives

812_HONORS BIOLOGY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: “B” average in science
This course explores biological principles in depth and in a comprehensive and accelerated approach. The course examines: ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, and human biology. Students’ understanding of biology is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. This course, while allowing students to explore and explain concepts of biology, prepares students for the SAT II Biology Examination. This course meets 7 periods per week.
828_HONORS CHEMISTRY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: “B” Average in science & math (Geometry or Algebra1). Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is recommended. This course explores chemical principles in depth and in a comprehensive and accelerated approach. The course examines: matter and energy, atomic structure, periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, theory of gases, solutions and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, electrochemistry, and nuclear
chemistry. Students’ understanding of chemistry is fostered through laboratory
investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. This course, while allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of chemistry, prepares students for the SAT II Chemistry Examination. This course meets 7 periods per week.
840_HONOR PHYSICS - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment) and two years of high school science.
This course explores classical and modern physics principles in depth and in a
comprehensive and accelerated approach. The course examines: Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, historical astronomy, and nuclear physics. Students’ understanding of physics is fostered through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical thinking activities. This course, while allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of physics, prepares students for the SAT II Physics Examination. This course meets 6 periods per week.

Advanced Placement Course Descriptions:

Core_CP_Honors_Electives

836_ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: CP Biology, CP Chemistry, and two years of mathematics
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 include: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms and populations, biotechnology and genetics. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. Each student should complete a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement examination at the conclusion of the course.
842_ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Two years of laboratory science including CP Chemistry (Honors Chemistry is recommended) and two years of mathematics
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first year chemistry at the college level, as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics include: the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Each student completes a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement examination at the conclusion of the course.
8381_ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Two years of laboratory science, one being CP Physics, and concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first year Algebra based physics at the college level, as prescribed by the College Entrance
Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics include: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. The laboratory component has a minimum of 12 student-conducted laboratory investigations representing a variety of topics covered in the course. Each student completes a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course. This course meets 6 periods per week.
838_ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C - 5 Points
Prerequisite: Two years of laboratory science including CP Physics and concurrent enrollment in Calculus.
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first year Calculus based physics at the college level, as prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. Each student completes a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.
8740_ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - 5 points
Prerequisite: CP Biology and CP Chemistry
This course is planned to meet the objectives of a rigorous course in first year environmental science at the college level as prescribed by the College Entrance
Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. Topics include: interdependence of earth’s systems, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and global change. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. Each student completes a lab notebook or portfolio of lab reports. Students are expected to participate in the Advanced Placement examination at the conclusion of the course.

Elective Course Descriptions:

Core_CP_Honors_AP

875_ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - 2.5 Points
Prerequisite: Two years of science
This course explores the relationships that exist between people and the environment. This course examines: 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.
8511_FORENSIC SCIENCE - 2.5 Points
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
This course explores the various scientific applications of solving crimes. Students
perform numerous laboratory techniques including some that may be referenced on television shows. This course examines the study of legal issues, trace evidence, impression evidence, bodily fluids, documentation, the psychology of a criminal, and the processing of a crime scene. Students work independently and as teams to develop, communicate, and defend scientific arguments based on their findings to solve crime scene investigations and to analyze case studies.
8510_COLLEGE PREPARATORY FORENSIC SCIENCE - 5 Points
Prerequisite: CP Biology and CP Chemistry
This course explores the various scientific applications of solving crimes in a comprehensive approach. Students perform numerous laboratory techniques including some that may be referenced on television shows. This course examines analyzing fingerprints, bodily fluids, DNA, firearms and ballistics, arson and explosives, natural and synthetic fibers, documents, glass fragments and case studies. Students work independently and as teams to develop, communicate and defend scientific arguments based on their findings to solve crime scene investigations and to analyze case studies.
820_HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - 5 Points
Prerequisite: CP Biology and CP Chemistry
This course explores the structure and function of the human body. This course examines: body organization, systems for support and movement, systems of 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.
876_MARINE BIOLOGY - 2.5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of Science, onebeing Biology
This course investigates the marine environment of Long Island Sound. The course includes the biological, physical, and chemical factors of the marine environment, and includes marine diversity and ecology. Students’ understanding of marine biology is fostered through laboratory investigations and field experiences that include the collection and identification of plant and animal populations from aquatic samples. As a result of this course, students develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles of marine biology and its related applications.
850_SCIENCE RESEARCH - 5 Points
Prerequisite: One year of high school science
This course involves a yearlong science experimental research project conducted by students under the mentorship of the instructor. The research project emphasizes library research, experimental design, and conducting designed experiments throughout the year. Students may elect to conduct their experiments in the field. Students are expected to present the result of their research at local, state, or national fairs, symposiums, or competitions.
1700_ROBOTICS - 2.5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of science and math
This course explores the emerging interdisciplinary field of robotics. The course includes: robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, and technology. Programming and construction of the robot are explored on every level from conception to completion. As a result of this course students are expected to create an autonomous robot that can function in a limited domain and in various situations.
8800_BIOTECHNOLOGY - 2.5 Points
Prerequisites: Two years of science. Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry is recommended.
This course explores the emerging interdisciplinary field of biotechnology. The course examines: stem cell research, DNA analysis, genetic engineering, biological weapons, medical applications, and ethics. Students’ understanding of biotechnology is fostered through the extensive use of laboratory investigations that connect the theoretical and the real-life applications of the topics 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, models, transparencies, charts, diagrams, dissecting microscopes 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.

Core_CP_Honors_AP_Electives

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