Science, Technology and Engineering

Parent Curriculum NightClass of 2018

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

Carl Sagan

Why take science?

Graduation Requirement:

State Passing MCAS

score on either physics, chemistry, biology or engineering/technology MCAS test (passing score is at least the needs improvement designation)

Natick High

3 years of lab science◦Physics,

chemistry and biology courses preferred.

MA State College

Requirement (Class of 2017 and

beyond)

• 3 courses (drawn from Natural Science and/or Physical Science and/or Technology/ Engineering), including 3 courses with laboratory work

9th grade choices:Physics 11 (college prep level)

Course appropriate for most 9th grade students.

Physics 10 (honors) Should my child take honors physics?

Physics 10AP (Physics 1 course, approved by the College Board)

Small subset of high achieving students who are recommended and place into this one section of honors physics that will follow the College Board’s physics 1 curriculum with the idea of taking the physics 1 AP test in May.

Elective options:

Engineering Projects 11 (semester)Science at the Movies 21 (semester)

Robotics 11 (semester)Civil Engineering and Architecture (2nd semester after

completion of Engineering Projects)

A+ and MAC + Certification

Should my child take honors physics?YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO:

◦ Is currently earning an A or B+ in science. ◦ Is an independent learner.◦ Loves the subject and wants to go more in

depth in this area.◦ Is self-disciplined.◦ Is organized.◦ Has strong mathematical and/or problem-

solving skills.◦ Is an independent reader.◦ Desires an academic challenge.◦ Is willing to commit extra time.

Consider the balance of schedule and factor in outside activities.

Should my child take AP physics 1? YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO:

◦ Is currently earning an A in science and math.◦ Receives the recommendation of both 8th grade math and

science teachers.◦ Scores high enough on placement test given in April.◦ Is an independent learner.◦ Loves the subject and wants to go more in depth in this area.◦ Is self-disciplined.◦ Is organized.◦ Has strong mathematical and/or problem-solving skills.◦ Is an independent reader.◦ Desires an academic challenge.◦ Is willing to commit extra time including summer work and test

over material at beginning of school.

Consider the balance of schedule and factor in outside activities.

Expectations for Science Courses for 2013-2014

Area of Study Reading/Class Homework Tests/Essays/Papers/Quarter

Projects/Comments

Honors Physics (P10)Physics10AP expectations where different in ()

20 pages a week from the textbook.(Additional units covered for AP curriculum)

Daily problem set, lab reports, and studying per class. 30 to 60 minutes per class.(A minimum of 60 minutes per class.)

2 tests per quarter(2-4 summative assessments)

4-8 labs/activities per quarter (6-10 labs/activities per quarter)

4-6 formal lab reports per quarter

Exams can be made up. An average of the two exams is recorded. Labs can be re-written to an 88%. (Exams and labs may be re-taken/re-written)

End of the year project

For example of written lab report, please see the science webpage.

(Must meet testing prereqs for class enrollment)

(Required summer work.)

(AP test in May.) (MCAS test in June.)

Physics (P11) Varies based on unit topic 30 minutes-problems or studying per class

2-3 tests per quarter Multiple quizzes per

quarter 4-6 labs per quarter 2-4 formal lab report

per quarter Assessments can be

made up to 100%. Labs can be made up

to an 88%.

Project each semester

For example of written lab report, please see the science web page.

Core Science Class Choices

11th Grade

10th Grade

9th Grade

Physics 10

Chem 20

Bio 30AP

Chem

Chem 21

Bio 31

AP ES

Bio 32

Core Science Class Choices

11th Grade

10th Grade

9th Grade

Physics 11

Chem 20Bio 30

AP Chem

Chem 21AP ES

Chem 22

Bio 31

Bio 32

Elective Classes12th

GradeAll electives open to 11th grade plus

AP Physics CAP BiologyThemes in

Biology (Honors)Zoology

Anatomy and PhysiologyPhysics for Engineers

Environmental Science (2

levels)

11th Grade

All electives open to 10th grade plus

AP ChemistryAP

Environmental Science

ForensicsDiseases and

MedicinesAstronomy

10th Grade

All electives open to 9th grade plus

Green Engineering

(sem)Advanced Land Robotics (sem

1)Advanced Sea

Robotics (sem2)

A+ Certification

MAC + CertificationDisease and

Medicine (sem 2 for 10th graders)

Civil Engineering

and Architecture

(sem)

9th Grade

Robotics (sem)Engineering

Projects (sem)Civil

Engineering and

Architecture (sem 2)

Science at the Movies (sem)A+ or MAC + Certification

The Science Department:Ms. Loncich

Mr. Shapiro

Ms. Pearson

Mr. Araujo

Physics

Mrs. Mayorga

ChemistryMrs. Weber

Mr. Weiss

Mrs. Magnuson

Mrs. Mayorga

Mr. Sanford

BiologyMr. Jekanoski

Mr. Hinnenkamp

Ms. Tully

Ms. Conroy

Mr. Wilson

Ms. Haverstick

Engineering/Technology

Mr. Scott

Mr. Shapiro

Ms. Pearson

Ms. Haverstick

Questions

Reach me at 508 647-6613 or lweber@natickps.org