Science
All science courses are guided by the Next Generation Science Standards including a focus on the Science and Engineering Practices and the Cross Cutting Concepts across the discipline. A variety of assessment techniques are utilized including but not limited to: tests, quizzes, laboratory experiments and reports, independent research, and projects.
Science Pathway:
* designates prerequisites
Biology (Honors) 2105
Honors Biology will cover the concepts presented in Standard Biology in more depth. Students taking this course must be able to learn and complete work at an accelerated pace. Reading should be at grade level or above. Significant homework and laboratory experiences will be integral parts of the course. Independent projects for each unit will be assigned to students, and may need to be completed at home. Collaborative work outside of class work may also be necessary for group projects. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in a science or biology related career.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1
Biology (College and Career Preparation) 2104
Biology, College and Career Preparation, is a college level preparatory biology program. The course surveys topics dealing with living organisms including: ecology, evolution, genetics, DNA technology, cells, and characteristics of life. The topics will be approached through a variety of methods including: investigations, lecture, hands on activities, laboratory and student projects. Independent work, completed in a timely manner will be critical to student success. Successful completion of this course is often a prerequisite to other life science electives.
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in Algebra 1.
Biology (Foundational Preparation) 2103
1 Credit Grade 9The Biology Foundational Preparation course surveys topics dealing with living organisms including: ecology, evolution, genetics, DNA technology, cells, and characteristics of life. Most of the topics will be approached through activities, laboratory investigations, student projects, and reading or note taking. Students will be offered more academic support to achieve course objectives. Successful completion of this course is often a prerequisite to other life science electives.
Physical Science (Honors) 2102
1 Credit Grade 9-10
Physical Science (Honors) is designed for students who are planning to pursue a four year post graduate education, possibly in the field of science. This course offers students a wide range of experiences aimed at building foundational skills required for success in additional high school science courses, specifically chemistry and physics. Students in the honors level can expect an accelerated pace, greater depth in content, and elevated expectations for scientific detail and mathematical manipulation of data when compared to the College and Career Preparation level course.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrently taking, Geometry
Physical Science (College and Career Preparation) 2101
1 Credit Grade 10
Physical Science CCP provides students with the opportunity to learn introductory concepts in physics and chemistry while facilitating connections to real-world applications. Students will develop essential skills through both guided and inquiry-based lab experiences. Sections of this course center around the quantitative nature of science and require students to demonstrate an ability to use algebraic equations or graphing to solve problems. Students are expected to complete work outside of class to ensure mastery of concepts. Success in this class requires that students work to remain organized, take responsibility for their learning, and keep current with course progression as the concepts are presented sequentially.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1
Physical Science (Foundational Preparation) 2100
1 Credit Grade 10Physical Science Foundational Prep. provides students with the opportunity to learn introductory concepts in physics and chemistry while facilitating connections to real-world applications. Students will develop essential skills through both guided and inquiry-based lab experiences. Sections of this course center around the quantitative nature of science and require students to demonstrate an ability to use algebraic equations or graphing to solve problems. Regardless of current math level, all students will receive the necessary support to strengthen their understanding and ability to solve problems mathematically. While the majority of work will be completed within the classroom environment, there may be occasions when students need to complete work outside to ensure mastery of concepts.
AP Biology (Honors/Advanced Placement) 2106
1 Credit Grades 10-12The AP Biology course, which has a challenging and advanced pace and scope, is designed to offer students a solid foundation in introductory college level biology and prepare students for the AP Biology Exam. The course is structured around the AP Biology Curriculum Framework that focuses on the major concepts in biology and their connections. The course has four “Big Ideas”: Evolution is the force that drives the diversity of life; Biological systems utilize energy to meet the requirements of life; Living systems store, receive, transmit and respond to essential information; Biological Systems interact with complex properties. A portion of the course is devoted to laboratory experiences and developing inquiry skills. Critical thinking skills will be a key component of the course. Students will also develop an awareness of how biology connects to other sciences and their integration. This course is designed for students who are highly motivated and are interested in continuing in a science related career. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.
Prerequisite: Completion of geometry or taking probability and statistics concurrently. Successful completion of Honors or College and Career Preparation Biology AND Chemistry.
AP Chemistry (Honors/Advanced Placement) 2110
1.5 Credit Grades 11-12
The advanced placement course provides in depth, college-level study of chemical reactions and solution stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, and buffer systems, kinetics, thermodynamics, bonding forces, kinetic molecular theory, and electrochemistry. Students registering for AP Chemistry must have a strong grasp of the chemical principles covered in the Honors Chemistry course. Students work in the laboratory throughout the semester where technical, quantitative, and data analysis skills will be emphasized. Course assessment is predominantly based on exams, classwork and completion of a comprehensive laboratory notebook. Students enrolled in this course must be highly self-motivated and can expect to devote a minimum of 6 hours per week of individual study outside of the classroom (per The College Board guidelines). Students are expected to take the AP exam in May for which they can earn college credit with a qualifying score on the test.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 (or taking concurrently). Completion of College and Career Preparation A or Honors Chemistry with a grade of A, or by permission of instructor.
College Credits: 4 Running Start College Credits are available through Nashua Community College.
Advanced Food Chemistry 2118
.5 credit (4th quarter class) Grades 11-12
This is an advanced course designed to take a closer look at the chemistry of the principal components of foods, their properties and interactions, and the (chemical) changes that occur during processing, storage, and utilization. Emphasis will be on modern analytical techniques and instruments used in food and nutrient analysis. This course allows students to expand their knowledge of common physical changes and chemical reactions specific to foods. Students will gather evidence from research literature, interpret findings, engage in problem solving, and lab-based inquiries.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of chemistry (CCP or Honors)
Chemistry (Honors) 2109
This course offers a challenging, intense study of chemistry for the college preparatory student who is planning to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or medicine. Students study atomic structure, atomic theory, bonding and nomenclature, chemical reactions, and solution chemistry. Students work in the laboratory throughout the semester where technical, quantitative, and data analysis skills are emphasized. Assessment is based on quizzes, laboratory work, and exams. Students taking this course must be self-motivated, able to work independently, and industriously. A strong grasp of basic algebra skills is required.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrently taking, Algebra 2
Chemistry (College and Career Preparation) 2108
1 Credit Grades 11-12Students planning to attend a four-year college learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter. Through experimentation, lectures, readings, and discussions students learn how to describe, classify and identify matter, describe and identify changes in matter, make predictions about properties of elements and their location on the periodic table, and study quantitative and qualitative interactions between compounds. Students produce laboratory reports summarizing their results, projects demonstrating synthesis and application of chemistry content, and often present their findings. Tests and quizzes are used to assess student knowledge and understanding as well. Success in this class requires that students are organized, keep up with the work daily, are independent learners, and realize this is a course where the concepts build on each other requiring continuous effort.
Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry
Chemistry (Foundational Preparation) 2107
1 Credit Grades 11-12Chemistry Foundational prep. is designed for students who require a modified curriculum and supportive environment to earn a physical science credit for graduation. Students will develop essential skills through both guided and inquiry-based lab experiences as well as lectures, readings, and discussions. Students learn how to: describe, classify and identify matter; describe and identify changes in matter; make predictions about properties of elements and their location on the periodic table; and study interactions between compounds. Students are required to demonstrate an ability to use algebraic equations to solve problems or graphing to interpret quantitative relationships. While the majority of work will be completed within the classroom, there may be occasions when students need to complete work outside of class to ensure mastery of concepts. This class requires that students work to remain organized, take responsibility for their learning, and keep current with course progression as the concepts are present sequentially.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1
AP Physics C - Mechanics (Honors/Advanced Placement) 0076
1 Credit Grades 11-12
Students study all the topics necessary to prepare for the AP Physics C (Mechanics) exam. The mechanics units include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations, gravitation and orbits. A great deal of emphasis is placed on problem-solving, including the use of calculus, and on lab work. Students are assessed on knowledge of physics concepts, ability to solve problems, and on lab work as recorded in a notebook.
Prerequisite: Completion of Calculus or taking concurrently. Completion of Honors Physics is highly recommended.
AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism (Honors/Advanced Placement) 0077
1 Credit Grades 11-12
Students study all the topics necessary to prepare for the AP Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism) exam. Units include: electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; electromagnetism. A great deal of emphasis is placed on problem solving, including the use of calculus and on lab work. Students are assessed on their knowledge of physics concepts, ability to solve problems, and on lab work as recorded in a notebook.
Prerequisite: Completion of AP Physics Mechanics and Calculus or taking concurrently. Completion of Honors Physics highly recommended.
AP Physics 1 (Honors/Advanced Placement) 2113
2113 1 Credit Grades 11-12
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these topics:
- Kinematics (the study of motion)
- Forces and Translational Dynamics (the study of how forces affect motion)
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Linear Momentum
- Torque and Rotational Dynamics
- Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
- Oscillations
- Fluids
A significant portion of the class will be spent on hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices.
Prerequisite: Completion of precalculus or taking concurrently.
AP Physics 2 (Honors/Advanced Placement)
2114 1 Credit Grades 11-12
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics:
- Thermodynamics
- Electrical force, field, and potential
- Electric circuits
- Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
- Geometric and physical optics
- Quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics
A significant portion of the class will be spent on hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices.
Prerequisite: Completion of precalculus or taking concurrently.
Physics (Honors) 2112
Students learn physics principles from both the theoretical and experimental stand point. The following topics are studied: kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum; electrical force, potential, and circuits; wave motion, sound, and light. Students learn to solve problems using algebra and trigonometry, and how to compare theory with experimental data. Students are assessed on knowledge of physics concepts, ability to solve problems, and ability to perform experimentation with precision and purpose. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data in order to determine mathematical relationships between experimental variables.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2
Physics (College and Career Preparation) 2111
Students learn physics principles from both the theoretical and experimental standpoint. The following topics are studied; motion, forces, energy, momentum; electrical force, potential, and circuits; wave motion, sound, and light. Students learn to solve problems using algebra and how to compare theory with experimental data. Students are assessed on knowledge of physics concepts, ability to solve problems, and ability to perform experimentation with precision and purpose. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data in order to determine a conceptual relationship between experimental variables.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 or taking concurrently
Environmental Science 0085
1 Credit Grades 10-12This lab and project-based course examines: the atmosphere and climate change; ecology in New Hampshire; population dynamics; fresh and marine water ecology; food and agriculture; and waste management. The focal point will be exploring how all aspects of the environment are interconnected through independent research and laboratory investigations. Students taking this course should have a strong interest in the life sciences. There will be mandatory outdoor activities and local field trips depending on funding, capabilities and interests of the class.
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a “B” or better or permission of the instructor
Forensic Science 2117
1 Credit Grades 11-12A good forensic scientist is able to utilize the scientific method and content knowledge from Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, and Physics to collect the necessary clues that, when analyzed, draw a strong enough conclusion to stand up in court. This course will introduce students to the variety of scientific techniques used in the forensic field, as well as the basics of evidence types, crime scene management, and the chain of evidence record keeping. Students will study topics including fingerprinting, bone length, blood patterns, chemical analysis, environmental evidence and DNA.
Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology, and a minimum of two mathematics courses – including Algebra 1 (recommended)
Marine Biology 0093
1 Credit Grades 11-12This course offers an introduction to marine biology and examines the basic interrelationships among marine organisms, oceanography, local and global environmental issues affecting marine life, and the current research efforts towards conservation and preservation. Topics are approached through reading and/or note taking, hands-on activities, projects, and laboratory investigations. Independent and group work completed in a timely manner is critical to success. This course is recommended for those students interested in oceanography and marine life science.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Physical Science
The Human Body 0079
1 Credit Grades 11-12This hands-on, investigative course is geared towards the student taking a third year of science. This course builds upon skills and knowledge gained in the Wellness and Biology courses, providing the student with a greater understanding of personal health and well–being, anatomy and physiology, and the diseases affecting the human species. Emphasis is placed on current issues and topics of the human body, including physical activities, laboratory investigations and anatomical dissections.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology & Physical Science
Qualifies for NH Scholars 
Awards College Credit