Science
Erin Wallace
Department Head
Extension: 102
Room: B210a
E-mail: erin.wallace@gnbvt.edu
Janet Stanton
Academic Secretary
Extension: 202
Room: B210
E-mail: janet.stanton@gnbvt.edu
Curriculum
The science curriculum at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School provides students with an understanding and appreciation of physical, chemical, and biological sciences. The study of science has an integral relationship with mathematics and incorporates other curriculum areas through writing and understanding the historical aspects of science. Investigation and problem-solving are central to the understanding of all areas in the science curriculum and will be incorporated through laboratory experiences.
Science students will be involved in course-specific laboratory investigations designed to instill critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will learn to employ lab safety principles as they conduct investigations that further their understanding of the curriculum. As students’ progress through four years of science courses they will develop greater independence in designing and carrying out laboratory investigations while working alone or in groups.
Our goal is for students to not only understand the science disciplines but to use these disciplines when participating in intellectual, democratic, and vocational activities during their four years of high school and beyond into post-secondary education and the workplace.
Science Courses
Ninth Grade
Honors Biology I (Lab):
Students in the science honors program will be challenged with a college preparatory biology course that covers several biological topics including biochemistry, microbiology, biological processes such as cellular transport, respiration, photosynthesis, body systems, and ecology. Students will master laboratory techniques and safety through investigations that involve critical thinking, problem-solving, and written lab reports. Following this course, students will be enrolled in Honors Biology II (Lab) in the tenth grade and will be eligible to take the biology MCAS in June of the tenth grade. Note: A student earning a term average of 70 or below will be required to meet with the Science Department Head in order to discuss his/her commitment to the Honors program with a possible result of removal from the science honors program. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
College Prep Biology I (Lab):
Ninth-grade students in this college preparatory course will be introduced to several biological topics including biochemistry, microbiology, biological processes such as cellular transport, respiration, photosynthesis, DNA structure, body systems, and ecology. In addition, students will develop scientific inquiry skills through participation in hands-on laboratory activities and projects. Students will be expected to form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and record and analyze data in order to prepare written laboratory reports. To ensure comprehension of complex topics students will be regularly assigned homework that reinforces their learning or prepares them for the next topic. Through laboratory investigations, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills while they gain both knowledge of biological concepts and an appreciation for the diversity of life. Following this course, students will be enrolled in Biology II (Lab) in the tenth grade and will be eligible to take the biology MCAS in June of the tenth grade.
Biology 1 Strategies
The Biology I strategies course prepares students for the Biology MCAS test. The course will begin with an understanding of the scientific method and test-taking skills. Students will encounter standards in the areas of The Chemistry of Life, Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology, and Ecology. Students will apply test-taking strategies to sample multiple-choice and open-response items.
Tenth Grade
Honors Biology II (Lab):
This course is a continuation of Honors Biology I that will complete the high school biology curriculum. Students will be challenged to develop scientific inquiry skills through participation in hands-on laboratory activities and projects. Students will be expected to form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and record and analyze data in order to prepare written laboratory reports. Tenth-grade students will be introduced to the topics of ecology, protein synthesis, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, and evolution. The course will feature projects specific to these topics that provide students with opportunities to participate in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting conclusions. Students will participate in the biology MCAS test at the end of this course. Note: A student earning a term average of 70 or below will be required to meet with the Science Department Head in order to discuss his/her commitment to the Honors program with a possible result of removal from the science honors program. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
College Prep Biology II (Lab):
This course is a continuation of Biology I that will complete the high school biology curriculum. Students will develop scientific inquiry skills through participation in hands-on laboratory activities and projects. Students will be expected to form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and record and analyze data in order to prepare written laboratory reports. Tenth-grade students will be introduced to the topics of ecology, protein synthesis, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, and evolution. The course will feature projects specific to these topics that provide students with opportunities to participate in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting conclusions. Students will participate in the biology MCAS test at the end of this course.
Eleventh Grade
Honors Chemistry (Lab)
This course in the science honors program is designed to challenge motivated and independent science students who wish to prepare themselves for college. This rigorously paced college preparatory course requires thoughtful analysis, and synthesis of a great number of concepts including atomic structure, chemical equations, the periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry with an understanding of algebra. Students are expected to complete longer and more complex assignments nightly as well as outside of class. Strong organizational skills including time management are required for success in this course. This is a required course for students who complete Honors Biology I and II. The prerequisite for this course is an 80 or higher in Honors Biology (Lab) and a 70 or higher in Geometry. Students who successfully complete this course with a grade above 70 will be eligible to select Honors Physics for twelfth grade. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head. Note: A student earning a term average of 70 or below will be required to meet with the Science Department Head in order to discuss his/her commitment to the Honors program with a possible result of removal from the science honors program. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
This challenging college preparatory course is designed to aid students in further developing the skills they will need to be successful in college. An understanding of Algebra is necessary to be successful in this course. Students will be expected to perform experiments, master proper lab techniques, write detailed lab reports, solve problems, complete homework on a nightly basis, and make presentations. Areas of study include atomic structure, chemical equations, the periodic table, chemical bonds, stoichiometry, and gases. The prerequisite for this course is an 80 or higher in Biology (Lab) and a 70 or higher in Geometry. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
Twelfth Grade Electives
Honors Physics (Lab)
This is the next college preparatory course in the science honors program designed to challenge outstanding science students who wish to prepare themselves for college. A strong background in Algebra is required. The course will be a math-intensive introduction to the study of motion, electricity, magnetism, fluid dynamics, sound, light, and quantum physics. The skills required for an understanding of these principles and concepts are developed through laboratory investigations, problem-solving, and other student-centered activities. Students are expected to complete longer and more complex assignments nightly as well as outside of class. Strong organizational skills including time management are required. The prerequisite for this course is a 70 or higher in Honors Chemistry or department head approval. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
College Prep Physics (Lab)
This challenging college preparatory course is designed to prepare students to be successful in college. A strong background in Algebra is required. The course will be a math-intensive introduction to the study of motion, electricity, magnetism, fluid dynamics, sound, and light. The skills required for an understanding of these principles and concepts are developed through laboratory investigations, written lab reports, problem-solving, frequent homework, and other student-centered activities. The prerequisites for this course are grades of 70 or better in Chemistry and Algebra II. Students who have difficulty in this class are encouraged to work after school with the teacher or request further support from the science department head.
This college preparatory course will further develop students’ understanding of environmental issues pertaining to ecological interactions and ecosystem structure. Through a series of outdoor investigations and laboratory exercises, students will become familiar with issues facing the flora and fauna of New England. A variety of environmental topics will be examined including energy systems, air, water, and land pollution, natural resource management, pest control, and land use. Also considered are the economic, political, and sociological factors influencing resource management and environmental policy.
Honors Biotechnology (Lab)
Honors Biotechnology is a laboratory-based course in which students will acquire a basic understanding of the study of biotechnology. The major topics will include an in-depth study of DNA as a diagnostic tool, forensic science, genetic engineering, cloning, and ethical conduct in biotechnology. The zebrafish Danio rerio will be used as a model organism to investigate the influence of the environment on gene expression. The course will delve into synthetic biology which is the engineering of cells in order to produce a useful product such as a drug. The course will also emphasize the basic laboratory skills needed in modern biotechnology laboratories. The prerequisite for this course is a 70 or higher in Honors Chemistry or department head approval.