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Grade 9 Science Courses
Grade 10, 11, & 12 Science Courses The mission of the Ludlow High School Science Department is to provide quality and varied educational opportunities that support all students in realizing their fullest potential by wrestling with contradictions, puzzling through paradoxes, evaluating evidence and searching for connections. The Science Department at Ludlow High School offers a variety of courses in the natural sciences. Within the areas of biology and chemistry, courses are offered with at least two levels of difficulty. Graduation requirements mandate ten credits in science, five that must be in biology. However, college-bound students are advised to follow a sequence of courses that include chemistry, biology, and physics. HONORS BIOLOGY - Level: Honors
Honors Biology is an extensive study of biological principles through a molecular and cellular examination of life processes. Emphasis is placed on the genetic continuity that exists in the evolution and development of life forms. This course involves an inquiry approach to the study of biology with integrated laboratory work. Honors Biology serves as a preparation for advanced courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology. This is a lab science course. PHYSICAL SCIENCE - Level: Standard (CP)
Physical Science provides a background in science that prepares students for later laboratory courses in science (biology, chemistry, and physics). This course also gives students an appreciation of scientific activity. In accordance with the Massachusetts State Frameworks Curriculum Guide in Science and Technology, Physical Science will coordinate the content strand's traditional domains of life science, physical science and earth and space science in the daily instructional environment while incorporating the cross-domain integration of learning standards in the inquiry, technology, and technology and human affair strands. The cross-domain integration will take place in the form of individual and cooperative group learning projects. This is NOT a lab science course. PHYSICAL SCIENCE -Level: Essentials (CP)
Physical Science provides a background in science that prepares students for later laboratory courses in science (biology, chemistry, and physics). This course also gives students an appreciation of scientific activity. In accordance with the Massachusetts State Frameworks Curriculum Guide in Science and Technology, Physical Science will coordinate the content strand's traditional domains of life science, physical science and earth and space science in the daily instructional environment while incorporating the cross-domain integration of learning standards in the inquiry, technology, and technology and human affair strands. The cross-domain integration will take place in the form of individual and cooperative group- learning projects. This is NOT a lab science course.
Student's participation includes, critical-thinking and problem-solving in each area. Activities encompass mini-labs, full-laboratory investigation and experimentation, concept-mapping, relating curriculum to other scientific disciplines and technology, short- and long-term independent study projects, and student testing and assessment. Physical science provides a background in science that prepares students for later laboratory courses in science (biology, chemistry and physics). This course also gives students an appreciation of scientific activity. In accordance with the Massachusetts State Frameworks Curriculum Guide in Science and Technology, Physical Science will coordinate the content strand's traditional domains of life science physical science and earth and space science in the daily instructional environment while incorporating the cross-domain integration of learning standards in the inquiry, technology, and technology and human affair strands. The cross-domain integration will take place in the form of individual and cooperative-learning projects. Concepts are presented at a pace and level appropriate for students with learning disabilities enrolled in the program. This is NOT a lab science course. AP/HONORS BIOLOGY - Level: Advanced Placement
This course is taught according to the Advanced Placement outline in biology. Students desiring to take this course should make a commitment to take the Advanced Placement examination in biology in spring of the year immediately following the completion of the course. The course is designed to give interested students an awareness and appreciation of college-level biology. It is built upon the fundamental principles, ideas, and skills developed in the introductory biology course. The syllabus stresses such topics as ecology, evolution, chemical and physical laws as they apply to living organisms, biochemistry, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, genetics, and cytology. There will be extensive reading and research projects. The course is intensive and demanding but should prove stimulating and fruitful for those who found their regular biology course interesting and rewarding. Advanced placement credit and weight will be awarded for this course only if the student takes the May advanced placement exam. Honors credit and weight will be awarded for this course if the student does not take the May advanced placement exam. This is a lab science course. BIOLOGY 1 - Level: Standard (CP)
This course utilizes a systems approach to develop an understanding of cell structure and function and stresses basic processes common to all living things. Students will be required to engage in a more advanced look into systems of both plant and animal organisms. Other topics covered are genetics, ecology, and evolution. Students enrolled in this course are provided with the necessary background for Advanced Placement Biology. This is a lab science course. ESSENTIALS OF BIOLOGY Level: Essentials (CP)
This course utilizes the applied-learning approach to the study of cell structure and function and stresses basic processes common to all living things. Students will be required to look into the biochemical relationships of both plant and animal organisms. This is a lab science course.
This course provides a broad survey of biological science with a focus on key concepts. Use of the textbook is supplemented by a hands-on laboratory approach utilizing experiments, work books, media software, demonstrations, etc., that will allow students to obtain a basic and practical knowledge of biology. Concepts are presented at a pace and level appropriate for students with learning disabilities enrolled in the program. This is a lab science course. AP/HONORS CHEMISTRY - Level: Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement Chemistry is intended for students who desire to elect a high school chemistry course equivalent to an introductory college course. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the national Advanced Placement examination, where college credit can be obtained depending on how they score on the examination. Also, this course presents a more in-depth understanding of the chemical facts and principles introduced in general chemistry. Greater emphasis is placed on analysis of data, problem-solving, and working independently in the laboratory. SUMMER ASSIGNMENT IS REQUIRED. Advanced placement credit and weight will be awarded for this course only if the student takes the May advanced placement exam. Honors credit and weight will be awarded for this course if the student does not take the May advanced placement exam. HONORS CHEMISTRY - Level: Honors
This course is designed to be a more intensive chemistry course for college-preparatory students. Included in the content of the course are topics such as introduction to chemistry, atomic theory and mole concept, kinetic theory, atomic structure and chemical bonding, principles of chemical reactions, molecular structure, and applications of principles to descriptive chemistry. These topics are treated both qualitatively and quantitatively through lectures, labs, problem-solving, and media materials. The laboratory work is designed to provide an element of discovery of many principles that are subsequently used in class. The class work emphasizes problem-solving in the chemical field thus demanding a sound foundation in mathematics. This program should be selected by students planning to further their education in the fields of engineering, mathematics, medicine, or the sciences. This is a lab science course. GENERAL CHEMISTRY Level: Standard (CP)
General Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of students who explore majors with more intensive science requirements than conceptual chemistry. This course is designed for students who may wish to be science majors in college. This course introduces students to some basic chemistry concepts such as formulas, equations, moles, stoichiometry, atomic structure, solutions, acid-base theory, ionic-covalent bonding, and periodicity of elements. The course involves laboratory work and utilizes a variety of teaching techniques with emphasis on opportunities for a successful learning experience. This is a lab science course. CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY Level: Standard (CP)
Conceptual Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of students who explore majors with less intensive science requirements. This course is not designed for students wishing to be science majors in college. This course introduces students to some basic chemistry concepts such as formulas, equations, moles, stoichiometry, atomic structure, solutions, acid-base theory, ionic-covalent bonding, and periodicity of elements. The course involves laboratory work and utilizes a variety of teaching techniques with emphasis on opportunities for a successful learning experience. This course spends more time on and offers more support for the mathematical requirements inherent in the study of chemistry than does the general chemistry course. This is a lab science course.
This course is geared toward college-preparatory students with strong math and science backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in science, engineering, and medicine. The topics covered are forces and energy with an in-depth treatment of velocity, acceleration, and forces in equilibrium. The course syllabus also includes a quantitative and descriptive study of heat, light, mechanics, and electricity. This is a lab science course. HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - Level: Honors
Honors Anatomy and Physiology is designed to cover the structural and functional relationships of the human body as they pertain to organization, adaptation, and homeostasis. The primary scope of this subject is to prepare the student for further studies in the biological sciences, i.e., paramedical arts, nursing, physiotherapy, medical, dental, and laboratory assistants and technologists. This is a lab science course. ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Level: Standard (CP)
Anatomy and Physiology is designed to cover the structural and functional relationships of the human body as they pertain to organization, adaptation and homeostasis. The primary scope of this subject is to prepare the student for further studies in the biological sciences. This is a lab science course. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Level: Essentials (CP)
This course will focus on the importance of understanding science in order to make good decisions about the environment. Topics covered will include Ecosystems, Renewable Resources, The Human Population, Energy, Pollution and Prevention, and Moving Toward a Suitable Future. Critical thinking skills and interactive activities will be used throughout the class. This is NOT a lab science course.
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