Science (STEM)

BIOLOGY - S1 & S2                                         Weight 1.00                              (7321A & 7321B)

            HONORS                                              Weight 1.05                              (7421A & 7421B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each           

Biology is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  The course is designed to meet the scientific needs of the 21^st century student.  The Biology course includes a depth of curriculum and laboratory experience needed for study beyond high school.  It is recommended that students are fluent in graphing, data analysis, and laboratory reporting skills.  Prior successful completion of Earth and Space Science is strongly suggested.  Honors level students must have successfully completed Earth and Space Science-Honors or have earned a grade of 85 or better in Earth and Space Science.  Students selecting this course should understand that the workload is substantially more demanding than the college level course.  Greater emphasis is placed on student-centered activities, research, and independent exploration of course topics.  Students will assume a greater degree of responsibility for learning through independent work, critical thinking, and completion of out-of-class assignments.  At all levels of Biology, concepts include scientific methods and processes, cell anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.  Students taking this course will be required to complete and present a final research project.

BIOLOGY – ECE - S1 & S2                                                                               (7521EA & 7521EB)

University of Connecticut Early College Experience*

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.  Prior successful completion of Biology-College or Honors and Chemistry-College or Honors is required per UCONN policy.  The course will follow the syllabus of the University of Connecticut Biology 1107 course.  Course topics include an in-depth study of biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and animal structure and function.  The curriculum includes extensive lab work, which supplements class discussions and lectures.  Students are expected to do independent work outside of the classroom, as this course awards college credit.  HuskyCT (Blackboard Learn) online will be used to facilitate discussions outside of the classroom.

Biology ECE will have summer work that will need to be completed prior to the start of the class.

*The ECE Biology course is the BIO 1107 course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 4 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE - S1 & S2         Weight 1.00                              (7311A & 7311B)

            HONORS                                                Weight 1.05                              (7411A & 7411B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each

This course is open to grades 10, 11, and 12 students.  The course is designed to meet the scientific needs of the 21^st century student.  This course covers three main areas of study:  Earth’s Place in the Universe, Earth’s Systems, and Earth and Human Activity.  Students will have exposure to new science skills, processes, and content, as well as be expected to construct models and develop an understanding of human interaction with Earth’s systems.  Students in the honors level will engage in student-centered creative problem-solving activities appropriate for highly capable, high achieving students.

CHEMISTRY - S1 & S2                                     Weight 1.00                              (7331A & 7331B)

            HONORS                                              Weight 1.05                              (7431A & 7431B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each

Chemistry is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 or with special permission of the Science Department Chairperson.  This course is recommended for students who need a third science credit.  The course is designed to meet the scientific needs of the 21^st century student.  Prior successful completion of Algebra I is strongly recommended.  It is expected that students will enter the college level course with the necessary math skills in order to be successful, as these Algebra I skills will be applied frequently.  This course is recommended for students who plan to attend a two- or four-year college.  For honors level, prior completion of Geometry is strongly recommended. It is expected that students will enter the course with the necessary math skills in order to be successful, as  Algebra I and Geometry thinking skills will be applied frequently. The study of the mathematical justifications is approached at a more advanced and detailed level.  Theory and mathematical application are emphasized in areas of heat and energy, atomic theory, and stoichiometry.  At all levels of Chemistry, students are expected to work both independently in the classroom and in groups during laboratory work and discussions.  Topics will include: atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, equilibrium and reaction rates.  The use of critical thinking and problem solving is an integral component of this course.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY - S1 & S2                                            (7531A & 7531B)

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12 who have successfully completed Chemistry and Algebra II.  A grade of 85 or higher in Chemistry is highly recommended.  It is preferred that students have successfully completed the Chemistry-Honors course.  The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed for students intending to major in the sciences in college.  The depth and breadth of this course is similar to that of freshman college chemistry with emphasis on advanced problem solving, critical thinking, inquiry, and experimental design.  Topics for discussion include atomic theory, chemical bonding, gas laws, states of matter, reaction types, acid-base theory, stoichiometry, kinetics, thermodynamics, solutions, oxidation-reduction reactions, and equilibrium. Students are expected take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  A score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement examination in Chemistry will earn 8 credits at the University of Connecticut if/when a student enrolls there.

AP Chemistry will have summer work that will need to be completed prior to the start of the class.

CHEMISTRY - ECE - S1 & S2                                                                                                   (7532EA & 7532EB)

University of Connecticut Early College Experience*

One Semester each                  Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

Prior successful completion of Honors Chemistry and Algebra II with a grade of 85 or higher is required.  This course follows the syllabi of the University of Connecticut Introductory Chemistry courses and is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in chemistry. Atomic theory, physical and chemical behavior, atomic structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibria, enthalpy and entropy are some of the topics that will be covered. Emphasis is given on developing skills in which students can competently and efficiently deal with chemical calculations. Students are expected to be self-motivated in completing readings, practice problems and lab reports outside of class time. 

  *The ECE Chemistry course is the CHEM 1127 course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 4 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

PHYSICS - S1 & S2                                                      Weight 1.00                  (7341A & 7341B)

            HONORS                                                          Weight 1.05                  (7441A & 7441B)

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each

This rigorous course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12.  Prior successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, with a grade of 80 or better in each course, is highly recommended.  If a student does not satisfy these prerequisites, permission of the Physics teacher is required.  These same courses are highly recommended for honors level students except they should achieve a grade of 85 or better in each course.  The honors course is designed for students who plan to further their education in the sciences.  If a student does not satisfy these recommendations, permission of the Physics teacher is required.  Topics for study and laboratory investigation include velocity, acceleration, projectile motion, forces, work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, sound, properties of light, electrostatics, and electromagnetism.  Some selected topics in contemporary physics may also be included.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS - S1 & S2                                                 (7541A & 7541B)

Fall Semester - 2 blocks            Credit 1.0          Weight 1.10

Spring Semester - 1 block          Credit 0.50        Weight 1.10

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12 who have successfully completed the Physics course or with written approval of the Physics teacher.  A grade of 85 or better is recommended.  It is preferred that students have successfully completed the Honors course.  The Advanced Placement Physics course is designed for students intending to major in the sciences in college.  AP Physics is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

AP Physics will have summer work that will need to be completed prior to the start of the class.

Note:  Since this course is algebra-based, some select colleges may not accept this for exemption from their introductory freshman offering.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS- S1 & S2                                                         (7335A & 7335B)

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.05

This honors level course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12 who have successfully completed Biology.  This course is designed for college-bound students who plan to further their studies in the biological sciences.  Topics will include: cells and tissues, biochemistry, and the major body systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive).  Dissections are a substantial lab component to this course.  Highly motivated students with good study habits will find this course challenging.  A research paper is required in this course.  This course meets the STEM requirement for graduation.

ALLIED HEALTH I – ECE - S1 & S2                                                                  (7336EA & 7336EB)

University of Connecticut Early College Experience credit*

One semester each       Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

This course is open to students in Grade 11.  Prior successful completion of Algebra I and Biology is recommended.  An application and interview is required for acceptance into this program.  Applications can be picked up in the Career Center.  Allied Health I is designed for students who are considering a career in one of the Allied Health fields.  As such, it is an introduction to the various career options and basic requirements common to the health care industry. This course will be applied toward the elective Science requirement for graduation.

*The ECE Allied Health I course is the AH 1100 course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully complete both semesters of Allied Health I-ECE and meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 1 college credit from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

ALLIED HEALTH II- S1 & S2                                                                            (7337A & 7337B)

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.05

This course is open to students in Grade 12 who have successfully completed Allied Health I. This course is designed for college-bound students who plan to further their studies in the biological sciences.  Topics will include: cells and tissues, biochemistry, and the major body systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive).  Dissections are a substantial lab component to this course.  Highly motivated students with good study habits will find this course challenging.

MARINE SCIENCE                                                                                            (7338)

One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Prior successful completion of Biology is recommended.  This course is designed for students who wish to further their understanding of oceanography and marine biology.  Topics include the physical properties of seawater, water density, evolution of marine organisms and the ecosystems in which these organisms live.  Dissections are a substantial lab component to this course.  Special emphasis is placed on man’s influence within these marine habitats and possible solutions to current global problems. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE                                                                            (7339)

One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Prior successful completion of Biology is recommended.  This course is designed for students who wish to further their understanding of environmental topics.  Topics will include ecology, environmental pollution, energy sources, natural cycles, and loss of biodiversity.  Global change topics (ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, deforestation, etc.) and problems specific to Vernon will be discussed.  Some knowledge of computers and scientific testing procedures is helpful but not necessary.  One major report will be required. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - ECE                                                                  (7339E)

            University of Connecticut Early College Experience credit*

One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

Prior successful completion of Biology with a grade of 85 or higher is required.  This course follows the syllabus of the University of Connecticut NRE 1000 Environmental Science course.  This course is an introduction to basic concepts and areas of environmental concern and how these problems can be effectively addressed.  Topics include: human population; ecological principles; conservation of biological resources; biodiversity; croplands, rangelands, forestlands, soil and water conservation; pollution and water management; and wildlife and fisheries conservation. 

*The ECE Environmental Science course is the NRE 1000 course offered at the University of Connecticut.  Students who successfully meet the expectations of the Early College Experience requirement will earn 3 college credits from the University of Connecticut.  Students are charged per UCONN credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by UCONN.

ASTRONOMY                                                                                                  (7342)

            One semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 who have successfully completed an Earth Science course.  This course is designed for students who want to further their understanding of our Universe.  Topics will include the history of astronomical studies, our solar system, stars, galaxies, and the Universe.  The possibility of extraterrestrial life will also be a focus in this class.  Students must be prepared for regular homework assignments, projects, research papers, and lab assignments. 

METEOROLOGY                                                                                              (7343)

            One semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12. This course studies the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere and the dynamics of weather.  Students will be exposed to weather forecasting techniques and topics such as severe weather, climate change, weather modeling, and local weather issues.  Students should be prepared for regular homework assignments, lab reports, and graphing of weather data. 

BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL FORENSIC SCIENCE                                       (7423)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.05

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.  Prior successful completion of Biology and Chemistry is recommended.  This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of biological and chemical forensic analysis.  Students will complete challenging coursework in the following topics:  crime scene analysis, collection of evidence, identification and classification of fingerprint evidence, identification and classification of physical evidence, forensic anthropology, and forensic entomology.  Students will learn various detection, collection, and laboratory testing methods that are performed by forensic scientists.  Students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics through written and laboratory assignments.  This class will provide a hands-on approach to learning forensic science and help students develop the tools and techniques needed to interpret data for both chemical and biological analysis of evidence.