SCIENCE RESEARCH PROJECTS

  One of the goals of our science curriculum is to lead students to an understanding of the scientific method of investigation.  While the concept of the scientific method is addressed in many of our science courses, students best come to understand science research when they design and conduct experiments as they test hypotheses. With an experimental research project, critical and creative thinking skills are strengthened.

            I.   Honors Level Courses

1.  Students must conduct an experimental project that meets with teacher approval and write a report on their research. 

            2.  Students in all honors science classes are encouraged to participate in the High School Science Fair but participation is not mandatory.

            II.   All Other Courses

            1.  Students will design and conduct scientific investigations.  Within individual courses, teachers will select the particular methods and/or settings for such investigations.

2.  Students in all academic science courses are encouraged to participate in the High School Science Fair, but participation is not mandatory.

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

Taunton High School, Bristol Community College and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth are offering a career path into the field of Medical Laboratory Science.  Students who enroll in this program will participate in a program that links high school classes with university experiences.  Students will visit medical laboratory facilities, attend summer workshops and enroll in free college courses at BCC.  Graduates of this competitive medical laboratory science program at UMD go on to careers in research, medicine and the health care field.

Eligible Students:

•     Have completed their freshman year and are interested in the health care professions

•     Are registered Tech Prep students at Taunton High School

•     Maintain a B average

•     Have enrolled in or have completed Biology Academic.

•     Have completed Algebra and enrolled in Geometry

ATTENTION MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2009 AND 2010

Biology I Honors, Chemistry Connections, and Chemistry I Honors are linked as a two year commitment for students.  Students, who do not fulfill the requirements for Chemistry I Honors, must take Physical Science Academic in their sophomore year.  They will be eligible to take Chemistry I during their junior year following successful completion of courses in physical science and biology.

713/714 Biology I Honors/Chemistry Connections            7.5 Credits

Guidelines for Parental Consideration:  A grade of B+ or better in eighth grade honors science program and/or enrollment in Honors Geometry.

In Biology I Honors students study cell biology, introductory biochemistry, molecular and classical genetics, evolution and ecology.  Laboratory activities are an integral part of the program.  Students will also design and conduct scientific investigations. An experimental research project is required. Refer to "Science Research Projects" on page 22.

Chemistry Connections is a nine week course that provides an introduction to selected chemistry topics and lab experiences. It establishes a foundation in chemistry that will be used the following year when students study chemistry as sophomores and begins to prepare students for the 10^th grade MCAS Chemistry test. Through classroom activities and lab investigations, critical thinking skills and laboratory design are emphasized. Students participate in the Introduction to Technology course during the alternate nine week term.

728      Chemistry I Honors                                                  5 Credits

Prerequisite:  A grade of C+ or better in Honors Biology or recommendation by an academic science teacher. A grade of B or better in Geometry.

  In this program emphasis is placed on experimentation and observation as the basis for developing chemical principles.  More responsibility is placed on the individual student than in Chemistry I Academic.  Chemical calculations utilizing previously learned math skills are an integral part of the course.  An experimental research project is required.  Refer to "Science Research Projects" on page 22.

715/716 Physical Science Standard/Biology Connections            7.5 Credits

Physical Science Standard is designed to provide the student with the basics in chemistry and physics.  It will provide each student with the content fundamental to each of these sciences within the context of their everyday world.  Hands on activities will prepare the student for any future science course of study.

  Biology Connections provides an introduction to biology by focusing on cell biology, ecology, biodiversity, and taxonomy.  Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program. This course begins to prepare students for the 10^th grade MCAS Biology test. Students participate in Keyboarding during the alternate nine week term.

718/716 Physical Science Academic/Biology Connections            7.5 Credits

Guidelines for Parental Consideration:  A grade of C+ or better in math and science in eighth grade.

  Physical Science Academic is designed to provide the student with the basics in chemistry and physics.  It will provide each student with the content fundamental to each of these sciences within the context of their everyday world.  Hands on activities prepare the student for future science courses.

  Biology Connections provides an introduction to biology by focusing on cell biology, ecology, biodiversity, and taxonomy.  Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program. This course begins to prepare students for the 10^th grade MCAS Biology test. Students participate in Keyboarding during the alternate nine week term.

723      Biology Academic                              5 Credits

Prerequisite:   A grade of C or better in Phys Sci Ac or referral by Phys Sci St teacher.

In this course, students study cell biology, introductory biochemistry, molecular and classical genetics. Laboratory activities are an integral part of the program.  Students will also design and conduct scientific investigations.  A library research project that meets with the teacher's approval is required.

724      Biology Standard                                5 Credits

Prerequisite:  A passing grade in Physical Science

This course is a traditional first-year biology program incorporating the study of cell biology, introductory biochemistry, molecular and classical genetics.  Laboratory activities are an integral part of the program.  Students will also design and conduct scientific investigations.

726      Applied Biology and Chemistry                             5 Credits

Prerequisite:  Academic Biology & Chemistry

This course is designed for Tech Prep students who are participating in the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Taunton High School.  The program will present science concepts in the context of major life issues surrounding work, home, society and the environment.  The units addressed are: Animal Life Processes, microorganisms, disease and wellness, nutrition, and water. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course.

734      Human Anatomy and Physiology                             5 Credits

Prerequisite:  A grade of C or better in both Biology and Chemistry

Human Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced biology course designed to familiarize the student with the concept of body structure, function and disease, as well as to stimulate interest in medicine and the allied health professions.  The course incorporates many modes of learning, such as class discussions, research work, group projects and independent study.

735      Chemistry I Academic                              5 Credits

Prerequisite:  One year of algebra and two high school science courses with grades of C or better OR recommendation of Honors Biology instructor.

Chemistry I is a college preparatory course designed for the academic student.  It provides the basic facts and concepts of chemistry using traditional approaches.   Its laboratory program supplements lessons taught in class.  It will provide the necessary background for Chemistry II.

738      Advanced Placement Chemistry                             10 Credits

Prerequisite:  Algebra III Honors previously taken or taken concurrently, the recommendation of a Chemistry instructor and the Science supervisor.

In this second year of chemistry, students study new topics not covered in the first year of chemistry and investigate, in greater depth, topics introduced in their first chemistry course.  It is a rigorous program, incorporating laboratory investigations and independent work.  An experimental research project is required.  Refer to "Science Research Projects" on page 22. Students enrolled in this class are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam that is administered in May.

739 /749   Principles of Technology I/II                             5 Credits

Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Tech Prep Program and Algebra

Principles of Technology is designed as a two year program.  It concentrates on the basic concepts in physics as they apply to mechanical, fluids, electrical and thermal energy systems.  It is an intermediate level high school laboratory science course in applied physics for technical bound students or engineers in the eleventh and twelfth grade.  This course prepares students to enter a post secondary training program that leads to successful employment.

743      Advanced Placement Biology                10 Credits

Prerequisite:  Chemistry I and recommendation of biology instructor and Science supervisor. 

In this second year of biology, students study new topics not covered in the first year of biology and investigate, in greater depth, topics introduced in their first biology course.  It is a rigorous program, incorporating laboratory investigations and independent work.  An experimental research project is required.  Refer to "Science Research Projects" on page 22. Students enrolled in this class are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam that is administered in May.

745      Physics Academic                              5 Credits

Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Honors Algebra III, Advanced Algebra, or College Algebra and a passing grade in Chemistry.

This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to physics at the beginning college level for students of science.  Primary emphasis is placed on physical principles, the development of problem solving skills and the ability to analyze results.

746      Honors Physics                                  5 Credits

Prerequisite:  Enrollment in Calculus, Honors Algebra III, or a B in Advanced Algebra and recommendation of Chemistry instructor and the Science supervisor.

This course is intended to provide a broad introduction to physics at the college level for students in science.  Primary emphasis is placed on physical principles, the development of problem-solving and the ability to analyze results.  The laboratory program is an integral part of the physics curriculum.   Students use laboratory experiences to reinforce physics principles.  An experimental research project is required. Refer to "Science Research Projects" on page 22.

748      Chemistry II Academic                              5 Credits

Prerequisite:  A grade of C or better in Chemistry I and Algebra II

This course is designed for the student who intends to pursue a career in science, engineering, or a health related field.  Concepts previously discussed in the first year of chemistry are discussed in greater detail - on a college level and new concepts are introduced.  Since a strong chemistry background is essential for many health careers, students interested in nursing, physical therapy and respiratory therapy are strongly urged to enroll in this course.

Students must successfully complete ninth & tenth grade science courses in order to select from the following electives.

771      Human Body                                                            5 Credits

This course will survey the systems of the human body and address human health issues as they apply to each system. 

772      Environmental Science                                            5 Credits

In this course, students will be introduced to major ecological concepts and the environmental problems that affect the world in which they live.  Students will learn about technological developments that have created environmental problems as well as technology that is helping to solve them.  Local environmental resources are utilized to illustrate and strengthen concepts. 

776      Current Issues                                                         5 Credits

Topics of science and technology that are in the news of the day will be addressed in this course.  Students will be required to read a number of news and magazine articles about current issues in science and analyze their bias and factual basis.  The importance of scientific and technological literacy in our everyday life will be emphasized.  Library research will be an important component of this course.  Topics may change from year to year.

777      Astronomy                                                               5 Credits

This course is a basic introduction to the study of astronomy.  It will develop the student's understanding of the mechanics and diversity of the Universe.  Beginning with the Earth and solar system, topics covered will include: the history of modern astronomy, astronomical instruments, planetary formation, galaxies, black holes, motions of the Solar System, and the cultural impact of constellations.  The question, "Are we alone?" will also be considered.  Evening observation sessions will be held on campus.