Sciences
Science courses at Woodstock Union High School are taught with a vision of fostering
a life-long love of science and an appreciation for the mechanisms that govern
the natural world. An intriguing array of courses are available from the traditional
“core” classes of earth systems science, biology, chemistry and physics to
more specialized classes like astronomy and horticulture.
0210/ ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grade 9 Level III
1 credit
This new course offering in (integrated science) offers students an introduction
to the core subjects of biology, physics, chemistry and earth systems through
the examination of major, relevant themes in science. The course approach combines
questioning, experimentation, observation, data analysis, small and large group
work, and projects. The goal of this course is to build in each student a foundation
in the core subjects, while developing the laboratory, critical thinking, problem-
solving, technology and communication skills necessary to be an engaged citizen
scientist in the 21st century.
0215/ EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE
Grade 10-11 Level III
1 credit
This course is designed to investigate cyclical planetary phenomena through
questioning, experimentation, observation, data analysis and research projects.
Using many of the tools earth scientists use to study the planet, students
will develop an understanding for how earth systems interact in simple and
complex ways to create change over time. By working independently to evaluate
data collected in the classroom and by other scientists, students will construct
conclusions to understand how planetary changes affect everyday life. The
class will use local resources for field trips and incorporate technologies
such as Vernier data collection systems, the Internet, spreadsheets and
graphing software.
0212/ COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY
Grades 10-12 Level III
Course prerequisite: Environmental Science 1 Credit
written approval of the Department Chair.
Students taking College Preparatory Biology will focus their learning on understanding the adaptations and interdependence of organisms in the living world. Using a systems approach, students will research topics, conduct experiments, and read articles concerning ecology, botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and evolution. By using both local and regional resources for field and classroom studies, students will conduct authentic research incorporating many different tools and technologies. Students will be expected to read and interpret current events highlighting scientific discoveries in addition to conducting their own inquiry based experiments. Those enrolling in College Preparatory Biology currently expect to attend a four-year college or university upon graduation.
239/CURRENT TOPICS IN SCIENCE
Grades 10-12 Level III
¼ credit
Current Topics in Science is a reading and discussion based class. Weekly,
students will find and read primary documents about current science research.
Class time will be used for discussion of the research, and supplementing
science background knowledge so students can understand the information.
Topics covered will be selected by students.
0227/ BIOLOGY HONORS
Grade 10-12 Level II
Course prerequisite: Environmental Science 1 Credit
or written approval of the Department Chair.
Biology Honors is a course designed to challenge students to reach a higher level of inquiry based learning and comprehension of major biological concepts. Using a systems approach, students will conduct independent research, present their findings to an audience, design and conduct experiments demonstrating comprehension and analysis of data, as well as read and interpret scientific articles focused on new discoveries and current events. Major areas of concentration include: ecology, botany, microbiology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and evolution. Students will be expected to demonstrate high levels of problem solving and critical thinking skills via reading, writing, and collaborative group experiences throughout the year. This course is intended for students who are likely to pursue science as a course of study beyond high school.
0222/ BIOLOGY II
Grades 11-12 Level II
Course prerequisites: CP Biology or 1 credit
Biology Honors and Algebra 1. Students who have been successful in this
class have achieved a grade of 80 or higher in the course prerequisites.
In this second course of biology, students will focus on the study of
the advanced topics in biology and environmental science. Approximately
50% of the course will devoted to the topics of the biology of natural ecosystems;
the other 50% will focus on cytology, zoology, genetics, evolution, and
human anatomy. Students can expect to work on independent research projects
which culminate in oral presentations to the class and perhaps others. Students
may opt to take the AP Biology exam at the end of this course, though it
is not required.
0267/ CHEMISTRY I
Grades 10-12 Level II
Course prerequisites: 1 credit
Algebra I and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. Students who have
been successful in this class have achieved a grade of 80 or higher in the
course prerequisites.
In this course, students will focus on the study of the natural world
including topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, balancing
chemical equations, acids & bases, redox reactions, energy & entropy,
and chemical bonding. Students will work in cooperative groups, perform
lab experiments, and complete a variety of classroom assignments. It
is expected that students will complete science projects and study scientific
principles through this particular discipline.
0252/ CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY
Grades 10-12 Level III
Course Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I 1 credit
In this course, students will focus on the study of the natural
world including topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table,
acids & bases,
redox reactions, energy & entropy, and chemical bonding, particularly
as they apply to industry, home, and life situations. Students will work
in cooperative groups, perform lab experiments, and complete a variety
of classroom assignments. Students can expect to do lab experiments,
projects, and Participate in outside class experiences. This course is appropriate
for students who are not planning to take a chemistry course in college.
0249/ ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY
Grades 11-12 Level II
Course prerequisite: Chemistry I 1 credit
This course is intended for students who wish to further their study in
chemistry and would like to explore careers in medicine, engineering, biochemistry,
as well as other related fields. Students will explore topics in organic
chemistry, biochemistry, and electrochemistry as they apply to various professional
disciplines. Students will work in cooperative groups, perform lab experiments,
and complete a variety of classroom assignments. Students will also conduct
independent research in areas ranging from engineering and environmental
applications to life sciences. Students can expect to develop their observational
abilities, reading skills, and collaborative abilities.
0248/ PHYSICS
Grades 10-12 Level II
Course prerequisite: Algebra II 1 credit
Students who have been successful in this course have achieved a grade
of 85 or higher in Algebra II.
In this course, students will focus on the study of the natural world
including topics such as Galilean and Newtonian Mechanics, Optics, Electronics,
Energy, Momentum, and Modern Physics. Students will work in cooperative
groups, perform lab experiments, and complete a variety of classroom assignments.
Students can expect to develop their observational abilities, reading skills,
and collaborative abilities. It is expected that students will complete
science projects and study scientific principles through this particular
discipline.
0257/
CONTEMPORARY PHYSICS
Grades 10-12 Level II
Course prerequisite: Physics 1 credit
In this course, students will explore many topics in modern physics while
developing a sensibility for determining the line between “science” and
“pseudo-science.” Students will work in cooperative groups, perform lab
experiments, and complete a variety of classroom assignments. Students can
expect to develop their sense of science, the mathematics of statistics,
and their reading and writing skills. It is expected that students will
complete science projects and present their findings in public forums. Some
projects may qualify for the Vermont State Science Fair.
0245/ HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
Grades 10-12 Level III
Prerequisite: None 1 credit
The information acquired in this course will help students meet the challenges
and opportunities that will be present in the 21st century. Students will
be stimulated both to think independently and to extend their learning beyond
course requirements. The course will give students an overview of more than
50 different areas of study within the horticulture field including plant
science, plant propagation, greenhouse management and crops, integrated
pest management, use of plants in the landscape, soil science, lawn and
turf grass establishment and maintenance, the vegetable garden, the small
fruit garden, and holiday crafts and floral designs. The main text used
is Introductory Horticulture by Reiley and Shry, Jr. Lab work is conducted
in the greenhouses next to the classroom.
0237/ INTRO TO MARINE BIOLOGY AND OCEANOGRPHY
Grades 11-12 Level III
Course prerequisite: Biology. Students 1 credit
who have been successful in this course have achieved a 70 or higher
in the course prerequisite.
The study of Marine Biology utilizes many different science disciplines
to explore a variety of ecosystems. In this course students will study coral
reefs, rocky inter-tidal zones, salt marshes, mangroves, as well as open
ocean and deep ocean communities. The first part of the course will focus
on an overview of the oceans, the topography of the ocean floor, ocean chemistry,
and currents. The second major area of concentration will focus on the study
of characteristic organisms occupying specific habitats throughout diverse
marine environments. The third and final major topic area discussed will
be human interactions and environmentally relevant issues such as climate
change, aquaculture, and tapping natural resources. Students will work in
collaborative groups, perform lab experiments, conduct field research, and
complete a variety of classroom assignments. Field trips and independent
projects will be required as part of the final assessment for each student.
0261/ ASTRONOMY I
Grade 9-12 Level III
Course prerequisites: Environmental Science ½ credit
and Algebra I.
In this course, students will focus on the study of the natural world including
topics such as the cycles of the sky, the solar system, the role of gravity,
and astronomical history. Students will work in cooperative groups, perform
lab experiments with simulation software, and complete a variety of classroom
assignments. Students can expect to develop their observational abilities,
reading and writing skills, and mathematical abilities. It is expected that
students will complete science projects and study scientific principles
through this particular discipline. Some assignments will be based on the
observation of the night sky.
0262/ ASTRONOMY II
Grade 9-12 Level III
Course prerequisites: Astronomy I, ½ credit
In this course, students
will continue to study the natural world including: the life cycle of stars,
the interaction of light and matter, the role of gravity in deep space,
the birth and evolution of the universe, and astronomical history. Students
can expect to develop their observational abilities, reading and writing
skills, and mathematical abilities. It is expected that students will complete
science projects and study scientific principles through this particular
discipline. Some assignments will be based on the observation of the night
sky.
0264/ AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades 9-12 Level I
Course prerequisites: Earth Systems Science, 1 credit
Biology, and Algebra 1.
In Advanced Placement Environmental Science, students will
observe and critically analyze environmental problems in order to understand
the relationships between natural systems on Earth. The structure of
this class will combine intense laboratory work, case studies, readings,
test practice and field trips to cover all topics included in the Environmental
Science AP Examination. Students will build critical thinking and observation
skills, laboratory and presentation techniques and studying/test taking
skills. It is expected that students will attend all classes, complete
all laboratory and field trip work, actively participate in every aspect
of class, and work towards successful completion of the AP exam. Students
in this class should have a keen interest in the thorough examination
of environmental issues, and be prepared to spend time and energy to
aim for success in this class.