Physical Science Courses

CHEMISTRY - TECHNICAL PREP Recommended year: 11-12 Full year; 1 credit (Physical Science) MLR: E,H,I,J,K,L,M This is a rigorous class designed for students who are planning to attend a 2 year college, or for those students who are interested in the sciences. The first semester focuses on basic chemical principles, such as the classification of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. Topics covered also include atomic structure, trends in reactivity, reactions of acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry. The second semester focuses on practical applications of these concepts. Units covered include the chemistry of household items (plastics, detergents, carbonated beverages), pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, and batteries.

CHEMISTRY - COLLEGE PREP Recommended year: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I Full year; I (Physical Science) MLR: E,H,I,J,K,L,M This is a course which is designed to meet the needs of a college-bound student not planning to specialize in a science related field. Lab activities stress the development of technical skills and use the scientific method. Course requirements include problem assignments, lab reports and an individual research project. Topics covered include matter, energy, atomic structure, periodicity, phases of matter, chemical change, acids and bases, solutions, gas laws and electrochemistry.

CHEMISTRY - HONORS Recommended year: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology College Prep or Honors Full year; 1 & 1/2 credits (Physical Science) MLR: E, H, I, I, K, L, M This class which emphasizes deductive reasoning and the scientific method is designed for the student planning to go into a science related field. Well-developed math skills are essential for success in this lab-oriented course. Topics covered include atomic structure, molecular geometry, chemical bonding, periodicity, kinetics, equilibrium, gas laws, acids and bases, solutions, kinetic theory and electrochemistry. An individual science research paper is required for course credit.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - CORE Recommended year: 11-12 Prerequisite: Earth Science Core and Biology Full year; 1 credit (Physical Science) MLR: E, H, I, I, K, L, M This course is designed to help those non-college preparatory students meet the Maine Learning Results. Topics covered include basic chemistry and basic physics. A hands-on approach will be used in the classroom and lab. Also, a safety contract will be required for all students participating in this class. A notebook is required as labs will be recorded weekly. This course fulfills the physical science requirement for graduation.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - COLLEGE PREP Recommended year: 11 Prerequisite: Environmental Science CP and CP Biology Full year; 1 credit (Physical Science) MLR: E, H, I, J, K, L, M This course is designed for college preparatory students who do not plan on a career in a science-related field. It is designed to meet the Maine Learning Results in chemistry and physics. Topics covered will survey the basics of both science disciplines. It will fulfill the physical science requirement for graduation.

PHYSICS - TECHNICAL PREP Recommended year: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I or Tech Prep Math I and II Full year; 1 credit (Physical Science) MLR: H, I, J, K, L, M This course is designed to prepare students for technical careers. The complexity and rapid change of modern technology requires training that is applicable to more than a single job. Technicians must understand the mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal principles on which modern equipment operates. As time permits additional topics may include momentum, transducers, waves and vibrations, radiation, optics, light, energy converters and time constraints.

PHYSICS - COLLEGE PREP Recommended year: 12 Prerequisite: Algebra I Full year; 1 credits (Physical Science) MLR: G, H, I, J, K, L, M This is a college preparatory course which is intended for the students who, although not majoring in a Physics area field, may be required to have a background in that area. Units studied include kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, heat, wave motion, optics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear energy. Requirements include writing lab reports and keeping a notebook of questions and problems. An individual research paper or science fair project is required.

PHYSICS - HONORS Recommended year: 12 Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry College Prep or Honors Full year; 1 & 1 /2 credits (Physical Science) MLR: G,H,I,J,K,L,M This course is designed for students who plan to major in college in a technical area, such as physics, engineering, or medicine. Highly developed mathematical and reasoning skills are a must. Units provided will be kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion, optics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear energy. Requirements include writing lab reports, and keeping a notebook of questions and problems. An individual research paper or science fair project is required. Students may elect to take the AP exam offered in the spring.