Science

The Science department at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School is committed to the academic success of all students. The Science faculty is committed to helping students develop critical thinking and next generation science skills.

Science Sequence

At the current time, Madison Park follows a traditional Science sequence:

  • Grade 9  Physics
  • Grade 10 Biology
  • Grade 11 Chemistry, Advanced Topics in Science (MCAS Prep)
  • Grade 12  Anatomy & Physiology, Engineering, AP Physics and Environmental Science

GRADE 9

Course Overview

Physics

Physics is the study of how objects of all kinds work and interact.   Those objects could be people, baseballs, cars, rocket ships or planets, just to name a few.  You will learn about the physics that explains many things we encounter everyday. Physics connects to every vocation you will explore at Madison Park. You will also examine how physics allows you to play sports, heat your home and talk on your cell phone.

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Physics MCAS

GRADE 10

Biology

Course Overview

Biology is the study of life. In this course we will be studying what different kinds of life exist, what living things are made of and how living things interact.  Our learning will center around the following units:

  • Being a Scientist (how scientists “do science”)
  • Evolution (how living things change over time)
  • Homeostasis (how living things stay in balance)
  • Energy, Matter and Organization (how living things get and use energy)
  • Continuity, Reproduction and Inheritance (how information is passed from parents to children)

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Chapter 1 Test – The Human Animal
  • Chapter 2 Test – Evolution
  • Chapter 3 Test – Taxonomy and the Six Kingdoms of Life
  • Chapter 4 Test – Cells, Tonicity and The Circulatory System
  • Chapter 5 Test – Homeostasis in the Human Body
  • Chapter 6 Test – The Immune System
  • Chapter 7 Test – The Chemistry of Life and Digestion
  • Chapter 8 Test – Cellular Energetics
  • Chapter 9 Test – Ecology and Interdependence
  • Chapter 10 Test – Human Reproduction
  • Chapter 11 Test – Mendelian Genetics
  • Chapter 12 Test – Molecular Genetics
  • Final Exam
  • Biology MCAS (if physics was not passed)

GRADE 11

Chemistry

Course Overview

In this course, students will be introduced to matter, defining the variety of materials of the physical world around us, and the concepts and interrelated laws of chemistry. The course will address state curriculum frameworks, with an additional emphasis on exploring topics in greater depth in order to prepare students for their respective vocations and for college level chemistry courses in the future.

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Unit tests and Quizzes using Illuminate

Advanced Topics in Science

Course Overview:

This course is designed to review and reinforce the topics covered in Biology. The first half of this course we will study the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution and ecology to prepare for the February Biology MCAS. The second half of the course will focus on advanced topics in science. Topics covered include the immune system, bioethics, diversity of life, current issues in science and an introduction to chemistry. In each unit we will plan and carry out experiments, write about our findings, and have scientific discussions.  You will keep a scientific notebook to record your learning.

Course Objectives:

  • Review the Chemistry of Life
  • Review Cell Biology
  • Review Mendelian and Molecular Genetics
  • Review the structure and function of the human body systems
  • Review the theory of evolution
  • Review the principles of ecology

Course Assessments:

  • Chemistry of Life Unit Test
  • Cell Biology Unit Test
  • Genetics Unit Test
  • Anatomy and Physiology Unit Test
  • Evolution Unit Test
  • Ecology Unit Test
  • The Immune System Test
  • Diversity of Life Test
  • Final Exam
  • Biology MCAS (February)

GRADE 12

Anatomy and Physiology

Course Overview

Anatomy and physiology is a course that involves the structure and function of the human body, and how the different body systems relate to one another in organization, adaptation, and homeostasis.  This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, dissections, models, diagrams, and clinical studies.  The material learned in this course can be applied to medical field careers, health and fitness careers, and biological research careers.

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Unit tests and Quizzes using Illuminate

Engineering

Course Overview

Principles of Engineering will introduce students into this science based class of math and technology. This science elective course will explore will explore the vital skills of teamwork, decision making, troubleshooting, problem solving, independent research, and career exploration. Students will learn engineering concepts and apply them to real-life projects through a series of hands-on, project-based experiences.

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Unit tests and Quizzes using Illuminate

AP Physics

Course overview

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course in conjunction with Boston University. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound.”

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course assessments:

-EDX platform is used for this course all assessments are done after each unit

-student will sit for AP physics exam

Environmental Science

Course Overview

This course surveys key topic areas including ecology, energy flow, ecological structures, earth systems, and atmospheric, land, and water science. Topics also include the management of natural resources and analysis of private and governmental decisions involving the environment. Students explore case studies and conduct hands-on, research activities, learning that political and private decisions about the environment and the use of resources require accurate data collection and responsible conclusions.

Course Objectives

In each unit students will utilize the next generation science standards by….

  • Asking questions
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Developing and using models
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing explanations
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Course Assessments

  • Unit tests and Quizzes using Illuminate