Science

Welcome to the Science Department at Wakefield High School!

Our department is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and fostering a deep understanding of the natural world. We offer a diverse range of courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, designed to challenge and engage students at all levels.

Our experienced and passionate teachers are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment where students can explore scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and develop critical thinking skills.

Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery and innovation!

The Arlington Public Schools is committed to providing a comprehensive science program. The ideal science curriculum engages all students while providing opportunities for those students demonstrating a heightened science interest and aptitude.

A full range of laboratory science offerings is available to all students. In addition, enhanced science opportunities are provided through an intensified science sequence and advanced placement programs.

It is important to note the math prerequisites at each course level to ensure sequential progress within the intensified science sequence and advanced placement programs.

Note: Courses that have fewer than 15 students may not be offered based on student interest and budget considerations. In some cases, additional budget considerations may require that courses may not be offered in any given year and impacted students should select an alternative course. Additionally, courses with insufficient enrollment may be offered through distance learning or online learning.

Science Courses

Anatomy/Physiology I/II, Dual Enrollment

Full Year (94320W)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points:1.0

Designation: Dual Enrollment

This is an introductory course to human body structure and designed for students interested in the health and medical pathway. This course will examine body structure and function at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels with emphasis on normal anatomy and physiology throughout the course.

Astronomy Laboratory course

Full Year (24700)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Astronomy is an introductory study of the universe, its contents, and physical laws. Content includes solar system physics, celestial navigation, constellation study, and cosmology. Laboratory activities provide exercises in celestial mechanics and observations and predictions of astronomical events.

Biology

Full Year (24310)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This laboratory course covers the development of biological concepts applicable to everyday living. Content includes the use of various methods of science and the study of cells, microbiology, plants, animals, genetics, physiology, and ecology. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work to encourage critical thinking. A variety of supplementary materials are used to stimulate and encourage students of varying abilities.

Biology, AP Laboratory course

Full Year (34370)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points: 1.0 per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34371)

Advanced Placement Biology is a college level biology course which presents students with an in-depth study of all the major areas of biology. The curriculum is based on the topics included in the syllabus provided by the College Board. Through this course students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Biology examination for which college credit may be awarded. Course content reflects the following three major topics: Molecules and Cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. A rigorous laboratory program is based on requirements in the College Board syllabus.

Chemistry, AP Laboratory course

Full Year (34470)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points: +1.0 per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34471)

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college level course designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the major areas of chemistry. The curriculum is based on the topics included in the syllabus provided by the College Board. Emphasis is placed on chemical calculation, mathematical formulation of principles, and laboratory work.

Chemistry Laboratory course

Full Year (24410)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 10,11,12

The primary goal is to give students a broad introduction to the fundamental aspects of chemistry, which could be applied to future studies in chemistry or to daily life. Concepts are reinforced through numerous laboratory activities.

Earth Science Laboratory course

Full Year (24210)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

Earth Science is an introduction to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The course includes the formation of rocks and minerals, landforms and changes, interrelationships of the earth’s interior, surface and land features, a study of the solar system, and cosmic phenomena. Laboratory experiences within these areas of study are provided.

Earth Science, Part I

Full Year (20045)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s):9,10,11,12

This course is a study of the fundamental concepts common to Earth Science to include geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This is the first course of a two-part sequence and will include strategies to help students develop their skill in reading in the content area, study and organization, and interpretation of various forms of data. This course counts as a science credit for students seeking a Modified Standard Diploma. There is no end-of-course SOL examination. This course may also count as a laboratory science credit for the Standard Diploma, with credit accommodations, if followed by Earth Science, Part II, and the Earth Science SOL exam.

Earth Science, Part II

Full Year (20046)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course is a continued study of the fundamental concepts common to Earth Science to include greater depth of study in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This is the second of a two-course sequence and will include strategies to help students continue to develop their skills in reading in the content area, study and organization, and interpretation of various forms of data. There is an end-of-course SOL Examination Students who complete this course and pass the Earth Science end-of-course SOL Examination will earn one verified science credit.

Ecology

Full Year (24365)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 10,11,12

This course is designated to build on biological concepts that focus on the relationship and interactions between organisms and their environment. Topics include the flow of matter and energy in biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, geochemical processes (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen cycles), chemical and biochemical processes essential for life, water on life processes, and processes and interactions of Earth systems.

ELD Environmental Science

Full Year (24362)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11

The course is designed to be an introduction to the important ideas of environmental science. Topics will be addressed on a conceptual level and will include scientific inquiry, the physical world, the living environment, resource conservation, and legal and civic responsibility. Laboratory and field experiences are an important component of this course and are designed to stimulate critical thinking as well as reinforce and expand content.

ELD Principles of Physics Laboratory course

Full Year (24501)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

The course is designed to be an introduction to the important ideas in physics. Topics will be addressed on a conceptual level. Emphasis will be placed on motion, forces, momentum, energy, heat, light, electricity, and magnetism.

Environmental Science

Full Year (24361)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This is an interdisciplinary course, with a focus on the environment and humans’ impact on our planet. Topics include scientific inquiry, the physical world, the living environment, resource conservation, and legal and civic responsibility. Laboratory and field experiences are an important component of this course and are designed to stimulate critical thinking as well as reinforce and expand content.

Environmental Science, AP

Full Year (34270)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s):11,12

Quality Points: 1.0 per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34271)

Designation: AP

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a college level course designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Intensified Biology Laboratory course

Full Year (24315)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9

This course aims to prepare students for college-level work in biology. Topics covered include molecular biology, cytology, genetics, cell physiology, ecology, and a survey of the biological kingdoms. Extensive laboratory technique, experimentation, and analysis are emphasized. In addition, students will complete an independent experimental or engineering design project.

Intensified Chemistry Laboratory course

Full Year (24415)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 10,11

This course aims to prepare students for college-level work in chemistry. The course provides a thorough introduction to the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules and the principles governing chemical reactions. Laboratory work, stressing analysis of quantitative data, is emphasized. In addition, students will complete an independent experimental or engineering design project.

Intensified Earth Science Laboratory course

Full Year (24215)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 9,10,11,12

This course aims to prepare students for college-level work in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The course includes the formation of rocks and minerals; landforms and changes; interrelationships of the earth’s interior, surface, and land features; a study of the solar system; and the life and death of stars. Laboratory techniques, experimentation, and analysis are emphasized. In addition, students will complete an independent experimental or engineering design project.

Intensified Physics Laboratory course

Full Year (24515)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

This course aims to prepare students for college-level work in physics. Intensified Physics is a thorough and rigorous introduction to classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, light, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics on the high school level. The course emphasizes the development of mathematical and other problemsolving skills. Laboratory work involving quantitative data collection and analysis will be stressed. In addition, students will complete an independent experimental or engineering design project.

Physics C: Mechanics & Electricity & Magnetism, AP Laboratory course

Full Year (34570)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 12

Quality Points: 1.0 quality point per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34571)

The curriculum is based on the topics included in the syllabus provided by the College Board. Physics C, AP represents the first part of a university- level sequence in physics. Calculus is used to derive physical principles and to solve problems. A rigorous laboratory program is conducted that complements the advanced placement syllabus. The first semester is an in-depth study of Newtonian Mechanics, and the second semester is concerned entirely with Electricity and Magnetism.

Physics I, AP Laboratory course

Full Year (34578)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Quality Points: 1.0 quality point per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34568)

The curriculum is based on the topics included in the syllabus provided by the College Board. This is an algebra-based physics course that is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves; and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

Physics II, AP Laboratory course

Full Year (34579)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s):11,12

Quality Points: 1.0 quality point per credit upon completion of both credits and AP exam, double periods, concurrent enrollment with (34569)

The curriculum is based on the topics included in the syllabus provided by the College Board. This is an algebra-based physics course that is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics.

Physics Laboratory course

Full Year (24510)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 10,11,12

The primary goal of the course is to give a broad introduction to the fundamental topics/ideas in physics. Emphasis will be placed on the use of mathematical skills in solving problems involving motion, forces, momentum, energy, heat, light, electricity, and magnetism.

Principles of Physics Laboratory course

Full Year (24500)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 10,11,12

The course is designed to be an introduction to the important ideas in physics. Topics will be addressed on a conceptual level. The first semester emphasizes the study of motion and forces. The second semester emphasizes the study of light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics.

Remedial Independent Self-Paced Education (RISE) Biology

Semester (20205)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Elective Credits: 0.5

ElectiveGrade(s): 11,12

Students study/do remedial work in the academic areas in which they have passed the class but failed the SOL assessment, using instructional software and/or on-line programs. Although teacher assisted, most of the student work will be completed on an independent study basis.

Remedial Independent Self-Paced Education (RISE) Earth Science

Semester (20206)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Elective Credits: 0.5

Elective Grade(s): 11,12

Selected Topics in Biology

Full Year, double periods (34371)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Laboratory experience is an essential element of the course. The recommended biology laboratory topics include diffusion and osmosis, enzyme catalysis, mitosis and meiosis, plant pigments and photosynthesis, cell respiration, molecular biology, genetics of organisms, population genetics and evolution, transpiration, physiology of the circulatory system, animal behavior, dissolved oxygen and aquatic primary productivity.

Selected Topics in Chemistry

Full Year, double periods (34471)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

The focus of the Selected Topics class will be lab work that allows the students to gain experience with traditional laboratory exercises and to have opportunities to design and carry out their own investigations. Topics of study include, but are not limited to, atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics.

Selected Topics in Environmental Science, AP

Full year, double period (34271)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Designation: AP

These topics will provide students with the opportunity to conduct extensive laboratory investigations in several areas on environmental science. Field experiences combined with laboratory research will allow the students to learn about the environment through firsthand observations. Interdependence of earth systems, population dynamics, and renewable/nonrenewable resources will be covered the first semester. Environmental quality, global change, and environment and society will be covered the second semester.

Selected Topics in Physics C

Full Year, double periods (34571)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 12

Selected Topics in Physics provides students the opportunity to extend laboratory experiences in mechanics and electricity and magnetism. In addition, students can study other areas of physics. These topics emphasize laboratory explorations, critical thinking, and represent the opportunity to engage in independent research. Topics include, but are not limited to, relativity, waves, alternating current circuits, and energy conversions.

Selected Topics in Physics I, AP

Full Year, double periods (34568)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Designation: AP

The predominant focus of the Selected Topics class will be in-depth lab work that focuses on real-life application challenges. Topics of study will complement the material taught in Physics I, AP.

Selected Topics in Physics II, AP

Full Year, double periods (34569)

Level: High School

Content Area: Science

Credits: 1.0

Grade(s): 11,12

Designation: AP

The predominant focus of the Selected Topics class will be in-depth lab work that focuses on real-life application challenges. Topics of study will complement the material taught in Physics II, AP.