Our society is rapidly
becoming more and more technologically advanced. We feel that it is extremely important that
each of us take advantage of every opportunity to become better able to function
successfully in this ever changing world by becoming as ‘scientifically
literate’ as possible.
In keeping with the
Science Department’s Philosophy we strongly encourage all students to review
our science offerings and to choose at least one science course of interest for
each year while at Fort Fairfield Middle/High School.
FRESHMAN SCIENCE 9 Freshman Science is an integrated science course with a strong inquiry based design. Presented in four thematic units, the basic science content involves local and global issues related to sustainability. Each theme covers an array of science concepts in physics, chemistry, biology and earth science.
BIOLOGY 10 This class will
cover the same topics as the Advanced Biology class; however, coverage may be
somewhat less technical at times. This
is classified as a “Lab Science” due to its extended time schedule and
therefore meets the State of
ADVANCED BIOLOGY 10 This class is designed for sophomores
who enjoy science. It will cover
material in more depth than in the General Biology class. As biology is the study of living things, you
can expect that emphasis will be placed on the use of the microscope, cell
theory, ecology, plant and animal structure, function and identification,
animal systems, genetics and photosynthesis/respiration. Library assignments, individual and group
projects, laboratory experiences and various audio-visual presentations on the
part of the instructor can be expected.
A major non-required class trip to
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY 11, 12 Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry Chemistry is designed to provide a course
that will assist a student who wishes to study chemical concepts, terminology,
and problem-solving techniques. It may
be more appropriate for those who intend to further their education after high
school, but who do not necessarily plan on entering a technical field, i.e.,
pre-med, pharmacy, engineering, etc. Topics
to be addressed include the metric system, matter and energy, atomic structure,
the periodic table, formula writing, chemical equations, bonding, the gas laws,
acids and bases, equilibrium, oxidation/reduction reactions, and nuclear
chemistry. This is classified as a “Lab
Science” due to its extended time schedule and therefore meets the State of
CHEMISTRY 11 - 12 Prerequisite: Algebra Chemistry is designed to provide a
course that will assist a student who wishes to study chemical concepts,
terminology, and problem-solving techniques.
It may be more appropriate for those who intend to further their
education after high school, but who do not necessarily enter into a technical
field, i.e., pre–med, pharmacy, engineering, etc. This is classified as a “Lab
Science” due to its extended time schedule and therefore meets the State of
BASIC CHEMISTRY 11 - prerequisites: Freshmen Science and
Biology. A basic understanding in
Algebra is important. This course is
designed to provide the student with the basic concepts, terminology and
problem solving techniques in chemistry.
It will provide the student who does not need the more in-depth
chemistry background for future plans the required credit in chemistry. This is an 80 minute class,
however “hands on” lab exercises will certainly be included.
PHYSICS 12 Pre-requisites: Algebra 1, Geometry,
Advanced Algebra Physics provides the
student with an opportunity to study a small number of basic concepts,
equations, and assumptions that may be used to describe our physical
world. Some physical principles derived
are so versatile that the same ones used to predict the interaction of two
colliding galaxies may also be used to describe the trajectory of a basketball
during a free-throw. Physics is an essential program for the college-bound
student who plans to enter into a technical field of work. Topics covered in this class are: Linear motion, Forces & Newton’s Laws,
Work & Energy, Momentum & Collisions, Gravity, Rotational Equilibrium,
Fluid Mechanics, Heat, Waves and Vibrations, Sound, Light & Reflection,
Electricity & Magnetism, and Nuclear Physics. This is classified as a “Lab Science” due to its
extended time schedule and therefore meets the State of
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 12 Pre-requisites:
Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry or permission from the
instructor. This course is designed to
help the college preparatory student fulfill their science requirement and at
the same time offer them a head start in some of the more difficult life
science courses that they will encounter in college. The major area that we will focus on is the
structure and function of the human body.
We will also do considerable microscope work and animal dissection not
covered in other science courses.
Library research can be expected.
A comprehensive field trip will be taken to either the Caribou or Presque
Isle hospital. Job shadowing for related
careers will be set up whenever possible.
In cases of over enrollment, composite grades in Biology and Chemistry
will be used to determine acceptance into the class. This course is very valuable to anyone
wanting to become much more knowledgeable of the human body. A student contemplating entering pre-medical,
nursing, medical laboratory technology, medical secretary, or any other course
of study in the life science area should enroll in this course.
BOTANY AND HORTICULTURE 11 – 12 If you enjoy working with plants, being in the
outdoors, hard work and getting dirty, you will profit from the knowledge and
work experience of this course. Even
though you may take either semester for ½ credits it is strongly recommended
that you take the full year to get the most from this course. The first semester will focus on the more
technical aspects of plants; their structure and function. It will also include some outdoor activities
like basic pruning, caring for trees, harvesting and an introduction to
landscaping. The spring semester will
focus more on horticultural, using the school’s green house to run a
mini-business, learning to start plants from seed, transplanting, caring for
seedlings, and learning about planting mediums.
Maintenance of these plants and floral design will be incorporated
also. You must have taken freshman science
and biology to enroll.
PRINCIPLES OF TECHNOLOGY (Applied Physics) 11, 12
Students must have completed or be taking Math 2 or Math 2A. Principles of Technology will prepare you for
tomorrow’s careers by giving you an understanding of the mechanical, fluid,
electrical, and thermal principles on which modern equipment operates. Knowledge of these principles and their
applications will allow future technicians to be better able to cope with the
rapid changes that lie ahead.
This
course will involve outside reading, classroom work, and extensive laboratory
practice in both the science and industrial technology areas. The labs will demonstrate the principles
discussed in class and how they apply to many everyday applications.