Teachers
Catherine Levesque, Supervisor
Debra Aldrich
Taidgh Buckley
Mark Colton
Kerry Driscoll
Vanessa Jason
Deborah Fiore
David Liptak
Donna McKay
James Myers
Kathleen Pawul
Erika Pellerin
Joseph Stella
Renee Sweeney
Jon Tyler
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Course Offerings
SC1000 Conceptual Physical Science
1 CR.
Grades 9
This hands-on class is designed to help students develop the math skills necessary for understanding the concepts of Physics and Chemistry. The method of presentation will give confidence to the emerging science thinker.
SC1003 Physical Science
1 CR.
Grade 9
This is an introductory laboratory class that combines the fundamentals of both Physics and Chemistry with the quantitative and critical thinking skills necessary for success in all future science courses.
SC1013 Honors Physical Science
1 CR.
Grades 9
This honors level Physical Science course is designed for the highly motivated, college bound student. A strong background in math is required for this analytical approach to the concepts of Physics and Chemistry.
SC2133 Life Science
1 CR.
Grades 10
Life Science provides a broad survey of the major topic of biology. This conceptual course will emphasize hands-on activities that will give the student a successful way to process biological concepts including: ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, diversity of life forms and basic system physiology.
SC2123 Biology
1 CR.
Grades 10, 11, 12
Students enrolled in this college-preparatory course acquire the basic knowledge and skills to examine and understand the biological world. Biology will focus on a thematic approach studying the topics of: ecology, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics, evolution and physiology.
SC2113 Honors Biology
1 CR.
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Physical Science course
Honors Biology is a challenging, laboratory course for the college-bound student. This program will examine in detail, the topics of: ecology, cytology, genetics, evolution, bioenergetics, biodiversity, and physiology. A molecular approach will be emphasized.
SC3113 Biological Diversity
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a previous Biology course
This course of study is designed for the second year biology student. Biological Diversity follows an ecological approach to an in depth study of the five Kingdoms and their interrelationships within the biosphere.
SC3203 Plant Science
1/2 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Biology or Life Science Course
Plant Science is a semester course introducing students to all aspects of botany and its practical uses. The major topics of botanical science are studied such as plant structure and function, plant growth, photosynthesis, reproduction, responsiveness and adaptation to the environment(s). Students will examine these topics from a gardening and horticultural perspective.
SC3213 Landscaping Principles and Practices
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Plant Science
Landscaping Principles and Practices is a semester course that will acquaint students with landscape principles, design and maintenance practices. The student will study plant classification, identification, pruning techniques, soil characteristics, lawn construction/maintenance and the major aspects of designing a landscape plan.
SC4220 Greenhouse Management
1/2 CR.
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Plant Science
Greenhouse Management is a semester course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental horticulture principles such as careers in the field, production of specific crops, safe use of pesticides and the cultivation of houseplants. This course provides the students with an in depth understanding of plant propagation, vegetable gardening and the responsibilities involved in running a successful greenhouse. Students use the information being taught in the classroom and appl and demonstrate what they have learned in the Westfield High School greenhouse.
SC3163 Anatomy and Physiology Honors
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: B or better in previous Biology course
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed for advanced students wishing to further their knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the human body. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for a program of studies at the collegiate level which would be necessary for an advanced degree in the biological sciences. Students interested in Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Nutrition, Dentistry and other similar majors would be candidates for this course.
SC4163 Advanced Placement Biology
1/2 CR.
Grades 12
Prerequisite: An average of a “B” or better in both Chemistry and Biology
This course is designed for the student who anticipates taking the Biology AP test. This program will build upon the topics and foundations learned in previous biology and chemistry classes. The integration and analysis of concepts including but not limited to biochemistry, cytology, bioenergetics, laboratory design, and molecular genetics will be stressed. A summer assignment is required. This class meets six times per week.
SC3403 Chemistry
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommended that students attained a B- or above in Algebra I
This course is recommended for the student who intends to pursue studies at the collegiate level. In this course, the physical and chemical properties of matter are investigated through a problem solving approach. The lab experiences integrate the concepts and principles presented in class; provides the student with the opportunity to learn investigative skills and techniques.
SC3413 Conceptual Chemistry
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Biology/Life Science
This Chemistry course meets college standards for science credits. This course is structured around community issues related to chemistry rather than around specific chemical concepts. Chemical concepts are presented on a "need-to-know" basis. This course will study composition, structure and properties of substances and reactions. The information will be connected to "real-life" situations. This course will introduce more content from nuclear, organic, industrial and biochemistry than do most conventional courses. Students will use the scientific method in the classroom and laboratory to solve problems based on a series of "case studies."
SC3463 Honors Chemistry
1 CR.
Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommended that students attained a B or above in Algebra I
This chemistry course is designed for the college-bound student who may be concentrating his/her future study in the sciences, engineering, medicine, or other technological fields. This program surveys the major chemical properties in detail, including atomic structure, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and other selected topics. This class provides the student with a challenging venue to hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
SC3473 Advanced Placement Chemistry
1 CR.
Grade 12
Prerequisite: A grade of a “B” or better in Honors Chemistry
This course is designed for the promising Chemistry student who anticipates taking the AP test. This program will build upon the principles and skills learned in previous chemistry classes along with the introduction of more complex concepts found in Chemistry including: equilibria, reaction kinetics, and electrochemistry. A summer assignment is required. This class meets six times a week.
SC3440 Forensic Science
1/2 CR.
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry
This semester course is a science elective geared toward those students interested in pursuing a career in the field of forensics. After being introduced to a mystery and the information at hand students perform a variety of lab activities to analyze evidence found at a crime scene. A variety of lab techniques are utilized to include: fiber and hair analysis, anatomical studies, DNA electrophoresis, blood splattering, glass fragmentation and fingerprint analysis. Scientific reasoning will be emphasized throughout and based on their findings, students will compose a Crime Lab Report to summarize their conclusions and solve the mystery.
SC2301, SC2302 Conceptual Physics
1/2 CR.
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Science and an average of a “C” or better in Algebra and Geometry
This course in Physics offers the student the opportunity to explore the behavior of objects in the physical world using current technology aimed at correcting students’ misconceptions of this subject matter. SC2301 will study waves and optics. SC2302 will explore the study of static electricity, magnetism and current electricity using mathematical applications. Students can choose to enroll in one or both semesters of the course.
SC3313 Physics
1 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: An average of a “B” or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry
This college preparatory physics course will delve into the concepts of forces, motion, electricity and magnetism. Students choosing this course will experience a laboratory based curriculum that will stress understanding and articulation of the presented concepts.
SC3363 Honors Physics
1.2 CR.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra II/Trig and currently enrolled in Advanced Math & Trigonometry
This course is designed primarily for those students who wish to pursue a future in science or engineering. The program will cover forces, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics and a brief overview of modern physics. This class meets six times per week.
SC4363 Advanced Placement Physics
1/2 CR.
Grade 12
Prerequisite: An average of a “C” or better in Honors Physics or a teacher’s recommendation. Current enrollment in Calculus is required.
This rigorous course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Physics C exam. The students will study the subjects of Mechanics, and Electricity & Magnetism at a deeper, more mathematically intense level. A summer assignment is required. This class meets seven times.
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