Course Catalog

Graduation Requirement of 6 credits/3 UP in Science
Science Course Offerings with Progression and Prerequisites
9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
Honors or College Prep  EARTH SCIENCE (2 credits)	Honors or College Prep BIOLOGY (2 credits)	Honors or College Prep CHEMISTRY (2 credits)	Elective (Student Choice)
	College Prep Biology OR Honors Biology	Honors Anatomy and Physiology	Honors Anatomy and Physiology
	Biology	Chemistry	Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
		Chemistry AND Algebra 2	Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry
	Algebra 2 (required)	Geometry (required)	Advanced Placement (AP) Physics
		Ocean Science	Ocean Science
Earth Science	Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems	Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems	Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems
	Field Ecology	Field Ecology	Field Ecology
	College Prep/Honors Biology (recommended)	College Prep/Honors Chemistry	Honors Forensics Science
Engineering Product Design	Engineering Product Design OR Engineering Machines, Circuits and Structures	Engineering Product Design OR Engineering Machines, Circuits and Structures	Engineering Product Design OR Engineering Machines, Circuits and Structures

 

Honors Earth Science

Course Number:  2511

Prerequisites:   Recommendation of Grade 8 Science Teacher

Credit:   2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 9

This course is a study of  planet Earth and includes in-depth investigations of topics such as Astronomy, Physical Geology, Natural Resources, Oceanography, and Meteorology. The curriculum will offer a rigorous level of critical thinking through independent and project work, reading, writing, and lab investigations using the scientific method.

 

College Prep Earth Science

Course Number:  2512

Prerequisites:  None

Credit:   2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 9

Earth science is a course designed to help students understand the natural processes that occur on earth, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to access information and gain experience using the scientific method to develop and solve problems. The course includes such topics as Astronomy, Natural Resources,Physical Geology, Oceanography, and Meteorology. Laboratory investigations and hands-on activities are emphasized.

 

Honors Biology

Course Number:  2521

Prerequisites:   Earth Science

Credit:   2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 10

This course is designed to provide each student with the fundamental concepts and principles of life science in all of its various disciplines. Topics include: ecology and the impact of humans on living systems, cell structure and function, energy transfer, DNA and genetics, microbiology, and evolution. Course work is rigorous and requires consistent completion of homework, proficient literacy skills, and further development of analytical skills through laboratory investigations. It is expected that each participating student will also be skilled in the construction and interpretation of various types of graphs, and be prepared to conduct critical analyses of data sets.

 

College Prep Biology

Course Number:  2522

Prerequisites:  Completion of 9^th grade Science             

Credit:  2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 10

This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles of life science.  Students will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively on a variety of classroom activities and investigations.  The course will help students develop literacy and laboratory skills relating to life science.  Students will also gain proficiency in the various methods of collecting, recording and analyzing data.  Major topics include: ecology, cell biology, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics and evolution.

 

Honors Chemistry

Course Number:  2531

Prerequisites:  Recommended completion of Algebra and Biology

Credit:   2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 11, 12 (10 if planning to take AP Chemistry)

This course covers the major topics of the scientific method, measurement, chemical formulas, stoichiometry, phases of matter, periodicity, bonding and nuclear chemistry. Inquiry, hands-on experimentation, formal lab analysis, and periodic projects are incorporated into a traditional, fast paced curriculum. The approach to chemistry is theoretical, quantitative, and requires students to work independently to keep up with the course work. An entrance exam to evaluate mathematical and literacy skills will be administered upon enrollment to ensure students are prepared for the course. The course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM fields or as a precursor to AP Chemistry. Students are expected to work both independently and collaboratively in order to develop proficiency within the standards as set by the State of Maine and the Next Generation Science Standards. 

 

College Prep Chemistry

Course Number:  2532

Prerequisites:  Recommended completion of Biology and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is recommended

Credit:   2 Science Credits, full year / 1UP

Grades 11, 12

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of Chemistry and is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills through scientific inquiry. An exploration of scientific method, atomic theory, and stoichiometry will help students develop the literacy and laboratory skills necessary for success in an introductory science course at the college level. Students are expected to work both independently and collaboratively in order to develop proficiency within the standards as set by the State of Maine and the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will develop skills and knowledge to be proficient in an entry level college science course.

 

College Prep Physical Science (Co-Taught)

Course Number: 2533C

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 2 Science Credits, full year/1UP

Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course covers the foundations of physical science while focusing on strategies needed for the communication of information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success. Students will focus on academic language and critical thinking skills through scientific inquiry and hands-on activities.

 

Honors Physics (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2541

Prerequisites:   Recommended completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry

Credit: 2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 12

 

This is a rigorous and intensive algebra-based introductory physics course with an emphasis on problem solving and lab investigations. Students need to have exceptional Algebra skills and be able to manipulate and solve linear and quadratic equations and be familiar with triangle trigonometry. This course teaches science research skills like designing a procedure, analyzing data and writing lab reports. This intro physics course covers Kinematics (motion), Forces and Energy, with explorations into Electricity, Waves, Quantum Physics and Relativity.

 

College Prep Physics (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2542

Prerequisites: Algebra I            

Credit: 2 Science Credits, full year / 1 UP

Grade 12         

This is a conceptual introductory physics course. Students need to be able to insert numbers into an equation, and to manipulate and solve basic equations. Students will develop science research skills like designing a procedure and analyzing data, hands-on skills like building machines from a kit, and problem-solving. College Prep Physics covers Kinematics (motion), Forces and Energy, with explorations into special physics topics.

 

Honors Anatomy and Physiology (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2550

Prerequisites:   Honors or College Biology

Credit:  2 Science Credits, full year

Grades 11, 12

 

This is an academically rigorous course designed for students interested in the possibility of pursuing a degree and/or career in the Health or Biomedical Sciences.  Concentration is on the Anatomy and Physiology of human beings.   Curriculum includes an extensive introduction to the human body, followed by units in Cell Biology, human tissue samples, and an in-depth focus on several human organ systems. 

 

Ocean Science (College Prep)

Course Number:  2562

Prerequisites:  Recommended successful completion of Earth Science

Credit:  2 Science credits, full year

Grades 11,12

Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet and contain 97% of our planet’s water.  This course is designed to help increase your understanding of this vast expanse of our planet.  The goal is that you will gain an understanding of the functioning of the ocean and be able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. This course is student driven which means we will explore a variety of topics that interest the class.  Some topics that we may cover are ocean exploration, waves, tides, currents, sustainable fishing, marine ecosystems, marine life and how humans impact this ecosystem.  An important theme throughout the year will be the recognition of the complexities and importance of global ocean systems. Whenever possible, we will take advantage of our close proximity to the ocean and community resources. The students will do more in-depth exploration, independent research and engineering projects. 

 

Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems (SSEP) (College Prep)(Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2588

Prerequisites:  Earth Science

Credit:   2 Science credits, full year

Grades 10, 11, 12

This course will help students identify and analyze our most urgent environmental issues, and evaluate the risks associated with them. The focus will be on examining practical and sustainable solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems. The class will also explore career opportunities relating to a variety of environmental challenges. Class work will include laboratory and field investigations, research, class discussions, guest speakers, movies, and a trip to Hurricane Island, off the Maine coast. This adventure will provide an opportunity for students to observe first-hand how sustainable systems can help move our own communities to a greener future.This class may be taken for Honors credit. May be taken in the fall or spring semester for a year long.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2540

Prerequisites:  Completion of Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Honors Chemistry)

Credit:   4 Science Credits, meets daily, full year

Grades 11, 12  

AP Biology is a rigorous college course that follows a certified College Board Syllabus. The course requires extensive reading, challenging assignments, and extensive lab work. Due to the Open Inquiry approach used for several long- term labs, students will be expected to come in before and after school on occasion to complete elements of a lab exercise. The principal focus of this course is to prepare all students for taking the AP Biology Exam that is administered in May.  A successful score of 3-5 on the exam may allow a student to receive advanced credit for their freshman biology course in college and/or to have the required course waived.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (Offered in 2023-24)

Course Number:  2530

Prerequisites:  Chemistry and Algebra II

Credit:  4 Science Credits - meets daily, full year

Grades 11, 12

AP Chemistry focuses on a mode of instruction which promotes enduring conceptual understandings and content that supports them. This approach enables students to spend less time on actual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts. AP Chemistry is guided by four big ideas:  Scale, Proportion, Quantity (SPQ) Structure and Property (SAP) Transformation (TRA)and Energy (ENE). In addition, students will develop inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, creating models and representations, applying mathematical routines, developing a scientific argument, and connecting concepts in and across domains. There are at least 16 hands-on labs, six of which must be inquiry based and will be explored during this course. Students will need to take Chemistry their sophomore year in order to take AP Chemistry junior year.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Physics (Offered in 2024-25) (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2543

Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra 2 (Algebra 2 may be taken concurrently)

Credit:  4 Science credits, full year

Grades 11, 12

This is a rigorous course that follows the College Board curriculum for a college-level physics course.  Topics include kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rational mechanics, waves and electricity.  Inquiry-based learning is a major focus of the class. College level laboratories will be run. Students who complete this class will have an excellent foundation for success in science in college. Successful results from this exam may allow the student to receive 3 college/University credits, or a possible exemption from an entry-level course in college.

 

Engineering Product Design (Offered in 2024-25) (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2570 for College Prep or 2570H for Honors

Prerequisites:  None

Credit:   2 Elective Credits, full year

Grades 9,10,11,12

The major focus of Engineering Product Design is the design process and its application. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software, 3D printers, and basic woodworking to design and prototype solutions to proposed problems. Work is documented using an engineer’s notebook, and students communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community.

 

Engineering Machines, Circuits and Structures (Offered in 2023-2024) (Capstone Class)

Course Number:  2572 for College Prep or 2572H for Honors

Prerequisites:   Algebra I

Credit:   2 Elective Credits, full year

Grades 9,10,11,12

This introductory engineering course provides students with a sampling of 4 different engineering disciplines:  mechanical, electrical, civil-structural, and computer. Students learn and apply physics concepts to simple machines, electrical circuits, materials and bridges, and robots. Students should be comfortable with algebra 1 concepts and be ready to use lots of logical thinking and problem solving skills. Learning is achieved through a combination of written work, hands-on investigations, and design projects.

 

Semester Classes (1 credit):

Field Ecology

Course Number:  2514

Prerequisites: Successful completion of one credit bearing science course

Credit: 1 Science Credit, 1 Semester / .5 UP

Grade 10, 11, 12

Students in this course will study the ecosystems of Portland's Fore River and surrounding environment. This is a field course and much of our class time will be spent in green spaces around PHS and Fore River locations. Topics of study include: Ecosystem Components: Biotic and Abiotic Factors, Ecology, Plant and Tree Identification, Symbiosis and Lichens, Bird Identification, Invasive Species Identification and Eradication, and the Human Impact on the Fore River Ecosystem. Seasonal topics may include: alewife ecology, flower anatomy, Ice-Out Data, among other topics. Students should be prepared to engage in outdoor activities in cold, wet, and snowy conditions!

 

Honors Forensic Science

Course Number:  2551

Prerequisites:  Recommended successful completion of Honors or College Preparatory Biology AND has                          had successfully completed or is simultaneously enrolled in Honors or College Preparatory  Chemistry.

Credit: 1 Science credit, 1 semester

Grades 11, 12

This course is designed for students interested in careers in criminology, psychology, law, and/or biotechnology with an emphasis on the biological and physical sciences and the application of science and technology to the field of criminalistics. Students must have a strong interest and background in science and have had success in their previous courses in Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Course will culminate with a 10-minute individual student research presentation.