1. Science, Technology and Engineering Parent Curriculum Night Class of 2018 Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge. Carl Sagan

2. Why take science?

3. Graduation Requirement: State Passing MCAS score on either physics, chemistry, biology or engineering/technology MCAS test (passing score is at least the needs improvement designation) Natick High 3 years of lab science Physics, chemistry and biology courses preferred. MA State College Requirement (Class of 2017 and beyond) 3 courses (drawn from Natural Science and/or Physical Science and/or Technology/ Engineering), including 3 courses with laboratory work

4. 9 th grade choices: Physics 11 (college prep level) Course appropriate for most 9 th grade students. Physics 10 (honors) Should my child take honors physics? Physics 10AP (Physics 1 course, approved by the College Board) Small subset of high achieving students who are recommended and place into this one section of honors physics that will follow the College Boards physics 1 curriculum with the idea of taking the physics 1 AP test in May. Elective options: Engineering Projects 11 (semester) Science at the Movies 21 (semester) Robotics 11 (semester) Civil Engineering and Architecture (2 nd semester after completion of Engineering Projects) A+ and MAC + Certification

5. Should my child take honors physics? YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO: Is currently earning an A or B+ in science. Is an independent learner. Loves the subject and wants to go more in depth in this area. Is self-disciplined. Is organized. Has strong mathematical and/or problem-solving skills. Is an independent reader. Desires an academic challenge. Is willing to commit extra time. Consider the balance of schedule and factor in outside activities.

6. Should my child take AP physics 1? YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO: Is currently earning an A in science and math. Receives the recommendation of both 8 th grade math and science teachers. Scores high enough on placement test given in April. Is an independent learner. Loves the subject and wants to go more in depth in this area. Is self-disciplined. Is organized. Has strong mathematical and/or problem-solving skills. Is an independent reader. Desires an academic challenge. Is willing to commit extra time including summer work and test over material at beginning of school. Consider the balance of schedule and factor in outside activities.

7. Expectations for Science Courses for 2013-2014 Area of StudyReading/ClassHomework Tests/Essays/Papers/Quart er Projects/Comments Honors Physics (P10) Physics10AP expectations where different in () 20 pages a week from the textbook. (Additional units covered for AP curriculum) Daily problem set, lab reports, and studying per class. 30 to 60 minutes per class. (A minimum of 60 minutes per class.) 2 tests per quarter (2-4 summative assessments) 4-8 labs/activities per quarter (6-10 labs/activities per quarter) 4-6 formal lab reports per quarter Exams can be made up. An average of the two exams is recorded. Labs can be re-written to an 88%. (Exams and labs may be re-taken/re- written) End of the year project For example of written lab report, please see the science webpage. (Must meet testing prereqs for class enrollment) (Required summer work.) (AP test in May.) (MCAS test in June.) Physics (P11)Varies based on unit topic30 minutes-problems or studying per class 2-3 tests per quarter Multiple quizzes per quarter 4-6 labs per quarter 2-4 formal lab report per quarter Assessments can be made up to 100%. Labs can be made up to an 88%. Project each semester For example of written lab report, please see the science web page.

8. Core Science Class Choices 11 th Grade 10 th Grade 9 th Grade Physics 10Chem 20 Bio 30AP Chem Chem 21 Bio 31 AP ES

9. Core Science Class Choices 11 th Grade 10 th Grade 9 th Grade Physics 11 Chem 20 Bio 30 AP Chem Chem 21 AP ES Chem 22 Bio 31 Bio 32

10. Elective Classes 12th Grade All electives open to 11 th grade plus AP Physics C AP Biology Themes in Biology (Honors) Zoology Anatomy and Physiology Physics for Engineers Environmental Science (2 levels) 11th Grade All electives open to 10 th grade plus AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science Forensics Diseases and Medicines Astronomy 10th Grade All electives open to 9 th grade plus Green Engineering (sem) Advanced Land Robotics (sem 1) Advanced Sea Robotics (sem2) A+ Certification MAC + Certification Disease and Medicine (sem 2 for 10 th graders) Civil Engineering and Architecture (sem) 9th Grade Robotics (sem) Engineering Projects (sem) Civil Engineering and Architecture (sem 2) Science at the Movies (sem) A+ or MAC + Certification

11. The Science Department: Ms. Loncich Mr. Shapiro Ms. Pearson Mr. Araujo Physics Mrs. Mayorga

12. Chemistry Mrs. Weber Mr. Weiss Mrs. Magnuson Mrs. Mayorga Mr. Sanford

13. Biology Mr. Jekanoski Mr. Hinnenkamp Ms. Tully Ms. Conroy Mr. Wilson Ms. Haverstick

14. Engineering/Technology Mr. Scott Mr. Shapiro Ms. Pearson Ms. Haverstick

15. Questions Reach me at 508 647-6613 or lweber@natickps.org