PHYSICS 10
Course #401
This is an honors level college preparatory laboratory-based physics
course for ninth graders with a strong interest and ability in science
and mathematics. The course prepares students for successful completion
of the science MCAS requirement. The course is designed to introduce
students to the laws of physics, the experimental skills, including the
mathematical aspect of problem-solving, required in physics and to the
social and historical aspect of physics as an evolving body of human
knowledge about nature. Students will study concepts involving
measurement, mechanics, waves and sound, magnetism, and momentum and
energy. The course content, instructional methods and assessment
techniques are consonant with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and
the National Science Education Standards. Students are expected to be
self-motivated, able to work independently as well as in small groups,
and complete laboratory work outside of the classroom.
Prerequisite: A- in 8th Grade Math or B 8th Grade Algebra or Teacher's
Recommendation based on Science, Math and work skill readiness.
PHYSICS 11
Course #405
Physics 11 is the foundation laboratory science advanced college
preparatory course at Natick High School that emphasizes concepts in
physics that are seen in everyday life. A significant portion of the
course will stress the development of conceptual understandings of
physical laws and relationships. As such, students investigate physical
phenomena and theoretical models that explore the themes of energy,
motion and electromagnetism. Instruction will focus on developing a
student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from
observation of natural phenomena and experimentation. Designing and
conducting investigations guided by theory and evaluating and
communicating the results of those investigations will be at the heart
of the course. The course content, instructional methods, and assessment
techniques are consonant with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and
the National Science Education Standards. Students will be prepared to
demonstrate proficiency on the Introductory Physics MCAS test.
BIOLOGY 30
Course #413
The subject of biology aims to describe and understand the living
organisms in our surroundings as well as ourselves. This is an honors
level inquiry-based college preparatory biology course for students who
have demonstrated a high level of achievement and interest in science
and mathematics. Students are expected to be self-motivated and to be
able to work independently. Topics studied include cellular biology,
biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, evolution, taxonomy,
microbiology, anatomy, physiology and ecology. Instructional strategies
emphasize inquiry-based experimental techniques but also include
modeling exercises, projects, and problem solving exercises that support
Massachusetts State Science Frameworks and the National Science
Education Standards.
Prerequisites: A in both Chemistry 21 and Physics 11 or B- or better in
both Chemistry 20 and Physics 10 or department head approval.
BIOLOGY 31
Course #415
This is a laboratory based advanced college preparatory biology course
for students having an ability and interest in science. This course
progresses at a more accelerated pace than Biology L 32. Students
investigate the major themes and ideas of modern biology including cell
and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, evolution,
ecology, anatomy and physiology, taxonomy, immunology. Instructional
strategies include modeling exercises, laboratory experiments, projects,
and problem solving exercises that support Massachusetts State Science
Frameworks and the National Science Education Standards. Students will
be prepared to demonstrate proficiency on the Biology MCAS test.
Prerequisites: C or better in both Physics 11 and Chemistry 21 or B- or
better in both Physics 12 and Chemistry 22 or department head approval.
BIOLOGY 32/BIOLOGY S32
Course #417/#419
This is a college preparatory biology course designed for students who
plan to continue their education beyond high school but have not
demonstrated an interest or ability in science. This laboratory-based
course is designed to teach the essential concepts of biology
emphasizing connections within biological systems and between the
systems and their environment. All major themes of modern biology are
addressed in this course. An underlying theme of the course will be that
science is a process through which scientific questions are answered.
Instructional strategies include modeling exercises, laboratory,
projects, and problem solving exercises that support Massachusetts State
Science Frameworks and the National Science Education Standards.
Students will be prepared to demonstrate proficiency on the Biology MCAS
test.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of both Physics 12 and Chemistry 22.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 41
Course #425
This elective advanced college preparatory course will focus on the
study of human interaction with the environment. This course progresses
at a more accelerated pace than Environmental Science L 42. This is a
second year biology course, therefore students taking this course should
have completed one year of biology. Topics covered will include the
study of ecosystem structure and function, overpopulation, resource
depletion and management, toxic substances, and pollution of air, water
and land. Laboratory work will be completed which supports the study of
these topics.
Prerequisite: C or better in Biology 30 or 31 or B- or better in Biology 32. Open to seniors only.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 42
Course #427
This elective college preparatory course will focus on the study of
human interaction with the environment. Students taking this course
should have completed one year of biology. The focus of the course is a
study of the basic principles of ecology including the study of the
earth’s biomes and the role and impact of human activities on natural
systems. Laboratory work will be completed which supports the study of
these topics.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of first year Biology. Open to seniors only.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE L 30
Course # 429
The Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) course is designed
to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in
environmental science. Environmental Science provides 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 man-made, to evaluate
the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine
alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Prerequisite: successful completion of physics, chemistry, algebra I,
and concurrently enrolled in biology or have completed biology 30 or 31
with a B+ or better. Open to juniors and seniors.
FORENSICS 44
Course #452
The study of forensics in this advanced college preparatory course
brings together topics students have studied in chemistry, physics and
biology and challenges students to think 'outside the box' and to apply
what they have learned to a variety of situations. Following standard
protocols for collecting and analyzing evidence, students will collect
data, such as blood splatter patterns and fingerprints, and analyze the
data to solve a 'mystery' or 'crime'. In addition, students will read
both fictional and non-fictional descriptions of crime scenes.
Prerequisite: Completion of introductory courses in Physics and
Chemistry and completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology. Open to
juniors and seniors.
ZOOLOGY 41
Course #445
This class will present a survey of the animal kingdom. This is a
second-year biology course, therefore students taking this course should
have completed one year of biology. Emphasis will be on diversity,
evolutionary relationships and functional adaptations. Animal
architecture, classification, and environmental interactions will also
be studied.
Prerequisite: Completion of biology 30 or 31 with a C or better. Open to seniors only.
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 41
Course #443
This is a full year course in which the ten systems of the human body
are studied in detail. Considerable time is spent in the course on
individual laboratory work. Comparative human anatomy is studied through
the complete dissection of either a cat or a fetal pig. Class work is
supplemented with extensive outside reading. The students are taught to
use many different types of physiology equipment in performing
laboratory experiments associated with the circulatory, respiratory,
muscular, excretory, and nervous systems of the human body. The
knowledge and experience gained through in-depth laboratory work will
aid the student in his/her understanding of the human body and will aid
him/her in a future biological career.
Prerequisite: B or better in biology 31 or biology 30 and successful
completion of one year of chemistry or department head approval. Open to
seniors only.
CHEMISTRY 20
Course #421
This is an honors-level college preparatory chemistry course for
students having a high level of ability and interest in both mathematics
and science. Students are expected to be self-motivated and to be able
to work independently. Students will experiment extensively, allowing
them to connect the theoretical concepts presented to the laboratory
setting. Emphasis will be placed on finding mathematical relationships
within the chemical concepts presented. Topics covered include
uncertainty in measurements, atomic structure, the periodic law,
chemical bonding, the mole concept, chemical reactions, chemical
formulas and equations, stoichiometry, properties of gases, liquids, and
solids, solution chemistry, acids and bases, thermochemistry, kinetics,
equilibrium, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Instructional
strategies include modeling exercises, laboratory experiments, small
group work, projects, and problem solving exercises that support
Massachusetts State Science Frameworks and the National Science
Education Standards. Students will be prepared to demonstrate
proficiency on the Chemistry MCAS test.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Geometry 20 or A- or better in Geometry
21 and B- or better in Physics 10 or A- or better in Physics 11 or
department head approval.
CHEMISTRY 21
Course #422
This is a laboratory based advanced college preparatory chemistry
course designed for students with an interest and ability in both
mathematics and science. This course progresses at a more accelerated
pace than Chemistry L 22. It is based upon the study of chemistry as an
experimental science with a focus on establishing mathematical
relationships for the chemical concepts presented. As such, laboratory
experiences focus on conducting experiments guided by theory and
evaluating and communicating the results of these investigations
according to accepted scientific practices. Students will compare,
contrast and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of
matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Other instructional
strategies include modeling exercises, projects, and problem solving
exercises that support Massachusetts State Science Frameworks and the
National Science Education Standards. Students will be prepared to
demonstrate proficiency on the Chemistry MCAS test.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Algebra 11, C or better in Geometry 21 and C or better in Physics 11.
CHEMISTRY 22/CHEMISTRY S22
Course #423/#424
This is a college preparatory chemistry course for students who do not
plan to study in a science-related field. Students will reinforce their
understanding of chemical systems and chemical theories through
laboratory work, class discussions, small group work, projects and
computer simulations. Topics include atomic theory, scientific methods,
formulas and equations, chemical reactions, periodic law, phases of
matter, solution chemistry, energy, reactions rates, acids and bases,
and nuclear chemistry. Instructional strategies are designed to support
Massachusetts State Science Frameworks and the National Science
Education Standards. Students will be prepared to demonstrate
proficiency on the Chemistry MCAS test.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and Physics 12.
AP CHEMISTRY 40
Course #442
This is a second-year Advanced Placement chemistry course designed for
students who will take the AP exam in chemistry. It is based upon the
College Board’s curriculum and is the equivalent of a first year college
Chemistry course. The second year chemistry class will utilize the
first year chemistry course content as a foundation for class discussion
and laboratory experiments of the following complex topics: chemical
kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, bonding concepts,
electrochemistry, materials science, acid-base chemistry and buffer
systems, coordination complexes, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry,
and biochemistry.
Prerequisite: B- or better in chemistry 20 or department chair approval. Open to juniors or seniors.
AP BIOLOGY
AP PHYSICS 40
Course #435
This first semester Advanced Placement course prepares students for the
Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics test. This is a college-level
physics class and requires an extreme degree of motivation. The course
uses the calculus forms of the physics equations. Topics covered
include: Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy, Momentum, Rotation, Gravitation
and Oscillation. Students are expected to work independently in a
highly-computerized lab and to produce college-level lab reports.
Students are required to take the AP exam.
Prerequisites: B or better in Physics 10 or A in Physics 11. Must be
enrolled in Calculus concurrently or have completed a year of Calculus.
Open to seniors only.
AP PHYSICS 40
Course #436m
This second semester Advanced Placement course prepares students for
the Advanced Placement Physics C Electricity and Magnetism test. This is
a college-level physics class and requires an extreme degree of
motivation. The course uses the calculus forms of the physics equations.
Topics covered include: Electric Field, Electric Potential,
Capacitance, Circuits, Magnetic Fields, Ampere’s Law, and
Electromagnetic Induction. Students are expected to work independently
in a highly-computerized lab and to produce college-level lab reports.
Students are required to take the AP exam.
Prerequisites: B or better in Physics 10 or A in Physics 11. Must be
enrolled in Calculus concurrently or have completed a year of calculus.
Open to seniors only.
AP BIOLOGY 40
Course #437
The AP biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college
introductory course usually taken by biology majors during their first
year. AP biology will include those topics regularly covered in a
college biology course for majors. The college course in biology differs
significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with
respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics
covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and
effort required of students. The textbooks used for AP biology will be
those also used by college biology majors. The laboratory work done by
AP students will be the equivalent of that done by college students.
Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in both biology 10 and chemistry
20 or a grade of A- or better in both biology 21 and chemistry 21. Open
to seniors only.
THEMES IN BIOLOGY 40
Course #439
This is a second year honors college preparatory biology course
designed for students with an interest in biological sciences. Students
are expected to be self-motivated and to be able to work independently.
Topics studied will include those covered in a first year biology class
but in greater detail and depth: microbiology, virology, cell
respiration, biotechnology, evolution, environmental science and
anatomy. In addition, selected topics addressed in the AP biology class
will also be addressed in this class. Emphasis will be placed on
laboratory work and project-based assignments. Concepts covered will
include genetics, biotechnology, embryology, microbiology, evolution and
metabolism.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Biology 30 and Chemistry 20 or an A in Biology 31 and Chemistry 21. Open to seniors only.
PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS L 41
Course #410
This is a second year advanced college preparatory physics course
designed for students with an interest in physics and engineering.
Students are expected to be able to work independently, to be
self-motivated, and to have a strong background in mathematics and
science. Major topics studied will include mechanics, oscillations,
electricity, magnetism, and electronics. Emphasis will be placed on
laboratory work, projects/experiments, and the engineering process.
Prerequisites: C or better in honors Physics, or a B or better in level
one Physics, or department head approval. Must have completed or
currently be enrolled in level one Pre-Calculus, or any other
mathematics course beyond Pre-Calculus.
SCIENCE AT THE MOVIES 21
Course #453a, 453b
Students will investigate correct and incorrect science concepts used
in movies from Buck Rogers in the 25th century to thrillers like Them
and The Birds to Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Harry Potter to
Armageddon and Journey to the Centre of the Earth or Asteroid. Students
could use technology to redesign special effects related to a science
concept in a movie scene.
Prerequisites: Physics. Open to grades 10-12.
DISCOVERIES IN SCIENCE 21
Course #454a (1st semester only)
This course will give students insight into the development of science
as a discipline and highlight important innovations over the course of
human’s study of the natural world. In most science courses, the current
models of the natural world are presented as facts, with little
background as to how those ideas came to be accepted by the scientific
community. The impacts of these advancements will also be explored to
show relevance to students’ everyday lives.
Prerequisites: one year of introductory Physics, Geometry, and Algebra. Open to grades 10-12.
ENGINEERING PROJECTS 11
Course #456a, 456b
Engineering Projects (EP) focuses on developing problem-solving skills
using an engineering design development process. Students will employ
engineering, mathematical and scientific concepts in the solution of
engineering design problems. Students will apply their knowledge of
research and design to create solutions to various challenges that
increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will use industry
standard modeling software (CAD) to design their solutions, then build
prototypes of their designs, test and analyze these designs. Students
will also learn how to document their work and communicate their
solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.
Combining classroom discussion with activity-based learning, and
emphasizing concepts that span multiple disciplines, EP provides
students with an opportunity to explore engineering and design as a
career.
Open to grades 9-12. The course assumes no previous engineering
knowledge, but students should be concurrently enrolled in college
preparatory mathematics and science.
GREEN ENGINEERING 21
Course #455a, 455b
This course provides a background on the issues of atmospheric balance,
climate change, green house gases, and an overview of the use of both
renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. The course will use hands-on
activities and real life problems for which students will creatively
problem-solve, design and manufacture solutions with the ultimate goal
of increasing energy efficiency in our new building.
Prerequisite: successful completion of one science course. Open to grades 10-12.
DISEASE & MEDICINE 21
Course #457a, 457b
(Sem. 2 for grade 10, Sem. 1 or 2 for grades 11-12)
Early medical practices, such as bloodletting, look barbaric to the
modern eye. Early medical pioneers laid the foundations for 20 and 21st
century medicine. While early treatments often involved an herbal
poultice, vomiting and laxatives or bloodletting with leeches today’s
medical treatments include sophisticated drugs that are designed to
target specific organisms, high powered diagnostic tools like CAT scans
and MRIs along with organ transplants and replacements. In this elective
course, students will learn about the nature, treatment and spread of
diseases.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of physics and one semester of chemistry
A+ INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION 20
Course #492
A+ Industry Certification guides students through the fundamentals of
PC Repair and Maintenance. This full year honors course will focus on
the A+ Essentials and IT Technician portions of the A+ certification
exam. This exam is an industry standardized exam that is recognized by
professional firms worldwide. The course is reading intensive with class
time used for lab work. Students will learn everything from the basic
circuitry and workings of a computer to computer network technology.
Many students often compete at state and national competitions (Business
Professionals of America – BPA) in the IT areas of study. This is an
honors college preparatory course.
Prerequisite: application required and instructor approval
MAC+ CERTIFICATION 20
Course #493
MAC+ (ACMT) Certification verifies the ability to perform basic
troubleshooting and repair of both desktop and portable Macintosh
systems. This full year honors course will focus on the ACMT Hardware
and Software portions of the Apple certification exam. ACMT
certification exams emphasize identifying and resolving common MAC OS
problems, using Apple Service and Support products and practices to
effectively repair Apple hardware; MAC networking is also engaged.
Industry exams associated with this course are difficult and require
preparation time necessary for success; lab time provides hands on
experiences for students. This is an honors college preparatory course.
Prerequisite: application required and instructor approval
ROBOTICS 11
Course #490a, 490b
This advanced college preparatory course allows students to explore
technology in an interactive classroom where they can mix academics with
creativity; to make and operate machinery built by their hands and
minds. Students with no prior experience will feel comfortable using
Lego’s NXT kits that allow for simple to more complex builds.
Programming will be done utilizing software written by Tufts University,
the software allows many levels of users to feel the excitement of
watching their creation come to life. Students will work in teams to
problem-solve, research and design, field test and apply their acquired
skills while facing and solving challenges and at times compete against
other teams. Students will learn and develop 21st century skills;
teamwork, problem solving, ideation, project management, and
communications. Exploration into ROV (submersibles) will be a “sub” unit
of the course. Everyone solves problems differently; discover how you
use technology to solve problems.
ADVANCED LAND ROBOTICS 11
Course #491a
This advanced college preparatory course will offer students an
experience in advanced robotics. Students will have the opportunity to
be creative while using professional grade equipment in a team
environment. Students will learn and use professional grade CAD, and
programming tools. These opportunities are enhanced by our partnership
with FIRST Robotics and PTC. Students will develop powerful and
manipulative robots to carry out missions. The workspace will allow for
intramural competitions on official FIRST competition fields. The
platform used will be Tetrix which will allow students to also pursue
national competitions via our after school FIRST activities which use
the same platform and software. Push your skills to a new level.
Prerequisite: Robotics, Participation in RoboNatick Club, or Instructor Permission
*Note that this course may be taken out of order depending on schedule…they are independent of each other.
ADVANCED SEA ROBOTICS 11
Course # 492b
This advanced college preparatory course will offer students advanced
studies in underwater robotics. Students will learn and use professional
grade CAD, and utilize enhanced underwater equipment. Problem solving
will be the students’ main tool or resource while trying to accomplish
tasks as a team. Our partnership with Wood’s Hole Oceanographic
Institute will enhance students’ experiences and learning. Testing of
vehicles will be done in our 750 gallon test tank and Dug Pond. Students
will design, build and compete with their team ROVs. The class will
pursue independent projects using manipulative ROVs and also compete in
national MATE ROV competitions. Submerge yourself into an exciting
opportunity.
Prerequisite: Robotics, Participation in RoboNatick Club, or Instructor Permission
*Note that this course may be taken out of order depending on schedule…they are independent of each other.