Marblehead High School

Science Department Web Site
Science is FUNdamental

Web Design Credits

General Information Science Department	Life Science or Earth Science Related	Chemistry Related	Physics Related
• 2006 Overview	• Mr. Ericsson	• Ms. Geary	• Mr. Greenman
• 2006 Graduation Requirements	• Mr. Heenan	• Ms. O'Reilly	• Mr. Keating
• 2006 Science Courses	• Mr. Joy	• Ms. Page	• Mr. Powers
• 2006 Course Levels	• Mr. Menegoni	• Mr. Keating	• Mr. Shevory
• 2006 Four Year Planner	Science Seminar Series
• HS Grading Rubric	Professional Development (Including DOE 2007 Summer Institutes) Opportunities

WEB Design & Author:  Mr. Mark Greenman

If you have any general questions concerning the Marblehead High School science department WEB page, please drop me an email.  My email address is mgreenman@marblehead.com.   Thank you.  

Science Overview

In our ever increasing technologically and scientifically advanced society it is imperative for students to be literate in and understanding of, the process and content of both biological and physical sciences.  More and more of the best career opportunities are going to people with solid scientific backgrounds.  "ordinary citizens" are being asked to make judgments on the credibility of scientific evidence, on the ramifications of genetic engineering, on issues of safety and reliability concerning different forms of energy and on expending large sums of taxpayer moneys on scientific research and development.  The strength of our democracy and economy depends on having a populace knowledgeable in science and practiced in the analytical skills inherent to science education.

The principles that govern science education at Marblehead High School are summarized below.  Science education at Marblehead High School will:

• actively engage learners.
• emphasize quality of understanding.
• use cooperative and collaborative learning.
• be accessible and equitable for all students.
• have a problem solving focus.
• be hands-on and inquiry based.
• include skills and information that will allow student citizens to be knowledgeable consumers of science information.
• include opportunities for students to obtain in-depth understanding of scientific principles within the fields of biological and physical sciences.
  

Science Graduation Requirements and Recommendation

Students are required to take three years of science: one year in each major science discipline (biology, physics, and chemistry).  

Science courses at the high school are leveled and designated as CPII, CPI, and Honors.  In addition there are AP courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and electives in Geology & Earth Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy and Organic Chemistry. 

The science department recommends that students elect a program that will maintain "open doors" to the many opportunities which depend on a science background.  In this regard we encourage students to:

• take a minimum of one year of chemistry, one year of physics, and one year of biology.
• select courses that challenge each student appropriately.
• consider taking second level courses in physics, chemistry, and biology.
• consult the "Four Year Science Planner" to help develop a sequenced four year master plan.
• talk with their guidance counselor concerning the selection of courses that are most appropriate to a student's educational and/or career aspirations.
• talk with their guidance counselor and/or science teachers concerning careers in science.
  

Course Levels & Placement

The leveling model used in science is designed to provide teachers and students with the best classroom environment for instruction and learning.  This model provides opportunities for children to be challenged within a setting that is likely to see them succeed.  A child's attitude toward academics and his or her ability to be successful at various levels are not static.  A student placed in one level one year might very well be placed in a lower or higher level the next.  There are many factors that influence the readiness of a child for a given placement.  Our placement process takes a fresh look at each student each year. 

We know that placement outcomes can elicit strong emotions.  We try to be sensitive to these feelings while providing appropriate placements within the context of informed decision making.  The guidelines for placement are used consistently and uniformly for all children, and we believe that this process provides teachers and students with the best classroom environment for instruction and learning.



Guideline for Science and Math Course Levels

• AP Courses are those courses that follow the AP syllabus.  These courses are primarily designed to meet the academic needs of students who will be entering the fields of medicine, science, engineering, math or computer science.  Students that receive a grade of B- or better are expected (but are not required) to take the AP exam at the end of the year.  Students that receive a B- or better are expected to be able to obtain a 3 or better on their AP-Science exams.  A student must have taken a previous “1st level” course in the same discipline with a B- or better in the appropriate honors or an A- in the appropriate CPI course to get into an AP science course.  Students taking AP courses should be self motivated, have good study habits and be able to use higher order thinking skills.  It is likely that an appropriately placed student will have on average a minimum of 8 hours per week of homework.

AP Physics C, AP Chemistry & AP Biology.

• H Courses  are primarily designed to meet the academic needs of students who are exploring the possibility of entering the fields of medicine, science, engineering, math or computer science.  Students taking these courses should be self motivated and have good study habits.  The pace of the class is faster then CPI or CPII courses.  The course is taught at a more abstract and less concrete level then CPI or CPII courses.  It is likely that an appropriately placed student will have on average a minimum of 6 hours per week of homework.

H Biology, H Chemistry, H Physics.

• College Prep Courses CPI are designed to meet the education needs of most of the student population.  Students taking these courses should have a grade of C- or better in their math courses.  Learning concepts and the process of science are emphasizes.  Abstractions and mathematical analysis are used but not emphasized.  It is likely that an appropriately placed student will have on average a minimum of 3 hours per week of homework.

IPS, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy, Marine Science, Forensics, Robotics.

• College Prep Courses CPII are designed to meet the needs of students identified by special education or guidance personnel as not able to succeed in the other science levels.  There are no prerequisites for these courses.  A premium is placed on getting the students interested in science content, science process and developing skills to be successful in learning about science.  Science concepts are kept on the concrete level, and abstractions and mathematical analysis are kept to a minimum.  Most of the work for these courses is done under the direct supervision and guidance of the classroom teacher.  Concrete practice, skill building, and projects are the typical assignments given for homework.  It is likely that an appropriately placed student will have on average 2 hours per week of homework.

Biology, Physics, Chemistry.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

• AP & HH Courses:    A=5.00;  B=4.00;  C=3.00;  D=2.00;  F=0.

• H Courses:                 A=4.50;  B=3.50;  C=2.50;  D=1.50;  F=0.

• CPI Courses:             A=4.00;  B=3.00;  C=2.00;  D=1.00;  F=0.

• CPII Courses:           A=4.00;  B=3.00;  C=2.00;  D=1.00;  F=0.

(counter since 8/20/05)