SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY - ENGINEERING
At Winthrop High School, we believe that all students are curious about the world around them
and benefit from understanding and engaging in learning about science and technology/
engineering in various, differentiated ways. We seek to develop scientific literacy and critical
thinking skills in a supportive and challenging environment for all of our students by offering
multiple pathways to learn, engage, and experience science theory and technology/engineering
practice throughout their careers at Winthrop High School. Winthrop High School students will
be prepared to apply scientific literacy and technology/engineering practice to their everyday
lives and future careers due to the impact of their education at Winthrop High School.
Course offerings and the curricula therein are designed to meet or exceed the core
requirements of the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Frameworks as well
as the Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, established by the federal government.
WHS Science Department offers 2 programs of study with multiple options:
Program Honors College Preparatory
(H) (CP)
General The Honors Program of Studies offers a The College Preparatory
Description rigorously paced, comprehensive Program of Studies offers appropriately
course aligned to Massachusetts and paced science courses aligned to
NGSS standards. Concepts are Massachusetts and NGSS standards.
investigated, discovered and presented Concepts are investigated, presented
in depth. and repetitively practiced to meet the
needs of the students.
Options 1 2 1
Program 1 Honors Biology Honors Biology CP Biology
Sequence
by Year 2 Honors Chemistry Honors CP Chemistry
and Chemistry
AP Enviro Science
3 Honors Physics CP Science Elective
and a choice of:
& AP Environmental Science
4 AP Chemistry
AP Biology
Honors Science Elective
AP Physics (must be concurrent with
Calculus)
Student Profile Designed for the student who is Designed for the student who benefits
motivated or interested in science, from a curriculum designed to give an
technology and or engineering. overview of science concepts and skills
Courses highly recommended for from multiple perspectives.
admission to college are biology,
chemistry and physics.
CORE SCIENCE OFFERINGS
Course Title: Biology
Course No: 3023 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 9 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: Honors Biology explores six main topics through a variety of teaching methods
such as labs, models, interactive websites, and class discussions. The 6 main topics are: The
Chemistry of Life, Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Evolution and Biodiversity,
and Ecology. This course will incorporate scientific inquiry skills and introduce proper laboratory
procedures and the use of instruments, equipment, and materials. All students will be expected
to recognize common themes among living organisms. Honors students are expected to work
independently and at a high academic level. DOE# 03051
Prerequisites: Recommendation by 8th grade science teacher.
Course Title: Biology
Course No: 3024 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 9 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: College Prep Biology explores six main topics through a variety of teaching
methods such as labs, models, interactive websites, and class discussions. The 6 main topics
are: The Chemistry of Life, Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Evolution and
Biodiversity, and Ecology. This course will incorporate scientific inquiry skills and introduce
proper laboratory procedures and the use of instruments, equipment, and materials. All
students will be expected to recognize common themes among living organisms. College Prep
students will have more classroom support and guidance from the teacher. DOE# 03051
Prerequisites: Recommendation by 8th grade science teacher
Course Title: Chemistry
Course No: 3033 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 10, 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: This is a first year survey course for highly motivated students that will rely largely
on individual responsibility for personal education. Students will analyze patterns in laboratory
data to develop an understanding of fundamental topics in chemistry including, but not limited to
laboratory procedures, atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, phases of matter, and
chemical reactions. Students will be assessed on their ability to apply fundamental chemical
principles to broader situations. By the completion of the course, students will develop
laboratory techniques and refine their analytical and critical thinking skills. DOE # 03101
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Honors Biology and
Accelerated or Honors Algebra I
Course Title: Chemistry
Course No: 3034 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 10, 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: This is a survey course designed to expose students to fundamental topics in
chemistry including laboratory procedures, atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry,
phases of matter, and chemical reactions. Students will be expected to demonstrate their
understanding of the material through projects and laboratory experiments. Students will also
develop skills in, organization and use of reference materials, qualitative and quantitative
analysis, and critical thinking. By the completion of the course, students will be able to explain
simple daily phenomena in the context of fundamental chemical principles. DOE# 03101
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra I.
Course Title: Physics
Course No: 3043 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: An introduction to the study of Physics for the motivated, college bound student.
The course is lab-based and is focused on developing modeling skills, problem solving, and
quantitative reasoning. Both conceptual understanding and mathematical problem solving will
be emphasized for topics including mechanics, electromagnetism, sound, light, heat, and atomic
physics. DOE# 03151
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry, Accelerated or Honors Algebra 2,
and Accelerated or Honors Geometry.
ELECTIVE OFFERINGS
SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY - ENGINEERING
Science electives will be offered to students as an open honors course.
An open honors course offers students the choice to take the science elective for College Prep
or Honors level credit towards their GPA calculation. The following table outlines expectations
for each curriculum level within course.
College Prep Honors
Open Note Assessments
Modified Project Requirement
Grade distribution Grade distribution
40% Assessments/ Projects 60% Assessments/ Projects
40% Completion 10% Completion
20% Content 30% Content
Recommendation Required
Procedure for running an Open Honors elective courses.
○ Students will register for the elective science course in the spring.
ALL ELECTIVES WILL REQUIRE A FIRST AND SECOND CHOICE SELECTION
○ During the first two weeks of September, students will designate the curriculum level
they wish to enroll in the course. A letter will be sent home for parent/ guardian approval
and signature. Any student who does not have a returned letter will automatically be
designated as College Prep for grading and GPA calculation purposes.
Course Title: Environmental Science
Course No: Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Course No: 3354 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: Environmental science will address global issues facing our planet. We will start
by learning the basic principles and apply them to real life situations. This course will be a
combination of activities, case studies, current events, and field work. Discussion topics for the
class will include: climate change, ecosystems, human population, energy sources, resource
management, pollution, and sustainable futures. This course will explore the consequences of
human activity and its impact on the natural world. This class will appeal to students who are
interested in connecting science to society. DOE # 03003
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry (can be concurrent)
Course Title: Anatomy and Physiology
Course No: 3583 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Course No: Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: Human Anatomy and Physiology is a one-year course designed for college-bound
students who desire to develop an understanding and appreciation of the human body.
Students will learn the structures, functions, and the regulation of human body systems through
a variety of strategies. This advanced life-science course is helpful for those students who
expect to continue in a curriculum for medicine, nursing, sports medicine, physical therapy,
biology or physical education. DOE# 03053
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
Course Title: Marine Science
Course No: 3593 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Course No: Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: Seventy-five percent of the Earth is covered in water teeming with life. This course
will explain how oceans operate and affect life on land. During the first semester we will focus
on oceanography; we will learn about plate tectonics, water chemistry, waves, tides, and
currents - all of the chemical and physical features of the oceans that in turn affect the biological
features of the oceans. During the second semester we will focus on the various forms of life
found in oceans from the microbial to marine mammals. We will learn about various kinds of
marine ecosystems, and explore our environmental impacts on the oceans. An ongoing focus
throughout the year will be the impacts of climate change on the oceans. This course will
consist of outreach with Belle Isle Marsh and will be academically rigorous. This course will
conduct several dissections and other fieldwork.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
Course Title: Forensics
Course No: Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Course No: 3353 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of topics related to
forensics. Topics to be studied in this course will include crime scene investigation, collection
and preservation of evidence, fingerprinting, blood typing, DNA identification, fire scene
analysis, eyewitness identification, composite sketches, drug identification, post mortem
examination, toxicology, criminal behavior, psychopathology, law enforcement, corrections,
criminal law, court proceedings, and legal considerations at a crime scene. Students will be
introduced to representative areas of forensics including technology for evaluating evidence,
criminology, legal proceedings, and case law through laboratory experiments and various
readings. The course will incorporate the use of contemporary research articles, case studies,
criminal law, chemistry, biology and environmental sciences. Students will develop an
understanding and appreciate for the scientific method and need for careful scientific analysis.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry (can be concurrent)
Course Title: STEAM
Course No: 3564 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 10, 11, 12 Level: Honors Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Course No: 3365 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: College Preparatory Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: STEAM is a course that integrates components of Science & Technology through
Engineering and Artistic design all based in Mathematical elements. Students will learn and
then apply technology skills to solve problems, communicate with others, locate information,
teach, entertain and inspire. The contextual curriculum coordinates each subject area to
support one another in a formal educational structure. The STEAM curriculum is a standard
based NGSS curriculum with a focus on science and engineering practices and core concepts
in science education. The curriculum will be delivered through FUSE, an interest-driven
learning experience developed at Northwestern University and through a two year grant with the
Winthrop Public Schools. The course includes individual as well as group project based
learning.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (can be concurrent), teacher recommendation required.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCIENCE OFFERINGS
Course Title: Advanced Placement - Environmental Science
Course No: 3941 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 10, 11, 12 Level: AP Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science is designed to provide students
with the scientific theories, models, and techniques that will allow them to analyze local, regional
and global environmental issues. A strong emphasis is placed on principles of science,
environmental stewardship, and sustainability. Students will utilize critical, creative, logical and
reflective thinking to study and evaluate natural and human-induced environmental problems.
The course requires an interdisciplinary view that ranges across the social sciences, ethics,
politics and many scientific fields - including biology, chemistry, and physics. Students who take
the AP Environmental Science course must take the AP exam; and the nonrefundable
examination fee must be paid upon entrance into the class. DOE # 03003
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required and successful completion of Honors Biology,
and Honors Chemistry (can be concurrent).
Course Title: Advanced Placement: Biology
Course No: 3921 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: AP Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: This is an advanced second-year biology course designed to follow a first year
college level curriculum. This course will focus on 4 big ideas of biology: evolution, energy,
information, and interactions. With each big idea, students will learn the intricate details of the
major concepts as well as specific examples to support the understanding of the main concepts.
The topics covered in this course will include: biochemistry, cell biology, energy processes,
cellular communication among body systems, molecular heredity, genetics, evolution, and
ecology. Students taking this course will be expected to complete a daily reading, inquiry-based
laboratory work, and modeling. Student may earn college credit and possibly become exempt
from an introductory biology course based on successful completion of the exam. Every student
is required to take the College Board administered exam in May; this exam has a nonrefundable
fee. DOE# 03056
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required and successful completion of Honors Biology,
and Honors Chemistry.
Course Title: Advanced Placement Chemistry
Course No: 3931 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: AP Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: This is an advanced second-year chemistry course designed to follow a college
level curriculum. Students will develop a deep conceptual and quantitative understanding of
fundamental chemical principles using advanced analytical techniques. Topics include atomic
theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, phases of matter, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base
chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Students will be expected to engage in
productive peer-collaboration to understand the interlocking nature of topics in chemistry.
Achieving a successful score on the AP Chemistry examination may lead to exemption from a
first year college chemistry course. There is a nonrefundable examination fee that must be paid
upon entrance to the course. DOE# 03106
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required and successful completion of Honors Biology,
and Honors Chemistry.
Course Title: Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics
Course No: 3051 Offered: Full Year
Grade: 11, 12 Level: AP Credits: 5.0
Dept: Science
Description: AP Physics provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics
and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability
using algebra and trigonometry, and the basics of calculus. The equivalent of a first-semester
college-level Physics course for scientists and engineers, AP Physics will cover five major
content areas: kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational
dynamics, and gravitational physics. Where appropriate, laboratory work will be a central
component of the course. Students who take the AP Physics course must take the AP exam
and the nonrefundable examination fee must be paid upon entrance into the class.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required, Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry as
well as concurrent enrollment in Calculus or Pre-Calculus with Calculus preferred.