CORE COURSES:
Biology
Honors Biology
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Chemical Technologies
Geosystems
Physics
Honors Physics
Active Physics

ELECTIVES:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
AP Biology
Biology Senior Science Investigations
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Physics B
Astronomy

BIOLOGY 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one

Biology 1 is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods of scientific inquiry. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex multicellular organisms, and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop, and adapt to conditions in their environment. The course includes a unit on human life education that addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing their children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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BIOLOGY 1 HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield, click here
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one

Biology 1 Honors utilizes a molecular approach to the study of biology. This lab-centered course stresses cell processes and the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms. Biology 1 Honors includes a unit on human life education that addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing their children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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CHEMISTRY 1
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: One laboratory science course, Algebra 1

Chemistry 1 is designed to enable all students to acquire an understanding of how chemical theory is developed and how a chemist thinks and works. Students investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. The approach is inductive and mathematical, as well as conceptual. Laboratory experiments and subsequent classroom analysis are integral components of the course. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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CHEMISTRY 1 HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield, click here
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: One laboratory science course, Algebra I
Corequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors

Chemistry I Honors utilizes an inductive approach to the teaching of chemistry. By performing a carefully planned sequence of laboratory experiments, students obtain evidence to support the development of the major concepts of modern chemistry. The history and philosophy of science are also stressed throughout the course. Students will be involved in doing experimental research projects, either independently or in teams. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY (CT)
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: One year of laboratory science, Algebra I

Chemical Technology is a science course for students preparing for some technical careers or students with weak Algebra skills. The Chemistry Standards of Learning are addressed with strong emphasis on laboratory experimentation and current technical application in chemistry. The chemistry content is presented in a problem-solving manner using strategies to strengthen competencies and skills in chemistry, mathematics, and technology. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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GEOSYSTEMS
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry1

Geosystems integrates content from geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology with various forms of technology, social and environmental issues, and hands-on experiments. Students will explore concepts using computers, telecommunications equipment, graphing calculators, probeware, GIS, GPS and image processing software. Students are required to take the end of course Standards of Learning Test.

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PHYSICS 1
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Two laboratory science courses

Physics 1 introduces the central concepts of physics, including the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), electricity, magnetism, and waves. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.

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PHYSICS 1 HONORS
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield, click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Two laboratory science courses
Corequisite: Precalculus

Physics 1 Honors introduces the most central concepts of physics, including the dual wave-particle nature of light, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), and atomic theory. This course is laboratory-centered and employs the methods of scientific inquiry. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C (Science Elective)
Grades: 11-12
Credit: One (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Physics 1
Co-requisite: Calculus AB or Calculus BC

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advance Placement C examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. It is a second-level course which surveys a broad selection of physics topics at a level above Physics I. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. The mathematics co-requisite is calculus BC or AB. (Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C exam.)


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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B(Science Elective)
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: Physics I
Corequisite: Precalculus

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics B examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Physics B is a second-level course which surveys a broad selection of physics topics at a level above Physics I. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. It provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and there is an emphasis on problem-solving. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics B exam.

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ACTIVE PHYSICS
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: One year of a laboratory science.

Active Physics is a physical science for special population students with weak math skills. This course has a strong emphasis on experimentation using computers and probeware. The six units of study include the physics of: sports, medicine, transportation, home, communication and predictions. The physics content is presented in a problem solving manner to strengthen science and math content knowledge and skills. (This course is not considered a college preparatory course and is designed for those students who have not passed Algebra 1.)

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Chemistry 1

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution for a qualifying score. Advanced Placement Biology is a second-level biology course that utilizes laboratory research activities to acquaint students with the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. The course is designed for students who have completed the core science curriculum and are now prepared to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available.
(All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam.)

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BIOLOGY SENIOR SCIENCE INVESTIGATIONS
Grades 11,12
Credit: one
Corequisite: AP Biology

Senior Science Investigations complements the AP Biology program and supplements the core laboratory requirement of the course. Students gain practical experience in accessing and utilizing the scientific literature, employing advanced laboratory techniques, and increasing their ability to design and conduct in-depth independent research projects. A forum is provided which allows students to discuss, among themselves and with distinguished visiting scientists, current topics related to science and technology issues.

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HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MEDICAL SCIENCES (Science Elective)
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry 1

Human Anatomy and Physiology provides students with an in depth understanding and working knowledge of the human body. It covers the 10 systems of the human body with emphasis on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. Lab activities cover both the physiological as well as the anatomical aspects of human biology. Careers in the medical science are explored and an independent project is required. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. (This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma. It can be used as the fourth science credit for the advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.)


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ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: One (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Chemistry 1
Corequisite: Recommended: Physics, or Precalculus

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-level, laboratory-centered course that provides an opportunity for students to undertake a more comprehensive investigation of some aspects of chemistry than is normally possible in the first-year chemistry course. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. (All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.)

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ASTRONOMY (Science Elective)
Grades: 12
Credit: one
Prerequisites: Two laboratory science courses

Astronomy deals with such topics as the universe, universal laws, galaxies, stellar evolution, the solar system and its motion, and the exploration of space. This course is designed to be an in-depth and mathematical treatment of astronomy concepts. (This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma. It can be used as the fourth science credit for the advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.)
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