The Hill Regional Career H.S. Science Program is designed to deal with a diverse student body with a broad range of interests and needs. Our goal is to increase the scientific and technological literacy of all our students by providing a wide range of offerings to prepare for scientifically oriented careers, study and professions. Some courses provide basic understandings with major emphasis on practical application of science to our daily lives. Other courses are offered at both the “college” and “honors” level; in addition we provide second-year courses for students who have excelled in the first-year course and are motivated to go on to advanced college levels of study. Included in the curriculum are opportunities available for student participation in Advanced Placement Courses, club activities, field trips, meetings with scientists, team and individual competitions with other schools, partnership and internship programs, and individual study and research projects.
To preclude injury to students and staff as well as to minimize damage to equipment and personal effects, each student is required to read and sign a statement regarding conduct in the laboratory and general safety rules. In addition to the safety contract, room equipment, and procedures a “no food” policy is also established. Failure to comply with these safety directives can lead to exclusion from all laboratory activities including loss of credit for those assessments.
#409 PHYCHEM GRADE 9 ONLY
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Required for all incoming freshmen
Course Description: This course is a logical and comprehensive study of matter and energy while investigating the relationship between them. It begins with an introduction to chemistry, which includes the use of the metric system with open-ended, hands-on laboratory activities. The course will cover basic principles of matter as well as basic concepts in chemistry and the role of science and technology in society. This course meets the district requirements for an integrated freshman science course emphasizing the physical science strands of the state science standards. Computer-based labs and a science project are required. Students who fail for the year may take Physical Science in summer school.
Note: This is not an option for sophomores or repeating freshman.
Course Assessment: Examinations – 30%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 40%; class participation – 10 %; /project & group work – 20%
#410 HONORS PHYCHEM GRADE 9 ONLY
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Incoming freshmen with teacher recommendation
Course Description: This course is an honors version of #409 PHYCHEM that includes a logical and comprehensive study of matter and energy. For those students with a strong background in mathematics, it begins with an introduction to atomic structure and principals of chemistry, which includes the use of the metric system with open-ended, hands-on laboratory activities. The course will cover concepts in chemistry and the role of science and technology in society. It is recommended that the Phychem Honors student have the ability to solve basic algebraic problems. Computer-based labs, problems and a science project are required. Students who fail for the year may take Physical Science in summer school.
Note: This is not an option for sophomores or repeating freshman.
Course Assessment: Examinations – 30%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 40%; class participation – 10 %; /project & group work – 20%
#413 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE GRADE 10, 11
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
1 section only
Prerequisite: Honors Phychem and teacher recommendation. Science/Health Majors only.
To be taken in conjunction with a sophomore biology class
Course Description: This is a full year course in which we will explore the elements that affect our environment. We will look and discuss such topics as the “Greenhouse Effect” and “Acid Rain”. Students will also cover subject area on Geology, Geography, weather patterns, biomes, energy resources and Human impact on these systems. Students will look at individual elements and explain on how they relate to whole systems. Topics may include areas of ecology, biodiversity, the relationship between humans and the environment, and the state of our biosphere. A major research paper will be required.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests and quizzes) - 35%; written work, homework – 25%; laboratory reports – 20%; participation/projects & group work – 20%
#415 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY GRADE 11or 12
Level AP Credit 2.0 Meets A & B Days FULL YEAR
1 SECTION ONLY
Prerequisites: Honors Phychem, 1 year of Honors Biology & teacher recommendation. Student must have a B average and pass CAPT science test with a 4 or 5.
Science/Health Majors only. Maximum of 15 students, minimum of 10.
Course Description: AP Biology presents a first year college-level biology course covering major content areas such as molecules and cells; heredity and evolution; and organisms and populations. Students will perform 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations. Students take the nationally standardized AP Biology test in early May and are eligible to receive college credit for the course if they score high enough on the exam. This is a highly selective and competitive course, which requires a large commitment of time and study on the part of the very mature student.
Course Assessment: Tests/quizzes – 35%; written work/homework/class participation – 35%; laboratory & group work – 30%
#417 HONORS BIOLOGY I GRADE 10
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem or Honors Phychem or Teacher Recommendation
Course Description: This is a college prep biology course designed for students with the academic ability to study in more depth the biological concepts and processes. This is a full year, laboratory course including topics in biology such as molecules and cells, heredity and evolution; and organisms and populations. A research paper is required for the completion of this course.
Course Assessment: Tests/quizzes – 35%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 40%; class participation/project & group work – 25%
#419 BIOLOGY I GRADE 10
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem or Honors Phychem
Course Description: Students will utilize skills for measuring, inferring, classifying, predicting, modeling and researching in order to relate biology to other fields of science, organize materials into a format for reporting and explain how biology relates to everyday life. It incorporates technology into the classroom. This is a full year laboratory science including topics in biology such as: molecules and cells; heredity and evolution; and organisms and populations. A major science project is required.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests and quizzes) - 25%; written work / homework – 40%; laboratory reports – 10%; participation/projects & group work – 25%
#421 ADVANCED BIOLOGY II GRADE 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.5 FULL YEAR
1 SECTION ONLY
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, Phychem, Honors Biology I, and Honors Chemistry or currently taking. Science/Health Majors only. When students request their courses in the spring, first preference is given to Seniors.
Course Description: The Biology II course is an accelerated program, which includes a lab at the Yale School of Medicine every other week after school. This course includes the study of immunology, neuroanatomy, DNA and electrophoresis (lab combined with AP Chemistry class in school), electron microscopy, entomology, molecular biology and anatomical dissections of the cat, white rat, fetal pig and shark.
Course Assessment: Tests/quizzes – 40%; homework/participation – 30%; laboratory quizzes/reports – 25%; overall evaluation – 5%
#422 SCIENCE AND RESEARCH GRADES 10, 11 & 12
Level 1 Credit 1 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, and at least 2 other lab science courses. 1 SECTION ONLY
Science/Health Majors only. Sophomores accepted with teacher recommendation.
Course Description: This course is designed to give those students headed into the field of science the tools necessary to conduct meaningful research. Emphasis will be placed on Internet and scientific journal research. Students will be working closely with scientists from Yale, Bayer, SCSU, and other institutions and will be expected to be actively involved in their research project. By the end of this course, the student will be able to obtain information about most topics in the field of science. All students are required to a complete science fair project to be judged in the Citywide and State Science Fair Competitions. Some students will be eligible for paid summer science internships.
Course Assessment: Science Fair Project-40%, Laboratory investigations/ homework/written work-40%, and class participation/mentor interaction -20%
#423 ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY GRADES 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.5 Last Block of Day FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, Honors Biology I 2 SECTIONS ONLY
Science/Health majors only. Must be paired with Honors Chemistry.
Course Description: This course provides the study of structure and function of the human body. Part of the program includes a lab working with cadavers at the Yale School of Medicine offered every other week. The ten body systems will be studied in great detail.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests/quizzes) – 40%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 25%; class participation/project work & group work – 15%; lab practical evaluation – 20%
#424 HONORS CHEMISTRY GRADE 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 Last Block of Day FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, Honors Biology, Algebra II 2 SECTIONS ONLY
Must be paired with Anatomy/Physiology.
Course Description: This course is designed to develop understanding and skills in the following areas of chemistry and the study of matter: fundamental concepts, practical applications, laboratory techniques and application of mathematical methods. The course content includes the same topics as that of Chemistry I, but Honors Chemistry must be taken concurrently with Anatomy/Physiology.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) & – 40%; homework/written work including laboratory reports & projects – 45%; class participation & group work – 15%
#425 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY GRADE 12
Level AP Credit 2.0 FULL YEAR
1 SECTION ONLY
Prerequisites: Completed one year of Chemistry I, or Honors Chemistry, Trigonometry or pre-calculus
Science/Health Majors only
Course Description: This course is designed to give students an in-depth study of specific topics and chemical concepts in chemistry. AP Chemistry presents a first year college-level chemistry course covering major content areas. Students examine the first year’s topics in greater depth, and with a broader understanding of all the “over-lap” in science (biochemistry, microbiology). Students take the nationally standardized AP Chemistry test in early May and are eligible to receive college credit for the course if they score high enough on the exam. This is a highly selective and competitive course, which requires a large commitment of time and study on the part of the very mature student. This course is an integrated program in conjunction with other Advance Placement courses taken and pre-calculus and teacher recommendation at Career.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 75%; homework/written work including laboratory reports, class participation/project & group work – 25%
#426 CHEMISTRY I GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, and one year of Biology
Course Description: This laboratory-oriented course is designed for students to study basic Chemistry concepts such as atomic structure, the periodic table and to utilize mathematical formulas while bridging the inter-relationships between chemistry, the consumer and the environment. Much of this course is done through use of the Internet and web quests. Contemporary issues in science and technology are often covered.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 30%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 40%; class participation/project & group work – 30%
#427 SCIENCE ISSUES GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 3 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, and one year of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Course Description: This is a course for upperclassmen that have met their laboratory science requirement and have elected to take another year of science. This course blends an understanding of the basic principles of science with practical applications and contemporary science issues.
Course Assessment: Class work & participation – 25%; quizzes, tests, news articles – 35%; research project/book reports/homework – 40%
#428 MODERN CHEMISTRY GRADE 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, Honors Biology I, Algebra II 1 SECTION ONLY
Note: Open to honors level Business/Computer students.
Course Description: This course is designed to develop understanding and skills in the following areas of chemistry and the study of matter: fundamental concepts, practical applications, laboratory techniques and application of mathematical methods. The course content includes the same topics as that of Honors Chemistry I, but Modern Chemistry covers more depth of topic along with a closer look at the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology and current scientific advancements.
Course Assessment: Tests & quizzes – 40%; homework/participation – 30%; laboratory quizzes, reports, & projects - 30%
#429 HONORS PHYSICS GRADES 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
1 SECTION ONLY
Prerequisites: Phychem, Biology I, Chemistry I, and FST. Must be currently taking Calculus. Juniors accepted with teacher recommendation only.
Course Description: This college preparatory course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the meaning and structure of physics. Through reading, problem solving, laboratory work and individual projects, students will study the principles of motion. Extensive use will be made of mathematics and the methods of calculus for analysis of laboratory data, development of physical laws and the applications of physics.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 30%; laboratory reports – 30%; homework and group work – 30%; class participation – 10%
#429A CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS GRADE 10
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, Algebra I 2 SECTIONS
To be taken in conjunction with Sophomore Biology class
Course Description: This course will focus on the concepts of physics rather than mathematical equations. Therefore, minimal mathematical skill for computations is required as compared to physics 429B. The goal of this course is to further develop concepts covered in Phychem such as motion, energy, and heat, light sound, electronics, space technology and the scientific principals on which they operate. Students will be expected to apply the concepts to everyday life though projects, presentations, and labs, which focus on qualitative analysis rather than mathematical computation. This course is designed with a conceptual approach to physics in order to help meet the needs of the basic population for the physical science components on the CAPT.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 30%; laboratory reports – 30%; homework and group work – 30%; class participation – 10%
#429B PHYSICS GRADES 11, 12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Phychem, Algebra I with a grade of B or better
Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with the methods and ideas used by physicists to describe the physical world. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigation, the basic principles of motion, forces, energy, optics and light, electricity, magnetism and atomic and nuclear physics. Mathematics will be used in the laboratory data analysis and for the solution of problems. Project work will also be an integral part of the course.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 30%; laboratory reports – 30%; homework and group work – 30%; class participation – 10%
#431 ADVANCED CHEMISTRY II GRADE 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Completed one year of Chemistry I or Honors Chemistry Science/Health Majors only
Course Description: This course is designed to give students an in-depth study of specific topics and chemical concepts in chemistry. Students examine the first year’s topics in greater depth, and with a broader understanding of all the “over-lap” in science (biochemistry, microbiology). Dyes, indicators, Electro-chemistry, acids, bases, forensics, soaps, and paints are a few of the possible topic areas explored in greater dept. The third marking period is reserved for independent project/portfolio work. This course is an integrated program in conjunction with other Science/Health classes taken at Career and an option for students who do not qualify for AP Chemistry.
Course Assessment: Examinations (tests & quizzes) – 30%; homework/written work including laboratory reports – 40%; class participation/project & group work – 30%
#436 ALLIED HEALTH INTERNSHIP GRADES 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Enrollment in Tech-Prep and/or Department Approval Science/Health Majors only
Course Description: This is a junior/senior full-year course designed to combine school-based learning and a work-based learning experience in order to prepare students for career interests in the areas of health and science. Students take part in a variety of activities that foster self-awareness and career goals. Students develop job-seeking skills such as writing cover letters, resumes and interviewing techniques. After school internships may be provided. Students should note that class instruction takes place during the first half of the year. Students are expected to enroll in an additional class during the spring semester.
Course Assessment: (FIRST SEMESTER) – Test – 50%; written work/homework – 25%; class participation – 25% (SECOND SEMESTER) - Clinical journal – 50%; performance evaluation – 50%
#437 MEDICAL CAREERS I GRADE 11, 12
Level 2 Credit .50 1st semester only
Prerequisites: Health majors w/teacher recommendation. Criteria include attendance, grades, and citizenship.
Course Description: This is a Junior/Senior half-year course designed to provide students with the skills and attitudes associated with a broad range of health occupations. Through the use of media, classroom activities, and guest speakers, students will learn a core of information common to many careers in the health care field. Successful completion of Medical Careers I will lead to entry into Medical Careers II, which takes place during the second semester.
Course Assessment: Tests / Research / 50%; Written Work /Homework / Speakers Journals – 25%;
Class Participation – 25%
#438 MEDICAL CAREERS II GRADES 11, 12
Level 1 Credit .50 2nd semester only
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Medical Careers I along with teacher recommendation
Criteria include attendance, grades, and citizenship.
Course Description: This is a Junior/Senior half-year course offered to students who have successfully completed Medical Careers I. Students are given specific instruction in skills and competencies related to patient care. A major component of this course is an in-depth clinical internship in an assigned clinical setting.
Course Assessment: Tests – 50%; Written Work/homework – 25%; Class Participation – 25%
Clinical grade includes written journals and clinical performance, and is averaged into the 4th marking period.
#440 INTRODUCTION TO NURSING GRADE 12
Level 1 Credit 2 .0 Last Block of Day FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Health major’s w/teacher recommendation and interview with the instructor. Criteria include attendance, grades, and citizenship.
Course Description: This is a full year course open to selected seniors who wish to enter nursing and other health careers. It is designed to teach the related technology and nursing procedures necessary in the preparation for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and home health agencies. Instruction involves theory and lab instruction as well as a supervised clinical placement in both an acute and long-term care facility. Upon successful completion, students must pass a state written and skills test making them eligible for entry onto the state registry for Certified Nursing Assistants.
Course Assessment: Tests – 50%; Written Work/ homework - 25%; Class Participation – 25%.
Clinical grade includes library research and clinical performance, and is averaged into the 4th marking period.
#499 TEACHER’S AIDE/Laboratory aide GRADE 12
Level None HALF YEAR-FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Teacher approval, placement by Guidance
Student must have completed all junior course requirements
Course Description: Students enrolled, as a teacher’s aide will be required to be an advocate for success and demonstrate a desire to go beyond the basics. This course is suited for the student who expresses an interest in the teaching field. Students will be given assignments to assist teachers or classes according to their particular abilities or talents. Some examples of assignments include: acting as a mentor, role model or tutor to other students, assisting the teacher in preparing for lessons or organizing classroom activities and creating bulletin boards.
Students will sign a contract that states their expected role as a teacher’s aide. Student has the opportunity to earn work credit for this course.
*Dependent on course length.
Course Assessment: Students are assessed based on their attendance, performance and productivity as stated in their teacher’s aide contract. This is a pass/fail course.
#558S INDEPENDENT STUDY ROBOTICS GRADE 12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Keyboarding, PhyChem or Teacher Approval (A.B.Tangney)
Course Description: This is an application-oriented course that will explore the world of robotics to prepare for the spring competition of “FIRST” (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). This class will offer credits for business and science. The business aspect of this course focuses on starting and operating a business using marketing, merchandising and management skills. In addition to the marketing portion of this class, students will learn about motors, gears, levers, drive systems, pneumatics, and electrical design and assembly. Students will have the opportunity to visit local manufacturing companies, participate in presentations with engineers involved in FIRST, and work on projects of their own that can be used in the competition. Majority of course work is done independently of classroom instruction.
Course Assessment: Projects/Presentations – 30%; Written Work/ homework/Participation – 30%; Portfolio/Internet tasks – 20%; Tests/Quizzes – 20 %
Health Electives
(These courses count as science credits but do not replace laboratory science courses)
#411 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH GRADE 10, 11, 12
Level 2 Credit 1 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Open to health majors as a science elective 1 SECTION ONLY
Course Description: This is a full year course designed to provide instruction pertaining to the field of public health. Through the use of media, classroom activities, and guest speakers, students will explore past and present public health issues. Students will explore methods used for prevention and control of disease as they complete various projects designed to increase public health awareness.
Course Assessment: Tests / Research Projects – 50%; Written work/ homework – 25%;
Class Participation – 25%
#447 MEDICAL RESPONSE TECHNICIAN GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 2 Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: Minimum Age: 15
Cost: $42.00
Course Description: This is a First Responder Certificate course that will allow the student to work with Emergency Rescue Medical Personnel. This course precedes the Emergency Medical Technician course. The students will learn the basics of EMT training. This is a very advanced first aid course and is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in becoming an EMT.
Course Assessment: Written tests – 40-50%; homework – 10-20%; practical application – 20-30%
#448 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level 1 Credit 2.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: MRT or Teachers Recommendation BOTH A & B DAYS
Minimum Age: 16
Costs: $42.00
Course Description: Emergency Medical Technician is a state-certified course with a curriculum developed by the National Department of Transportation. The students will learn how to provide on the scene emergency care for patients as well as emergency transportation. Students enrolled in the course will work in conjunction with the local emergency rooms and ambulance services. Students should have a basic knowledge of the human body and a good reading comprehension level due to the high amount of reading required for this course. Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be invited to take the state practical exam which, when they pass successfully, will qualify them to take the state written exam. Upon receiving a passing grade for the two state exams, the student will become a state certified EMT. (If the class cannot meet every day then 50 hours of after school class participation is required.)
Course Assessment: Written tests – 40-50%; homework – 10-20%; practical application – 20-30% for marking periods 1-3. 50% of the fourth Marking period grade will be based on their state practical exam participation with the other percentages adjusted accordingly.