Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives of the Science Department

We believe that the science program of Presque Isle High School should strive to help meet the needs of all students. We should prepare individuals to use science for improving their lives and coping with an increasingly technological society. We should attempt to produce informed citizens who are prepared to deal responsibly with science related social issues. We should make students aware of the nature and scope of a wide variety of science and technology-related careers. For those students who aspire to scientific careers, we should provide the knowledge appropriate to their needs.

In order to fulfill these needs, we must attempt to revive and sustain in our students the young child's enthusiastic curiosity about his/her environment. Science is experimental by nature and inherently involves experimentation in the classroom.

As educators, we must produce scientific literacy in students that goes beyond the regurgitation of facts, figures, and word meanings. Our students must understand the process of scientific discovery and its effects on society. A successful science program should insure that all students see the need for competency in science and understand that science is a tool for solving everyday problems.

Specifically, we believe that the science program should develop in students the following:

• An ability to think in a manner which is logical, critical, creative, and independent.
• An ability to observe natural phenomena objectively and draw conclusions from these observations.
• An understanding of the process of science and its use as a tool to help solve personal and societal problems.
• An understanding and appreciation of our limited natural environment and a concern for its protection and future.
• An appreciation of the beauty and grandeur inherent in the order of the universe.
• A comprehensive scientific background necessary to function in a rational and intelligent manner.
• A realization that science is not only a body of knowledge and understanding but is also a search for knowledge.
• An ability to integrate science, technology, and society.
• An understanding of the interdependence of science with mathematics and the humanities.
• The realization that in order to become life-long learners and make meaningful contributions to society, they must not only learn and understand science but also must do science.

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Science Faculty

Richard Lord, Jr.
Department Chairman
(CP Human Biology, Honors Biology)

Kierston Donovan (CP Physics, Earth Science, Honors Earth Science)	Chris Power (Applied Biology, CP Biology, Earth Science)
Randy Harper (Physical Science, Earth Science)	Eric Hendrickson (AP Chemistry, CP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry)
Stan Maynard (Physical Science)	Linda Palmer (Applied Biology, CP Biology, CP Chemistry)

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Science Course Offerings

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY                                                                       Grade 12

Prerequisite:  CP Chemistry and Algebra II or instructor permission

AP Chemistry is a full year course designed to investigate in greater depth the theoretical aspects of chemistry.  An emphasis is placed on the collection and manipulation of scientific data leading to a better understanding of issues in the fields of environmental sciences, forensic sciences, medical sciences, and engineering.  Students who attain the required score on the AP Chemistry exam at the end of the course may earn college credits.

 

APPLIED BIOLOGY (1 Credit)                                                                                          Grade 10

Applied biology is designed to meet the needs of students who aspire to technical careers.  Areas of study will include the scientific method, the human body, biochemistry, diversity and environmental issues.  Class work involves many hands-on activities.

 

CP BIOLOGY (1 Credit)                                                                                                     Grade 10

Biology seeks to develop a general knowledge of the patterns and process of living things, an attitude of scientific curiosity, a practical ability to use the tools of biology, and an appreciation of the beauty and order in the living world.  Classwork involves much hands-on laboratory experience.

 

CP BIOLOGY II (1 Credit)                                                                                       Grade 11 or 12

This course is offered to juniors and seniors who have passed CP Biology or Honors Biology.  It is designed for students who plan careers in the biological or medical sciences or who wish to have a stronger scientific background for college.  A variety of topics, ranging from scientific communication to forensic science and microbiology, will be studied.  Extensive laboratory work will be done.  This course is offered on even-numbered years.  Students electing CP Biology II must have at least an 80 average in Biology or Honors Biology.

 

CP CHEMISTRY (1 Credit)                                                                                                Grade 11

This course is designed to meet the needs of all students who will pursue a non-scientific future and would like a science course that will bring the student more in touch with everyday occurrences happening around them.  The subject is descriptive with a strong emphasis on consumer chemistry topics such as pollution, pesticides, nutrition, and energy to help promote a better understanding of the chemistry in everyday life.  The student should have completed CP Biology and should be at least taking CP Algebra I.

 

 

CP HUMAN BIOLOGY (1 Credit)                                                                           Grade 11 & 12

CP Human Biology is designed for students who want to learn more about the human body.  This course will cover human anatomy, physiology, behavior, genetics, ecology, and anthropology.  CP Human Biology is offered on the odd numbered years.  Prerequisite:  Honors Biology or CP Biology.

 

CP PHYSICS (1 Credit)                                                                                            Grade 11 & 12

The course shows the development of physics from Aristotle in 384 BC to the present atomic age with emphasis on motion, astronomy, mechanics, light and electromagnetism, and models of the atom.  It is assumed that all students have had at least two years of mathematics.

 

EARTH SCIENCE (1 Credit)                                                                                                Grade 9

This course is designed to develop an awareness and better understanding of our dynamic earth and our earth in space.  Topics of study include maps, the lithosphere (land), the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water), and space.  Students will work on their analysis techniques through Earth System Science Analysis of current topics and events.  Students will need to utilize basic skills in math and measurement to complete various activities

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (1 Credit)                                                                            Grades 11 & 12

Physical Science follows Earth Science and Biology and is the third science for those students who do not elect to take a Chemistry/Physics sequence in their junior and senior years.  It includes the topics of energy, motion, and the structure of matter.

 

HONORS SCIENCE COURSES

 

Enrollment in an honors science course is subject to previous academic performance, test scores and teacher recommendations.  Enrollment is open each year.  Students must maintain a high level of performance to continue in the program.

 

HONORS BIOLOGY (1 Credit)                                                                                        Grade 10

Honors Biology is designed to meet the needs of the students who aspire to scientific or medical careers.  It is an intensive study of life and life processes and requires a large amount of laboratory investigation.

 

HONORS CHEMISTRY (1 Credit)                                                                                   Grade 11

Honors Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of students who would like to pursue a science or math curriculum in college.  The topics covered include all the topics in traditional chemistry including their application to everyday living.  The course stresses independent thinking and problem solving.

 

HONORS EARTH SCIENCE (1Credit)                                                                            Grade 9

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who would like to pursue a scientific career or who are wishing to challenge themselves through the in depth exploration of earth science concepts.  Topics of study include maps, the lithosphere (land), the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water), and space.  Students will advance their analysis techniques through the mastery of Earth System Science Analysis of current topics and events.  A long-term project on anthropogenic impacts will be completed.  Students are expected to have strengths in math and measurement for the completion of independent activities.

For additional information on courses and graduation requirements, please refer to the PIHS Program of Studies handbook, available in PDF format.

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Field Experiences

Coming soon, look for pages about the following:

Biology

Chemistry

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Resources

These are resource links to web pages for students that have been suggested by the science teachers of Presque Isle High School. These resource links are always a good place to start when doing any type of science research.

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Thank you for your interest in our department.

Maine School Administrative District #1

Last updated August 20, 2007