SCIENCE

Encouraging students to develop scientific literacy and problem-solving skills which will enable
​them to become lifelong learners.

Solve.
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Students work to solve real-word problems using their knowledge and skills in science which enables them to connect their learning to the world around them.

Create.
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Students create opportunities to explore science in the lab, in the field, and with members of the science community throughout their experience in the Nipmuc Science Department.

Discover.
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Students discover both the depth and breadth of science disciplines and careers through the diversity of the science electives.

2024-2025 Course offerings

​NipSci Pathfinder
Would you like to get personalized advice on selecting the right science courses for your academic journey and future career?  The Nipmuc science department has created a ChatGPT 4.5 Turbo-powered AI assistant to help personalize science course selection.  The NipSci Pathfinder is familiar with our science program of studies and can help you think through the exciting science options available to you at Nipmuc Regional.

FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCE COURSES
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Environmental Science         CP/Honors            1 Credit     Grade 9
Discover what makes the natural world run!   Explore the living world, the chemistry and physics influencing the environment, and the human interactions at play.  Examine these topics and get your hands dirty, too!  In this project-based class, students will work outdoors and in the lab to build scientific inquiry skills,  learn how the environment works, and explore how humans influence the planet.  Apply your new knowledge to your own life and see the impact that you can make. This course prepares students for the MCAS biology standards related to evolution and ecosystems and introduces them to high school-level physics and chemistry concepts. 

*NEW*  Intro to Physics                        CP/Honors        1 Credit    Grade 9
Why does a rolling ball eventually stop? How do we use invisible waves to watch TV?  This physics course focuses on motion, forces, energy, and waves in a “hands-on” approach to building models to explain why and how the everyday world works.  Students gather data and apply mathematical models to analyze phenomena like forces acting on objects, energy transfers within systems, and wave properties enabling technologies.  This course readies students for the Physics MCAS.

Biology                           CP        1 Credit    Grade 9-11
Did you ever wonder what makes living things alive?  Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a research scientist looks like?  By practicing laboratory skills, creating models, and investigating scientific topics, students will better understand molecular and cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and human anatomy.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of how living things function, the environment works, and learn about the world around them.  This course readies students to take the Biology MCAS.

Biology                            Honors    1 Credit        Grade 9-11
This lab course is for highly independent and well-motivated students.  Did you ever wonder what makes living things alive?  Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a research scientist looks like?  Students will be exposed to a greater depth of content while practicing laboratory skills, creating models, and investigating scientific topics, such as molecular and cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human anatomy.  Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the environment and the world around them.   This course prepares students to take the Biology MCAS.

Chemistry                            Honors    1 Credit    Grade 10-11
Why is the statement “no chemicals have been added” untrue?   What does it mean when something says it’s organic?  How can organization make your life better?   How can computational thinking be used every day in your life?  This fast-paced laboratory science will keep you on your toes while you explore how chemistry can be applied to everyday questions and problems.   We will investigate the world around us, as scientists before us have, to explain what we see and predict what we could observe in the future.   
Prerequisite:  Enrolled in or have successfully completed Algebra II.

Chemistry                            CP    1 Credit    Grade 10-11
Why does ice float?  What are calories?  Can fire change color?  Concepts of Chemistry surround us every day.  In this course, students will explore how chemistry directly relates to their world.  They will use computational thinking, laboratory experiments, and teamwork to understand how Chemistry is intertwined with everyday life.    
Prerequisite:  Enrolled in or have successfully completed Algebra II.

Engineering 1                 CP/Honors            1 Credit        Grades 10-12
Do you enjoy coming up with solutions to problems?   In this class, a NASA astronaut will ask you to help NASA solve an epic challenge.   While learning, students will work in teams on different aspects of the epic challenge.   Teamwork is a big component of this class.  We will focus on problem definition, problem immersion, team development, creativity tools, creative ideation, prototyping, concept evaluation and selection, and developing and presenting engineering results and plans.   Students could work with scientists and engineers from around the world.  Student teams will present their work at the Nipmuc Regional Symposium and have an opportunity to present it in other venues outside of school, like NASA.

Physics                         CP         1 Credit    Grade 11-12
Ever wonder why objects move the way they do?   Then CPS Physics is for you!  CPS Physics takes a “hands-on” approach to discovering why and how the everyday world works.   This course emphasizes learning through discovery in labs about the physical laws of nature, covering linear & projectile motion, forces, energy transfer, momentum transfer, sound and light, electricity, and how they apply to the real world. 
Prerequisite:  Students should successfully complete Geometry before enrolling in this course.

ELECTIVES

Anatomy and Physiology            CP         1 Credit    Grades 10-12
Ever wonder why we close our eyes when sneezing?  Why were you told as a kid to wait before swimming after you ate?  It’s all about your anatomy and physiology!  This course is designed to be an “owner’s manual” for the human body, investigating the relationship between how the body systems function and what this means for personal health.  Students will be expected to participate in hands-on projects and dissections to exemplify the connections between structure and function.  
Prerequisite: Successfully complete Biology before enrolling in this course.

Anatomy and Physiology           Honors        1 Credit    Grades 10-12
Ever wonder why we close our eyes when we sneeze?  Why were you told as a kid to wait before swimming after you ate?  It’s all about your anatomy and physiology!  The ultimate goal is for students to understand the complex inter-relations of all body systems, how they affect overall health, become proficient in using and understanding medical terminology, and how modern medical interventions and practices are utilized.   This course will investigate the relationship between how the body systems function and what this means for personal health.  Students will be expected to participate in hands-on projects and dissections to exemplify the connections between structure and function.   
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of  Biology before enrolling in this course.

Biotechnology         CP/Honors           1 Credit     Grade 10-12
Are you interested in biotechnology or therapeutic biologics?  Do you want to learn more about what DNA does...  then change it?  We can!  In a high school science class, we can clone genes and alter genetic code.  In this lab-based biotechnology class, you will learn about genetics and how understanding the genetic code transforms the pharmaceutical industry and helps find cures for diseases.  You will learn the core techniques and tools that scientists in the biotech industry use to discover human therapeutics and better understand the role of biotechnology and the potential impact of this industry on our future. 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology before enrolling in this course.

Engineering 2                 CP/Honors            1 Credit        Grades 11-12
Engineering 2 is for students who want to continue their engineering research project from Engineering 1.   Students will take the feedback received at the end of the first year and improve their projects following the innovative conceptual engineering design process.   Students will also serve as mentors for Engineering 1 students.  The results of their engineering project will be presented at a conference.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Engineering 1 before enrolling in this course.

Forensic Science             CP/Honors    1 Credit    Grade 11-12
​DNA Analysis, bloodstain patterns, fingerprints, and trace evidence: how do forensic scientists process and examine these types of evidence in the laboratory to help solve crimes?  Use authentic lab processes to understand how evidence moves from the scene to the courtroom.  Apply Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics to understand how to recreate a crime scene.  Participate in the school-wide crime scene by analyzing evidence and bringing the findings to court.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Biology and have completed or be enrolled in Chemistry before enrolling in this course.

Marine Science                 CP/Honors        1 credit    Grades  11-12
Ever wonder what goes on thorough out our oceans and the importance it has to the way the world works? Come find out in this full-year project-based course that introduces the topics of Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Marine Ecology.   Students will explore the physical environments of the world’s oceans, the aspects of climate and climate change as they relate to oceans, the diversity of life in marine environments, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Students will also participate in a community conservation project supporting a local endangered species.   As part of the hands-on component of this course, 4-5 dissections will take place.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Biology and be enrolled in or have taken Chemistry before enrolling in this course.  

ADVANCED SCIENCE COURSES

Advanced Placement Physics I            AP          1 Credit        Grade 11-12
Challenge yourself to understand how the world works by taking AP Physics 1, which is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics (including knowledge of basic right triangle Trigonometry) but is designed to be taught over a full academic year.   Students will explain why an object moves and make predictions about where it will be in the future.  To receive AP credit, students must take the May Advanced Placement Physics 1 exam.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Geometry before enrolling in this course.

Advanced Placement Biology                AP    1 Credit    Grade 11-12
Does manipulating cells and how they function fascinate you?  Is genetics “your jam”?  Are you looking to be challenged while exploring how living things affect each other?  AP Biology is designed to help students interested in a college-level biology course demonstrate their love for life science through sophisticated laboratory experiments, independent outside reading, and construction of models.   To receive AP credit, students must take the May Advanced Placement Biology exam.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Biology and Algebra I before enrolling in this course.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science       AP       1 Credit       Grades 11-12
Grab your boots and join the #APEStravaganza!  Learn about ecology, soil, water, pollution, climate change, and the human population in the classroom, laboratory, and woods.  The APES course is a college-level environmental science.  It helps students develop real-world problem-solving skills through community service projects, which can earn them the designation of AP with WE Service.  To receive AP credit, students must take the May Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam.  
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Algebra I and be taking or have taken Chemistry before enrolling in this course.

Advanced Placement Chemistry            AP    1 Credit    Grades 11-12
If your chemistry class left you with more questions you want answered, this could be the solution. The problems will be life-like, and the solutions will involve combinations of possibilities.  There will be more inquiry labs that start with “What if…” and are left for you to solve using your resources.   We will continue with the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning explanations to show how what we learn can be applied to questions that we investigate and relate everything to nine units that can help with issues in the world around us.  To receive AP credit, students must take the May Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.  
​Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Chemistry before enrolling in this course.

Student Leadership positions 

*NEW*  Independent Research Project        Honors        0.5/1 Credit        Grade 12
If you have a burning scientific question you want to investigate, now is your chance!  Send your senior year studying a topic of choice.  Work one-on-one with a teacher sponsor to design your dream science project through this exciting independent study opportunity.  Conduct ambitious hands-on experiments, conduct intense research, and construct complex models - the direction is up to you.  Showcase your work in a presentation at the science symposium.  This is your opportunity to delve deep into scientific exploration and wow everyone with your skills and discoveries.  Don't just meet your science requirements - obliterate them with new self-directed learning!
Prerequisite: Students must have a science teacher backing them and submit an application to that teacher. 

Laboratory Technician         Honors        1 Credit        Grade 12
Tap into your science skills to prepare experiments and equipment for younger students while pursuing your research interests.  As a Lab Tech, you’ll develop mentorship abilities, prepare materials for classes, and guide groups during hands-on learning.  Plus, with a teacher's support, you’ll craft an independent project on a science topic you’re passionate about.  It’s a chance to cement scientific understanding, build leadership chops, and explore research in a self-directed way - great prep for college STEM pursuits.  
Prerequisites: Students must have a science teacher backing them and submit an application to that teacher.

Teaching Assistant        Honors        1 Credit        Grade 12
​Share your excitement for science by assisting in a science course you excelled in.  As a teaching assistant, you’ll revisit concepts you mastered to demonstrate experiments, help struggling students, and create engaging new activities.  You’ll gain teaching abilities, lead inquiry sessions cementing your scientific knowledge, and pursue an independent research project with a teacher’s guidance.  It’s an awesome real-world experience that deepens your STEM expertise while developing communication and mentoring skills - whether your next step is college or career.  
​Prerequisites: Students must have a science teacher backing them and submit an application to that teacher.

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