Science, Technology and
Engineering
Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”
Carl Sagan
Parent Curriculum Night
Class of 2018
Why take science?
Graduation Requirement:
State

Passing MCAS score
on either physics,
chemistry, biology or
engineering/technology
MCAS test (passing
score is at least the
needs improvement
designation)
MA State
College
Requirement
(Class of 2017 and
beyond)
• 3 courses (drawn
from Natural Science
and/or Physical
Science and/or
Technology/
Engineering), including
3 courses with
laboratory work
Natick High

3 years of
lab science
◦ Physics,
chemistry
and
biology
courses
preferred.
9th grade choices:
Physics 11 (college prep level)
Course appropriate for most 9th
grade students.
Physics 10 (honors)
Should my child take honors physics?
Physics 10AP (Physics 1 course,
approved by the College Board)
Small subset of high achieving students
who are recommended and place into
this one section of honors physics that
will follow the College Board’s physics
1 curriculum with the idea of taking the
physics 1 AP test in May.
Elective options:
Engineering Projects 11 (semester)
Science at the Movies 21 (semester)
Robotics 11 (semester)
Civil Engineering and Architecture (2nd semester after completion of
Engineering Projects)
A+ and MAC + Certification
Should my child take honors physics?

YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO:
◦ Is currently earning an A or B+ in science.
◦ Is an independent learner.
◦ Loves the subject and wants to go more in depth in
this area.
◦ Is self-disciplined.
◦ Is organized.
◦ Has strong mathematical and/or problem-solving
skills.
◦ Is an independent reader.
◦ Desires an academic challenge.
◦ Is willing to commit extra time.

Consider the balance of schedule and factor in
outside activities.
Should my child take AP physics 1?

YES, IF THEY ARE A STUDENT WHO:
◦ Is currently earning an A in science and math.
◦ Receives the recommendation of both 8th grade math and science
teachers.
◦ Scores high enough on placement test given in April.
◦ Is an independent learner.
◦ Loves the subject and wants to go more in depth in this area.
◦ Is self-disciplined.
◦ Is organized.
◦ Has strong mathematical and/or problem-solving skills.
◦ Is an independent reader.
◦ Desires an academic challenge.
◦ Is willing to commit extra time including summer work and test over
material at beginning of school.

Consider the balance of schedule and factor in outside activities.
Area of Study
Expectations for Science Courses
for 2013-2014
Reading/Class
Homework
Honors Physics (P10)
Physics10AP expectations
where different in ()
20 pages a week from the
textbook.
(Additional units covered
for AP curriculum)
Daily problem set, lab
reports, and studying per
class.
30 to 60 minutes per class.
(A minimum of 60 minutes
per class.)
Physics (P11)
Varies based on unit topic
30 minutes-problems or
studying per class
Tests/Essays/Papers/Quart
er
2 tests per quarter
(2-4 summative
assessments)
4-8 labs/activities per
quarter (6-10
labs/activities per
quarter)
4-6 formal lab
reports per quarter
Exams can be made
up. An average of the
two exams is
recorded. Labs can
be re-written to an
88%. (Exams and labs
may be re-taken/rewritten)
2-3 tests per quarter
Multiple quizzes per
quarter
4-6 labs per quarter
2-4 formal lab report
per quarter
Assessments can be
made up to 100%.
Labs can be made up
to an 88%.
Projects/Comments
End of the year
project
For example of
written lab report,
please see the
science webpage.
(Must meet testing
prereqs for class
enrollment)
(Required summer
work.)
(AP test in May.)
(MCAS test in June.)
Project each
semester
For example of
written lab report,
please see the
science web page.
Core Science Class Choices
9th Grade
10th
Grade
Chem 20
Physics 10
Chem 21
11th
Grade
Bio 30
AP Chem
Bio 31
AP ES
Core Science Class Choices
9th Grade
10th
Grade
Chem 20
Physics 11
Chem 21
Chem 22
11th
Grade
Bio 30
AP Chem
AP ES
Bio 31
Bio 32
Elective Classes
9th Grade
Robotics (sem)
Engineering
Projects (sem)
Civil Engineering
and Architecture
(sem 2)
Science at the
Movies (sem)
A+ or MAC +
Certification
10th
Grade
All electives open
to 9th grade plus
Green Engineering
(sem)
Advanced Land
Robotics (sem 1)
Advanced Sea
Robotics (sem2)
A+ Certification
MAC +
Certification
Disease and
Medicine (sem 2
for 10th graders)
Civil Engineering
and Architecture
(sem)
11th
Grade
12th
Grade
All electives open
to 10th grade plus
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental
Science
Forensics
Diseases and
Medicines
Astronomy
All electives open
to 11th grade plus
AP Physics C
AP Biology
Themes in Biology
(Honors)
Zoology
Anatomy and
Physiology
Physics for
Engineers
Environmental
Science (2 levels)
The Science Department:
Ms. Loncich
Physics
Mrs. Mayorga
Mr. Araujo
Mr. Shapiro
Ms. Pearson
Chemistry
Mrs. Weber
Mrs. Magnuson
Mrs. Mayorga
Mr. Weiss
Mr. Sanford
Biology
Mr. Jekanoski
Mr. Hinnenkamp
Ms. Haverstick
Ms. Tully
Ms. Conroy
Mr. Wilson
Engineering/Technology
Mr. Shapiro
Ms. Pearson
Ms. Haverstick
Mr. Scott

Questions
Reach me at 508 647-6613 or lweber@natickps.org