Scientific literacy is a necessity for all our citizens. The rapid changes occuring in technology and the environment require that today’s graduates recognize these impacts on their lives if they are to implement effective change. To become effective citizens, today’s students must understand the power of the scientific method of inquiry and learn to apply this method of discovery.
As a result of the Science Program at Suffield High School students know the basic concepts of, and the interrelationships among, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences, and are able to apply scientific skills, processes and methods of inquiry to real-world settings. All of our science courses also encompass the following Connecticut State Science Framework Program Goals
· recognize and participate in scientific endeavors which are evidence-based and use inquiry skills that lead to a greater understanding of the world;
· identify and solve problems through scientific exploration, including the formulation of hypotheses, design of experiments, use of technology, analysis of data and drawing of conclusions;
· select and properly use appropriate laboratory technology, equipment and materials, including measuring and sensing devices;
· understand and use, when appropriate, existing and emerging technologies which have an effect on society and our quality of life, including personal, academic and work environments;
· analyze the possibilities and limits of science and technology in order to make and defend decisions about societal issues; and
· understand that the way in which scientific knowledge is formulated is crucial to the validity of that knowledge
In addition each science course aligns with the CT K-12 Content Standards as follows:
1 . The
Nature Of Science
Students will
experience an inquiry-based learning environment in which they are free to ask
questions, seek information and validate explanations in thoughtful and
creative ways. Students also will understand that the processes, ways of
knowing and conceptual foundations of science are interdependent and
inextricably bound. This standard is met in all science courses to a large
extent.
2 . History
Of Science
Students will
learn the evolution of scientific thought, how science has influenced culture
and society, and how groups from many countries have contributed to the history
of science. This standard is
met to some degree in Earth Science and Biology, and more so in the Chemistry,
Physical Science and Physics courses.
Students will
understand that all organisms in the biosphere are linked to each other and to
their physical environments by the transfer and transformation of matter and
energy. This standard is met to
a high degree in both the required
Biology and AP Biology courses and Environmental Science Course, and to a minor
extent in the Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physical Science Course.
Students will
understand that living things share common materials and structures which
perform basic life functions. This standard is met to a great degree in both the required Biology and AP Biology
courses.
5 .
Relationships Of Structure And Function
Students will
understand the classification and physiology of the great diversity of
organisms and identify relationships of structure and function. This
standard is met to a great degree in both
the required Biology and AP Biology courses.
6 . Cycles
Of Life
Students will
recognize patterns and products of genetics and evolution. This standard is met
to a great degree in both the
required Biology and AP Biology courses, with great emphasis on this in the AP
Biology course.
7 . The
Earth
Students will
understand the processes and forces that shape the structure and composition of
the Earth. This standard is met
to a great degree in the required Earth Science course.
8 . Water
Students will
understand the water cycle, including energy transfers, the distribution and
characteristics of water, and its influences on human activity. This
standard is met in the Earth Science and Environmental Science course, and to a
minor degree in the Chemistry and Physical Science Course.
9 . The
Earth’s Atmosphere
Students will
understand the composition and structure of the atmosphere, including energy
transfers, the nature of weather and climate, and the effect of the atmosphere
on human activity. This standard is met to a great degree in the Earth
Science Course, and to a small amount in the Environmental and Physical Science
Course.
10. The
Universe
Students will
understand that the Earth is a unique, dynamic member of the solar system,
located in a galaxy within a changing universe. This standard is met in the Eath Science course, and to some
amount in the Physics course.
11.
Structure Of Matter
Students will
know the characteristic properties of matter and the relationship of these
properties to structure and composition. This standard is met to a great
degree in the Chemistry and Physical Science Course, as well as to a good
amount in the Earth Science, Biology, and Physics courses.
12. Energy
Students will
know that energy is conserved, transferred, transformed and appears in
different forms. This standard
is met to a high degree in the Physical Science and Physics courses, and
touched upon in the Earth Science and Chemistry courses.
13.
Interaction Of Matter And Energy
Students will
know that interactions between matter and energy can produce changes in a
system, although the total quantities of matter and energy are unchanged. This
standard is met to a high degree in the Physics, Chemistry and Physical Science
courses, and discussed in the Earth Science, Biology and Environmental Science
Course.
14. Science
And Technology
Students will understand the relationships among
mathematics, science and technology, and the way they affect and are affected by society. This standard is met in the Physics and
Physical Science course, as well as discussed in the Earth Science,
Environmental Science, Chemistry and Biology courses.