Putnam High School

Putnam High School Science Department

The Putnam High School Science Department is dedicated to exposing students to the chemical, physical, and biological sciences.  Our program includes laboratory and field activities designed to provide real life application of the sciences.

Science Staff

Lawrence Fabianski    fabianskil@putnam.k12.ct.us

Curtis Hull                  hullc@putnam.k12.ct.us

John Peters                  petersj@putnam.k12.ct.us

Marisa Stankiewicz     stankiewiczm@putnam.k12.ct.us

 **Marisa Stankiewicz is the Area Coordinator

Courses offered

Course:  AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE                     Level:  AP, 1 credit
Length:  Full Year                                                           Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites:  General Science, Biology, strong math skills

Course Description: This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.  All students enrolled must take the AP Environmental Science examination in May sponsored by the Education Testing Service.  Passing this strenuous test could allow the student to receive 3 college credits.


                                                                                        
Course:  AP BIOLOGY                                                                  Level:  AP, 1 1/2 credits
Length:  Full Year (2 class periods 1st semester)                                Open to Grades:  11, 12
Prerequisites:  Biology 1, Chemistry 1

Description:  AP Biology is a college level biology course.  This course includes numerous lab experiences that mimic the real-life work of a biology laboratory.  It includes topics such as molecular and cellular biology, genetics and biotechnology, heredity, biodiversity and ecology.
All students enrolled must take the AP Biology examination in May sponsored by the Education Testing Service. Passing this strenuous test could allow the student to receive 8 college credits.

Course:  AP CHEMISTRY                                           Level:  AP, 2 credits
Length:  Full Year (2 class periods)                                Open to Grades:  11, 12
Prerequisites:  Chemistry I, Algebra II

Description:  The course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year in college.  Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth.  All students enrolled must take the AP Chemistry examination in May sponsored by the Education Testing Service. Passing this strenuous test could allow the student to receive 8 college credits.

Course:  ASTRONOMY                                      Level:  College Prep, ½ credit
Length:  Semester                                                            Open to Grades:
Prerequisites:

Description:  This course will give students an understanding of how the universe formed and how and if it will end.  This course will emphasize the fundamental observations and the underlying physical principles in scientific models of astronomy.

Course: FORENSIC SCIENCE 1                                Level: College Prep, ½ credit
Length: Semester                                                             Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology I                                 

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the upcoming field of forensics. Students will learn the science behind catching criminals, as well as touch upon the history of the field and the psychology of criminal minds. It will also involve a variety of hands-on activities including DNA analysis and fingerprinting.

Course:  FORENSICS 2                                                Level: College Prep, ½ credit
Length:  Semester                                                            Open to Grades:  11, 12
Prerequisites:  Forensics 1

Description:  This class will be a continuation of the material taught in Forensics 1.  Topics will include the hands-on investigation of various types of physical evidence including toxicology, blood spatter, and handwriting analysis. Students will analyze mock crime scenes and draw conclusions based on evidence as if they were forensic scientists.

 Course: BIOLOGY 1                                          Level: College Prep/Honors, 1 credit
Length: Full Year                                                            Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: None                                                         

Course Description: This course will emphasize on open-ended inquiry approach with a focus on hands-on experience and research. Topics include biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and microorganisms.  The honors level will be more comprehensive.

Course: HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY     Level: College Prep, 1 credit
Length: Full Year                                                            Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology 1                                                         

Course Description: Human Anatomy & Physiology is a course that is designed to delve into the structure and function of the human body. Students, given direction by the instructor, will examine the major systems of the body using knowledge gained in Biology 1. They will integrate skills learned in Biology 1 into real world applications. Because this is a student directed course, a true interest in the subject is recommended.  The honors level will be more comprehensive.


Course: CHEMISTRY 1                                               Level: Honors, 1 credit
Length: Full Year                                                            Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 1                                                  

Course Description: Chemistry is the study of the properties of matter. Emphasis is placed on the interaction present in atoms and molecules. Laboratory experience will consist of procedures, calculations, and writing lab reports.

Course: PHYSICS                                                          Level: Honors, 1 credit
Length: Full Year                                                            Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2                                                  

Course Description: Physics is the study of the physical nature of the universe – how matter and energy interrelate. Topics include: mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetism,
relativity and quantum mechanics. The course will include laboratory investigations to reinforce the subject material.


Course: BOTANY                                                          Level: College Prep, ½ credit        
Length: Semester                                                             Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: None                                                         

Course Description: This is a hands-on course designed to teach students about the structure and functions of plants and their parts. Students will also learn basic gardening and landscaping techniques. Students will complete an independent plant project of their choice as well as create a landscaping map.


Course: OCEANOGRAPHY                                        Level: College Prep, ½ credit
Length: Semester                                                             Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: One term of science                                 

Course Description: The course will introduce the student to the historical background of the science of oceanography, tentative assumptions and research findings, and the use of laboratory techniques and experiences. Topics include marine biology, chemistry, geology, and physical
oceanography. Students will incorporate the use of an interdisciplinary video series into their studies.


Course:  GENERAL SCIENCE                                   Level:  College Prep, 1 credit
Length:  Full Year                                                           Open to Grades: 9
Prerequisites:  None                                                        

Course Description:  This course is a basic introduction to the physical sciences.  This course will emphasize an open-ended approach with a focus on hands-on experimentation in preparation for the CAPT test.  Some topics of study will include chemistry, energy and environmental science.

 Course  INTEGRATED SCIENCE                            Level:  Skills, 1 credit
Length:  Full Year                                                           Open to Grades: 9
Prerequisites:  Scores on the CMT intervention level.

Course Description:  This course is a basic introduction to the physical sciences.  This course will be based upon the General Science course.  Students in the class will receive instruction at their own level and pace.  This course will emphasize an open-ended approach with a focus on hands-on experimentation in preparation for the CAPT test.  Some topics of study will include chemistry, energy and environmental science.