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The Science and Technology/Engineering program of the Worcester Public Schools provides students with in-depth exploration of the standards identified in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. High quality professional development and support for classroom and afterschool activities are enhanced through partnerships with area colleges and cultural, environmental, and scientific institutions.

Massachusetts adopted new Frameworks for Science and Technology/Engineering in January of 2016. WPS will be aligning to the new standards over the next 2 years. Grades PreK, K, 1, 2, 3, 6 and High School Physics will begin using the new standards in the 2016-17 school year.

AP Biology

Course Numbers:2011 (2.00)(A)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Advanced Placement Biology: This intensive lab-based science course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course. Students will develop explanations and predictions of natural phenomena as they design experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret that data to draw conclusions. Topics will include: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms and populations. As an Advanced Placement course, college level content will be covered and students will take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Chemistry

Course Numbers:2041 (2.00)(A)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Advanced Placement Chemistry: This intensive lab-based science course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Chemistry course. Students will work with classmates to conduct meaningful laboratory investigations that let them observe chemical reactions and substances, interpret findings, and communicate results. Major topics studied are the structure of matter, states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and how to use chemical calculations to solve problems. As an Advanced Placement course, college level content will be covered and students will take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Environmental Science

Course Numbers:2231 (2.00)(A)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Advanced Placement Environmental Science: In this intensive, lab-based course, students will participate in hands-on, laboratory and field investigations. Students will study the interrelationships of the natural world; identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made; evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and examine alternative solutions. As an Advanced Placement course, college level content will be covered and students will take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Physics I

Course Numbers:2521 (2.00)(A)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Advanced Placement Physics I: In this intensive lab-based science course, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills as they design, conduct and analyze inquiry-based laboratory investigations in physics. Topics will include Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. As an Advanced Placement course, college-level content will be covered and students will take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Physics II

Course Numbers:2071 (1.00)(A)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Advanced Placement Physics II: In this intensive lab-based science course, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills as they design, conduct and analyze inquiry-based laboratory investigations. Topics will include: fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. As an Advanced Placement course, college level content will be covered and students will take the Advanced Placement Exam.

App Phys – Intro Eng

Course Numbers:2123 (1.00)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Physics: Introduction to Engineering: In this lab-based science/engineering course, students will engage in lab experiences that apply understanding of physical science principles and mathematics to the designing, building, and testing of prototypes. Students will learn about the properties of materials, forces, heat transfer, electricity and magnetism, digital/analog signals, laser and fiber optics, robotics and automation systems. These principles will be applied to understanding of: engineering design; construction technologies; power and energy technologies; communication technologies; manufacturing technologies, and biotechnology.

Applied Learn Lab

Course Numbers:2722 (0.00)(H) | 2822 (0.00)(H) | 2823 (0.00)(C) | 2723 (0.00)(C)

Type: MS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Learning Laboratory: In this course, students will integrate content knowledge from Science/Technology/Engineering, Math, and ELA as they apply skills and concepts from multiple disciplines to the solution of authentic problems. Students will complete quarterly projects requiring sustained research based on focused questions, analysis of data and statistics and the oral and written presentation of findings. As an honors level course, content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.

Applied Learn Lab 7

Course Numbers:2722 (0.00)(H) | 2723 (0.00)(C)

Type: MS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Learning Laboratory: In this course, students will integrate content knowledge from Science/Technology/Engineering, Math, and ELA as they apply skills and concepts from multiple disciplines to the solution of authentic problems. Students will complete quarterly projects requiring sustained research based on focused questions, analysis of data and statistics and the oral and written presentation of findings. As an honors level course, content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.

Applied Learn Lab 8

Course Numbers:2822 (0.00)(H) | 2823 (0.00)(C)

Type: MS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Learning Laboratory: In this course, students will integrate content knowledge from Science/Technology/Engineering, Math, and ELA as they apply skills and concepts from multiple disciplines to the solution of authentic problems. Students will complete quarterly projects requiring sustained research based on focused questions, analysis of data and statistics and the oral and written presentation of findings. As an honors level course, content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.

Applied Learning Lab 6

Course Numbers:2926 (0.00)

Type: MS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Learning Lab 6: In this course, students will integrate knowledge from Science/Technology/Engineering, Math, and ELA as they apply skills and concepts from multiple disciplines to the solution of authentic problems. Students will complete quarterly projects requiring sustained research based on focused questions, analysis of data and statistics, and the oral and written presentation of findings.

AppPhysIntEng – Pt 1

Course Numbers:2133 (0.50)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Physics: Introduction to Engineering - Pt 1: Students will apply physical science principles and mathematical knowledge in this half-year, comprehensive technology/engineering course which includes lab/field experiences. Students will learn about the properties of materials, forces, heat transfer, electricity and magnetism, digital/analog signals, laser and fiber optics, robotics and automation systems. These principles will be applied to: engineering design; construction technologies; power and energy technologies; communication technologies; manufacturing technologies, and biotechnology. Students will engage in lab experiences that apply understanding of physical science principles and mathematics in designing, building, and testing prototypes.

AppPhysIntEng – Pt 2

Course Numbers:2143 (0.50)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Applied Physics: Introduction to Engineering - Pt 2: This course continues where applied physics: Introduction to engineering part I ended. Students will continue their study of physics principles as applied to engineering design.

Biology I

Course Numbers:2012 (1.00)(H) | 2019 (1.00)(H) | 2013 (1.00)(C) | 2014 (1.00)(C) | 2015 (1.00)(C) | 2016 (1.00)(C) | 2017 (1.00)(C) | 2018 (1.00)(C) | 2010 (1.00)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Biology I: In this lab-based science course, students will study the fundamental concepts of life to gain understanding of the living world that surrounds and includes them. Topics will include: chemistry of life, cellular biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, biodiversity, evolution, and ecology. Students will conduct lab investigations, collect and analyze data, and explore content information from a variety of text and media sources.

Biology II

Course Numbers:2022 (1.00)(H) | 2032 (0.50)(H) | 2039 (0.50)(H) | 2033 (0.50)(C) | 2034 (0.50)(C) | 2035 (0.50)(C) | 2036 (0.50)(C) | 2037 (0.50)(C) | 2038 (0.50)(C) | 2023 (1.00)(C) | 2024 (1.00)(C) | 2025 (1.00)(C) | 2026 (1.00)(C) | 2027 (1.00)(C) | 2028 (1.00)(C) | 2020 (1.00)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Biology II: In this lab-based science course, students will study selected topics in biology to develop greater understanding of biological concepts and gain wider experience in biological applications. Students will conduct lab investigations, collect and analyze data, and explore content information from a variety of text and media sources.

Biotechnology

Course Numbers:2152 (1.00)(H) | 2342 (1.00)(H) | 5152 (1.00)(H) | 5153 (1.00)(C) | 2343 (1.00)(C) | 2153 (1.00)(C)

Type: HS

Area: Science & Engineering

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Biotechnology: In this course, students will explore health concepts and skills reflecting new trends in technology, biotechnology, and computer operations. Students will also gain knowledge of the human genome, DNA fingerprinting, advancements in pharmacology, and disease prevention. Bioethical issues and current research trends are featured. As an honors level course, content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Stuidents will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.