Science
In all science courses, students will explore three dimensions: cross cutting concepts; science and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas. Students will use these three dimensions to build proficiency in the four domains of science: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design. The goal for students at Suffield High School is for them to reach a high level of proficiency in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) skills by the end of high school. As students progress through their high school science coursework, the depth of these skills and rigor with which they are applied increases dramatically.
By the end of Grade 12, all students at Suffield High School will demonstrate and apply scientific principles as well as process skills in order to identify, analyze, and address real world problems. Scientific literacy is a necessity for all our citizens to develop a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world.
- Environmental Physics & Chemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Environmental Science
- Forensics
- Astronomy
Environmental Physics & Chemistry
This course explores the fundamental principles of Earth and Space science, including the structure of atoms, the formation and evolution of the universe and stars, and the ways energy and radiation travel through space. Students will investigate Earth’s interior, plate tectonics, landform formation, natural hazards, the cycling and management of Earth’s resources, distinguishing between renewable and nonrenewable energy types, and evaluating human impacts. The course also examines climate systems, extreme weather, and climate change, including causes, consequences, and practical solutions. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze scientific data, explain natural processes, and develop evidence-based solutions to challenges facing Earth and its environment.
Environmental Physics & Chemistry (A)
Honors-level courses are designed to challenge the advanced learner. Students should expect to reach a deeper scope of skills than the academic class: a higher reading stamina, the motivation to revise work, critical thinking skills, and the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. Students in honors-level classes are expected to have a solid foundation of skills from previous courses and an ability to connect these skills to new learning and problem solving. Students taking an honors-level class have demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, work fluidly both independently and collaboratively, and display the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. These students should consistently aspire to achieve higher-level quality work through self-reflection and self-advocacy. These classes are recommended to students by teachers who have evaluated a student's past practice and achievement.
Biology
Biology is the study of living things. Our entire world is composed of complex life that interacts with the physical environment. Throughout this course, students explore patterns found among living organisms. Basic themes addressed include: biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, classification, the human body, and botany. Laboratories provide students with hands-on activities that improve their experimental research methods and enhance their understanding of the biological world.
Honors-level courses are designed to challenge the advanced learner. Students should expect to reach a deeper scope of skills than the academic class: a higher reading stamina, the motivation to revise work, critical thinking skills, and the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. Students in honors-level classes are expected to have a solid foundation of skills from previous courses and an ability to connect these skills to new learning and apply these skills in problem solving. Students taking an honors-level class have demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, work fluidly both independently and collaboratively, and display the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. These students should consistently aspire to achieve higher-level quality work through self-reflection and self-advocacy. These classes are recommended to students by teachers who have evaluated a student's past practice and achievement.
This course is intended for students in the Agriscience program, and serves as their Biology I and Agriscience II course. Biology is the study of life and living things. Our entire world is composed of complex life and its interactions with the surrounding environment and agricultural systems. Throughout this course, students explore patterns found among living organisms as they relate to the agricultural industry. Basic themes addressed include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, classification, natural resources, plant science, animal science, and biotechnology in agriculture.
Honors-level courses are designed to challenge the advanced learner. Students should expect to reach a deeper scope of skills than the academic class: a higher reading stamina, the motivation to revise work, critical thinking skills, and the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. Students in honors-level classes are expected to have a solid foundation of skills from previous courses and an ability to connect these skills to new learning and apply these skills in problem solving. Students taking an honors-level class have demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, work fluidly both independently and collaboratively, and display the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. These students should consistently aspire to achieve higher-level quality work through self-reflection and self-advocacy. These classes are recommended to students by teachers who have evaluated a student's past practice and achievement.
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetic information transfer, ecology, and interactions amongst the living and nonliving components of ecosystems.
The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. Students should have successfully completed high school courses in biology and chemistry. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply science practices: designing plans for experiments, making predictions, collecting and analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, developing explanations, and communicating their work. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory work, so students should be encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a study of the fundamental structure of matter that serves as a basic understanding of science. Core ideas in the course are matter, energy, atomic and molecular structure, composition, bonding, the periodic law, chemical equations, acid-base reactions, solutions, gas laws, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and nuclear reactions. The course is designed to foster scientific literacy by using real-life examples and case studies that allow students to use the concepts and skills of chemistry to make informed decisions about current issues and situations. Students will be expected to communicate the results of their research and investigations in a variety of ways. A major component of chemistry is extensive laboratory experiences in which students will design experiments, control variables, conduct safe investigations, and analyze data. Students wishing to pursue a career in any of the STEM fields should take chemistry.
The honors level of this course, while studying the same concepts and skills as the academic class, challenges students to work at a deeper level and at a faster pace. In addition to the content presented in chemistry, strength in mathematics and basic algebraic operations is necessary for Honors Chemistry. The laboratory experiments are designed to model the chemical world, and the extensive use of mathematics as a tool for that modeling is critical.
Honors-level courses are designed to challenge the advanced learner. Students should expect to reach a deeper scope of skills than the academic class: a higher reading stamina, the motivation to revise work, critical thinking skills, and the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. Students in honors-level classes are expected to have a solid foundation of skills from previous courses and an ability to connect these skills to new learning and apply these skills in problem solving. Students taking an honors-level class have demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, work fluidly both independently and collaboratively, and display the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. These students should consistently aspire to achieve higher-level quality work through self-reflection and self-advocacy. These classes are recommended to students by teachers who have evaluated a student's past practice and achievement.
AP Chemistry is an advanced college-level course designed to provide exceptionally motivated students with the opportunity to earn college credit. It is a challenging, accelerated, and in-depth presentation of a broad range of topics discussed in Chemistry. This course is taught with both lecture and laboratory components. It requires extensive reading, independent work, and the ability to work on and learn many topics simultaneously. Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry examination through which they may gain academic credits or advanced standing at the college of their choice.
Chemistry in the Community is a co-taught course that emphasizes practical applications, which is crucial for students who benefit from tangible learning experiences that connect to everyday life. The course ensures that students will gain a comprehensive understanding of these scientific fields in a manner that is both accessible and relatable. Connections to the real world are important in helping students see the relevance of chemistry in their daily lives, motivating them to engage with the material and understand its broader implications.
Physics
Physics is one of the core sciences that involves studying the aspects of the physical world around us. Physics focuses on the concepts of linear motion, such as driving a vehicle, and exploring when objects are tossed, kicked, or launched. Physics also studies momentum, impulse and forces, all of which are all related to collisions. Other topics include magnetism, electrostatics, electrodynamics, power generation, alternating and direct electric current, sound waves, lasers, optics, light, and mirrors. Physics is a lab science and as such a majority of the course is lab work. This includes experimentation, data analysis, and written communication of lab results. An algebraic lens is used to explain and support the concepts of physics throughout the year. It is recommended that all wishing to pursue a career in the STEM fields take physics.
The honors level of this course, while studying the same concepts and skills as the academic class, challenges students to work at a deeper level and at a faster pace. In addition to the content presented in chemistry, strength in mathematics and basic algebraic operations is necessary for Honors Chemistry. The laboratory experiments are designed to model the chemical world, and the extensive use of mathematics as a tool for that modeling is critical. Honors-level courses are designed to challenge the advanced learner. Students should expect to reach a deeper scope of skills than the academic class: a higher reading stamina, the motivation to revise work, critical thinking skills, and the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. Students in honors-level classes are expected to have a solid foundation of skills from previous courses and an ability to connect these skills to new learning and apply these skills in problem solving. Students taking an honors-level class have demonstrated the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, work fluidly both independently and collaboratively, and display the propensity to finish complex tasks in a timely manner. These students should consistently aspire to achieve higher-level quality work through self-reflection and self-advocacy. These classes are recommended to students by teachers who have evaluated a student's past practice and achievement.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation.
Anatomy and Physiology
The goal of Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is to blend the traditional study of the human body structures and processes with the exploration of human phenomena and case studies. Through the explanation of these phenomena and case studies, students will learn about the complexities of the many wonders of the human body. This course will expand upon concepts learned in biology by differentiating between the many types of tissues and cells that make up the major organ systems. Each system will be examined through a variety of lenses: levels of anatomical organization, the language of anatomy, feedback mechanisms, pathology, diagnostic practices, medical techniques and technologies, and homeostatic regulation.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a full-year academic course that explores the scientific principles and processes that govern the natural world and the ways human activities influence Earth’s systems. Students investigate how ecosystems function, how energy and matter move through the environment, and how living organisms interact with each other and with their physical surroundings. Emphasis is placed on understanding biodiversity, species adaptations, and the ecological relationships that support life on Earth.
The course examines population dynamics, atmospheric and oceanic processes, soil formation, freshwater availability, and the geological forces that shape the planet. Students analyze how land is used for agriculture, forestry, mining, and urban development, and evaluate the environmental consequences of these choices. Energy production and consumption are explored through comparisons of renewable and nonrenewable resources, with attention to environmental impacts, efficiency, and sustainability.
Students also study major environmental challenges related to air and water pollution, waste management, habitat loss, and global climate change. Scientific concepts are applied to current issues, real-world case studies, and data-driven investigations. Throughout the year, students develop critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving skills while learning how environmental decisions affect ecosystems, human health, and global stability.
By the end of the course, students will have a broad scientific understanding of Earth’s interconnected systems and will be prepared to evaluate environmental issues, consider competing solutions, and understand the pathways toward a more sustainable future.
The Early College Experience Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course in environmental science. This course will follow the academic criteria required by the UConn ECE program. It integrates content from UConn’s NRE 1000 Environmental Science curriculum which includes an introduction to basic concepts and areas of environmental concern and how these problems can be effectively addressed. Additional topics explored include: human population; ecological principles; conservation of biological resources; biodiversity; croplands, rangelands, forestlands; soil and water conservation; pollution and water management; and wildlife and fisheries conservation. This course utilizes both indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. The alignment with NRE 1000 includes both curriculum and assessment alignment. Students may have the opportunity to earn UConn credits.
Forensics
Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and processes to matters that involve crime or the public. This course focuses on various aspects of forensic science and modern criminal investigation analysis. The study of forensics focuses on problem solving, with an emphasis on writing, using experimentation, theorization, research methodologies, and evidence-based conclusions. Students will write reports that record their results, conclusions, and analyses of case studies and investigations. Topics in forensic science may include ballistics, forensic DNA analysis, fingerprint, footprint and trace evidence interpretation, explosive incident, and arson investigation.
Astronomy
The Astronomy curriculum is designed to provide students with the basics behind astronomy. This student-centered course is a blend of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, that utilize laboratory investigations and activities, scientific technology, mathematical computations, collaboration, argumentation, and models and simulations.