The Science Program At LVTI
The science program seeks to promote both an interest and awareness of science as a problem- solving tool to be used in all aspects of life. The course offerings are designed to develop in students the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in the pursuit of their technical career and in the world of academics. Students are inspired to change their perception of science from something that happens in a laboratory to a process that occurs in all facets of daily life. The strong correlation between scientific and technical competencies is reinforced throughout the four year program.
Students will receive instruction in and develop a level of competence in the following areas:
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Using the methods of inquiry to participate in scientific investigation and technological problem solving
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Analyzing the diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness of life on earth
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Examining the physical world around us, using the methods of physical sciences to learn about the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter and the relationships between matter and energy
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Applying and integrating scientific, engineering, and/or technological knowledge in areas that include, but are not limited to: transportation, construction, communication, hospitality and health services.
Science Program Courses
LY 401 HONORS BIOLOGY I – w/lab 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 9
This course places emphasis on the cell as the functional unit of life. The chemical and structural similarities of organisms are studied from the lowest form of plant life and animal life to the human individual. The interactions are tailored to complement various concepts of biology, which are studied in-depth by the student. Instruction conforms to the Life Science standards in the Massachusetts State Frameworks.
Prerequisite: Must meet departmental requirements.
LY402/*LY077 BIOLOGY I W/LAB 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 9
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. Students explore the structure and function of the body, the evolution of organisms and the interaction of organisms and their environment. The primary objective of the course is to foster an understanding of the diversity and complexity of living organisms as students explore such topics as plant and animal physiology; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; principles of evolution; ecology and the environment. This laboratory course stresses conceptual development, science inquiry skills, and critical thinking, data analysis and experimental design. The standards are aligned with the DESE Framework for high school biology. Students will develop skills in writing and content knowledge to prepare for the MCAS exam.
*LY077 - In this course, modifications to the above curriculum are made as dictated by students’ Individual Education Plans.
LY402/*LY077 BIOLOGY II W/LAB 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 10
A detailed survey of biological organization focusing on structural and functions diversity. Major concentration involves the comparison of cytological and physiological characteristics of representative life forms.
Prerequisite: Biology I
LY465 ECOLOGY 2.5 CREDITS GRADES 11-12
This course will provide an in-depth study of the interaction among organisms and between those organisms and their environment. The students will develop an understanding of what an ecosystem is and the elements that determine the types and numbers of organisms that live in them. They will look at the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere, how each biotic factor helps to sustain the biosphere, and how the biotic factors of the biosphere interact with each of the other spheres. Ecology also refers to any form of biodiversity, from the biology of the smallest bacteria to the global flux of atmospheric gases that are regulated by photosynthesis and respiration as organisms breath in and out of the biosphere. Studying all of life’s processes will help students explain and understand the adaption and evolution of all life. Strong analysis and synthesis skills will be developed and used extensively in all work done in this course.
Prerequisite: Biology and teacher recommendation
LY413 CHEMISTRY I W/LAB 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 10 - 11
This course is designed to teach students the nature, composition, and properties of matter utilizing inquiry, laboratory experiences, engineering and technological methods. Students will apply logical thinking skills in the solution of a variety of practical chemistry related problems as they investigate the topics of: properties of matter; matter and energy; atomic structure and electron configuration; organization of the periodic table and atomic bonding, chemical reactions; how heat differs from other forms of energy; gases and liquids; solutions; acids and bases; and chemical and nuclear reactions. Instruction is linked to laboratory applications which enable students to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of matter and chemicals as it applies to materials encountered and situations occurring in their technical programs and in everyday lives. The standards are aligned with the DESE chemistry strands.
Prerequisite: Algebra I / Biology I
LY411 HONORS CHEMISTRY I w/lab 6.0 CREDITS GRADES 10-12
A more intense study of chemistry; the course covers many of the same topics as College Chemistry I, but in more depth. Other topics include kinetics, equilibrium, rates of reactions, solubility product, ionization constant, balancing complex rates and reactions and thermodynamics. All the topics in this course are included in the Chemistry Achievement Test. Problem solving weekly labs and more intense homework assignments are included in this class.
Prerequisite: Algebra I / Biology I
LY406 HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY – w/lab 6.0 CREDITS GRADES 11-12
Cell and tissue levels of organization are presented as the foundation for understanding organs and organ systems. Laboratory activities include both actual and virtual dissections. This course is recommended for students planning to enter the nursing or medical profession and/or any student who has a desire to learn more about the human body.
Prerequisite: Honors Biology I or Biology I / Chemistry I
LY424 PHYSICS I W/LAB 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
This course integrates the principles of physics with laboratory experimentation and problem solving applications. Students will learn to apply logical thinking skills in the solution of a variety of practical and theoretical scientific problems. Units of study include: motion; forces; vectors; momentum; work, power, simple machines, energy, circular motion, magnetism, center of gravity, sound and light. Aligned with the Massachusetts Science and Technology Curriculum Framework, these topics are explored from a mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal systems approach. Physics instruction is linked to actual laboratory applications that enable students to relate physic principles and procedures to their technical trade area, as well as everyday lives.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
LY420 HONORS PHYSICS I w/lab 6.0 CREDITS GRADES 11-12
This course places emphasis on problem solving aspects of classical Newtonian mechanics which includes rectilinear and curvilinear motion. Heat, waves, sound, light and optical concepts are also studied in depth. Labs are conducted throughout the year to supplement the course work.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
LY126 AP PHYSICS B W/LAB 6.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
AP Physics B courses are designed by the College Board to parallel college-level physics courses that provide a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasize problem-solving without calculus. Course content includes mechanics, includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Labs are conducted throughout the year to supplement the course work.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
LY408 MARINE BIOLOGY W/ LAB 3.0 CREDITS GRADES 11-12
This course concentrates on the marine life typical of New England waters. Students study a variety of local organisms including sponges, jelly fish, clams, crabs, and fish. Both live and preserved specimens are studied as students learn about the structure and function of life in the oceans. Additional topics include the study of ocean water, currents, waves, pollution, ocean mining, and man’s influence on the marine environment.
Prerequisite: Biology I
LY415 BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICES w/lab 3.0 CREDITS GRADES 11-12
This course provides an introduction to current biotechnology practices. The theory of biotechnology, along with hands-on laboratory experience, provides the student with a general background of the biotechnology industry. Biotechnology companies follow current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CGMP details quality management, buildings and design, equipment and personnel requirements, facility and equipment cleaning, production and process controls, packaging, labeling, complaint handling, and record keeping. Along with the theory and government regulations are general laboratory skills. These skills include preparation of solutions, pH measurements, microbiological techniques, spectroscopy, protein determination, and separation techniques (filtration, centrifugation, chromatography, and/or electrophoresis). In addition, students learn what job opportunities are available with a biotechnology education. Different careers offered in biotechnology companies are positions in manufacturing, Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), Regulatory and /or Research and Development (R&D).
Prerequisite: Chemistry or enrolled in Chemistry
