Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 31

biomechanics . The culminating activity is dissection of fetal pigs followed by a laboratory practical . The course is designed for students interested in health-related careers .

Anatomy and Physiology Honors

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisites : Teacher recommendation , completion of Biology

This challenging course investigates body systems not studied in the CP level Anatomy & Physiology course , including the cardiovascular , urinary , and digestive systems , as well as ears , hearing , and equilibrium . Laboratory activities include microscopic examination of tissues and dissection of the kidney and heart . Reading , study skills , and critical thinking are key to success in this honors-level course .

Climate Change Honors

0.5 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12

This course introduces students to earth ’ s dynamic climate system with a focus on the current environment , the perspective offered by past climates , and projections of future change . Topics include atmospheric circulation , weather and meteorology , seasonal variability , paleoclimatology , sea level , glaciology , and the implications of temperature and precipitation changes on local and global scales . Students will learn field and lab techniques for reconstructing past climates , gathering and analyzing climate data , modeling future scenarios , and assessing human contributions to contemporary climate change .

Everyday Engineering

0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

Our modern lifestyle is built on many mechanical devices that we use everyday or rely on for everyday living . Students will learn basic mechanical concepts and simple machines , and then apply what they learn to make more complex machines that model real-world engineering projects . Students will engage in engineering labs , prescribed projects , and independent creative projects . Upon completing the course , students will have an understanding of basic mechanical concepts and how to apply those concepts to solve complex mechanical problems . Students will use hand-held power tools , hand tools , and hot glue guns .

Maine Fish and Wildlife

0.5 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Biology or Biology Honors ( may be taken concurrently )

This course focuses on the fish , mammals , amphibians , and reptiles found in Maine , along with the management systems in place to ensure the future of these species . Students enrolled in the fall semester will take part in the T . A . squirrel project , an annual mark and recapture study of gray squirrels on our campus .

Marine Biology

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Two credits of science

This course covers basic physical , chemical , and geological oceanography ; marine flora and fauna ; taxonomy , evolution , ecology , and human impacts . Students will build skills in data collection , synthesis , quantitative reasoning , and problem solving through lab and field work .

Marine Biology Honors

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Two credits of science

Eligible students will receive 4 credits in science at Southern Maine Community College ( SMCC ). The course covers basic physical , chemical , and geological oceanography ; marine flora and fauna ; taxonomy , evolution , ecology , and human impacts . Students will build skills in data collection , synthesis , quantitative reasoning , and problem solving through lab and field work .

Robotics I

0.5 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 ( 9th with teacher recommendation )

In this project-based course , students will explore the fundamental engineering principles of robot design and learn basic programming concepts . Students will work collaboratively to construct and modify their own robots using VEX robotics kits and write programs to control their robots in both the C ++ and Python coding languages .

Robotics II

0.5 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 ( 9th with teacher recommendation ) Prerequisite : Robotics I or equivalent

In this project-based course , students will build on their experiences from Robotics I . Students will research more complex robot designs and build their own custom robots to solve more advanced problems . Students will further explore the C ++ and Python coding languages to operate their more sophisticated robots .

Trees and the Maine Forest

0.5 credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12

This course focuses on the native tree species found in Maine along with their ecological and commercial importance to our state . Students will develop skills in tree identification and measurement . During the spring semester , students take part in the tapping of maple trees on campus and the production of maple syrup .

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