Program of Studies 

Getting Started

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Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

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Science

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Student Leadership and Enrichment

Technology Education

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Special Programs

The science curriculum is designed with emphases in two major areas: (1) the process of scientific inquiry through laboratory investigation and (2) the core content findings of past research. Both areas of emphasis are geared to fulfilling three goals: (1) to prepare for further study and potential careers in science; (2) to instill an ongoing curiosity and clarity of thought that will empower success and enjoyment in ever broader areas of learning; and (3) to allow full participation in our culture, so strongly based in science and technology, by becoming literate in these fields. Inquiry and curiosity are stimulated as students investigate their environment through first hand laboratory investigation. Students will be challenged to experiment, collect data, analyze results and report their findings. The classroom experience will augment and expand the students' experiences in the lab, field and library. Students have the opportunity to use new technologies in their learning, including gel electrophoresis, internet research, and computer programs from generalized spreadsheets to course-focused software. Facility with standard laboratory equipment for data gathering will be augmented by use of computer-based external sensors.

All science offerings are laboratory-based. The required course sequence for all students choosing honors level science courses is as follows: Grade 9 – Biology Honors, Grade 10 – Chemistry Honors, and Grade 11 – a third Honors or AP science course. Physics Honors is the recommended third course in this sequence, however, we recognize there may be circumstances that compel a student to pursue a grade 11 science course other than Physics H. Courses that may be elected in lieu of Physics Honors are as follows: Physics Academic, Biology AP, Chemistry AP or Anatomy and Physiology Honors. The required course sequence for other students is Grade 9 – Biology followed by Grade 10- Chemistry and a third credit in science. Physics in Grade 11 is recommended for all college-bound students, but an alternate, third science credit may be selected instead.

All of the honors-level courses, including the AP courses are laboratory-based courses. To succeed in an honors-level science course, students should be highly motivated for the study of science at a scholarly level. They must also have demonstrated an aptitude for the study of science and mathematics at an advanced level and a record of high achievement in the study of science. Creative thought, sophisticated problem solving, and the skills to make ongoing, independent discoveries are emphasized. Students can expect to exercise a great deal of independent responsibility for learning. Students are expected to complete a summer assignment for AP courses. Advanced Placement courses are taught at the college level and follow a sequence of topics recommended by the College Board.

Students recommended for Honors and AP level courses should have an A average in their current Academic level science and mathematics courses or an A or B in their current Honors level science and mathematics courses. Additionally, 9th grade students should have a 40% or greater probability of scoring Advanced on the Biology Keystone Exam or a 70% or greater probability of scoring Proficient on the Biology Keystone Exam.