Science

Science instruction begins in elementary school, where students learn some life, some earth and space, and some physical science each year. Elementary students also experience the technology/engineering standards. Instruction is hands-on and active, complemented with reading of engaging texts, drawing, and writing. 

In middle school, students continue with integrated instruction that includes technology/engineering, life science, earth and space science, and physical sciences each year. Students collaborate with peers to complete investigations and activities to deepen their understanding of science and engineering. There is a strong emphasis on students collecting and analyzing data, and using this and their observations to make a claim. Students explain phenomena and provide evidence and reasoning to support the claim. Additionally students have an opportunity to develop and use various models throughout science units in middle school. 

At Braintree High School students are required to study three years of science, and many students choose to study science for four years. A variety of courses at different levels match individual students' needs for time to master new concepts and skills. Courses are rigorous, incorporating both the disciplinary core ideas and the science and engineering practices as they apply to science in our lives and they prepare students for future study of science. Within the core curriculum, all students study biology, chemistry and physics.  Students take the MCAS test at the end of Biology in 9th grade.

For senior year, students have a choice from AP and elective courses.  We currently offer Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Principles of Engineering, PLTW Human Body Systems, Forensic Science, and Astronomy/Astrophysics to give students an opportunity to pursue more specific areas of interest.

Five Advanced Placement science courses are offered: 

• AP Biology

• AP Physics 1

• AP Physics 2

• AP Chemistry

• AP Environmental Science

Equivalent to college courses, these classes challenge students to work at higher levels and may allow them to earn college credit before they have finished high school.