Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Program is a three-year major, which runs from the Sophomore year through the Senior year. The Gulf of Maine Bioregion serves as the framework for all of the courses that are taught in the program. Eastern Massachusetts lies within this Bioregion.
An integral part of the program is “Expeditionary Learning”. Expeditions run from the White Mountains of New Hampshire down the Merrimack River and to the shores of Nova Scotia, Canada. Students are prepared for the work force and college.
Estimated Expenses:
$85.00 - Sophomore Alpine Ecology Trip (Fall)
$300.00 - Sophomore Merrimack River Expedition (Spring)
$800.00 - Junior Nova Scotia Canada Expedition (Spring)
$75.00 - Senior AP Environmental Science Exam
These expenses are estimates. The parent advisory committee assists in various fund-raising activities throughout the course of the school year to defray the costs of the various expeditions.
CURRICULUM
Grade 10 - Forests and Inland Water Ecosystems
Courses: Forest Ecology, Limnology, Aquaculture, Introduction to Mapping Technology, Introduction to GIS, and Marine Robotics
Topics: Outdoor Leadership: Hiking and Camping, Using GPS and GIS Technology; Raising Endangered Salmon & Turtles; Water Quality Testing; Hometown Natural Resources Inventory; Building an Underwater ROV; Orienteering with Maps and Compasses; Merrimack River Expedition
Grade 11 - Marine Ecosystems
Courses: Coastal Marine Ecology, Aquaculture, Ocean Life, Marine GIS, Boat Building, and Environmental Impacts
Topics: Exploring Beaches and Rocky Shores; Building & Launching a New Canoe; Sampling in Salt Marshes, Exploring with Underwater Robotics; Raising Winter Flounder; Mapping the Ocean Floor; Visting Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute; Nova Scotia Expedition
Grade 12 - Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science
Courses: 40-Hour OSHA HAZMAT Training Course, AP Environmental Science, Our Natural Resources, 10-Hour OSHA Construction Worker Safety Course, Business Management
Topics: Delineating Wetlands, Studying Erosion, Monitoring Air Quality, Sampling Biodiversity, Surveying and Mapping Vernal Pools, Exploring Glaciation, Preparing for College, Studying for the AP Exam.
As an Environmental Science major, here are just a few of the career opportunities and volunteer opportunities that await you:
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Aquaculture Arborist Cartographer Conservation |
Environmental Education Environmental Scientist Forester Inland Fisheries |
Marine Scientist Naturalist Survey Engineering Wildlife Conservation |