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. Students are prepared for the work force and college.
CURRICULUM
Grade 9 - Exploratory (1st Semester)
The Environmental Science and Technology exploratory is designed to give freshman students an overview of the ES&T program with a focus on career opportunities in the ever-growing field of Environmental Science.
Grade 9 - Environmental Science & Technology (2nd Semester)
Courses: Introduction to the Biosphere, Introduction to the Atmosphere, and Introduction to the Geosphere.
Grade 10 - Forests and Inland Water Ecosystems
Courses: Forest and Wildlife Biology, Limnology, Introduction to Aquaculture, Mapping Technology,Introduction to GIS, and Applied Water Technologies.
Topics: Using GPS and GIS Technology; Raising Endangered Salmon & Turtles; Water Quality Testing; Hometown Natural Resources Inventory; Orienteering with Maps and Compasses; Macroinvertebrate Studies, Shoreline Survey, Waste Water Treatment; Drinking Water Treatment; optional Merrimack River Expedition
Grade 11 - Marine Ecosystems and Energy Technology
Courses: Coastal Marine Ecology, Environmental Sampling/Lab Services, Ocean Life, Marine GIS, and Energy Technologied and Sustainability.
Topics: Exploring Beaches and Rocky Shores; Water and Soil Sampling in Salt Marshes; Renewable and Sustainable Energy Sources; optional New Brunswick/Acadia National Park Expedition
Grade 12 - Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Environmental Assessments
Courses: Hazardous Waste Site Assessment and Remediation, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Wetlands and Soil Sciences, Environmental Assessment Preparation.
Topics: Delineating Wetlands; Studying Erosion; Monitoring Air Quality; Sampling Biodiversity; Surveying and Mapping Vernal Pools; Exploring Glaciation; OSHA General Industry Safety; OSHA HAZWOPPER; OSHA Confined Space Entry; Internships/Cooperative Education Opportunities.
An optional part of the program is the opportunity to attend educational field trips. These particular field trips are opportunities for students to extend their learning and demonstrates skills outside of the regular school environment. Some of the field trips run from the White Mountains of New Hampshire down the Merrimack River and to the shores of New Brunswick, Canada and Acadia National Park.
Estimated Expenses:
$85.00 - Sophomore Alpine Ecology Trip (Fall)
$300.00 - Sophomore Merrimack River Expedition (Spring)
$800.00 - Junior New Brunswick/Acadia National Park Expedition (Spring)
As an Environmental Science major, here are just a few of the career opportunities and volunteer opportunities that await you:
| Aquaculture Arborist Cartographer Conservation |
Environmental Education Environmental Scientist Forester Inland Fisheries |
Marine Scientist Naturalist Survey Engineering Wildlife Conservation |