Science Program

Consistent with our mission and 21st Century Learning Skills, science students will develop through inquiry an understanding and awareness of science and its relevance upon their lives, their community and the world. Students will be able to generate their own insights, concerns, and inquiries, for example, on how new developments in science affect their lives and community especially over time. They will learn causes and effects; hypothesizing; and comparing and contrasting. They will be able to understand local, state, national and global challenges. Students will independently and collaboratively investigate current topics in science and develop their own ideas as to how to address these problems. We will hold them to high standards of personal and academic behavior and encourage them to act with integrity in their academic endeavors and to have empathy for others. Finally, we expect Burlington students to become lifelong learners and, as voting citizens, have an understanding of science and its impact on their world. 

Science Flow Chart 

 SATISFYING PREREQUISITES:

Students may fulfill prerequisites in one of two ways. 

  1. Students may fulfill a prerequisite in the traditional fashion, by successful completion of the course at BHS. 

  2. Alternatively, students may fulfill a prerequisite by opting out - by passing an Honors level exam with a score of 90% or above. This option is intended for students that have had exposure to course content outside of BHS who have attained a level of understanding of the content that is similar to having taken the course at BHS. 

Students wishing to sit for an opt out prerequisite exam must submit a written request to the Science Department Chair. A hard copy of the form may be picked up from the science chairperson, or click here.  All written requests to sit for an opt out prerequisite exam for the subsequent year must be submitted to the Sciences Department Chair no later than March 31, 2020. All examinations will then be completed by April Vacation. However please note, a passing grade of 90% or higher on a prerequisite opt out exam does not earn credits toward graduation. The completion of 15 credits in science is required for graduation.  Please also note that prerequisite math courses must still be completed prior to entrance into advanced science courses using the opt out method.

Science Pathways

SCIENCE COURSES OFFERED AT EACH GRADE LEVEL :

Science Course Descriptions