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Science Department

The Chelsea High School Science Department Curriculum has three principle aims:

1. To develop students' academic and analytical skills;
2. To engage students in active learning; and
3. To develop in students a coherent understanding of the physical world in which they live.

To ensure that all students possess both the proper scientific inquiry and measurement skills upon which to build a more comprehensive knowledge of science, most students, upon enrolling in Chelsea High School, will participate in the General Science offering in their freshmen year. From there, students will progress to biology in the sophomore year and then chemistry in the junior year. After completing chemistry, students are free to choose any of the elective courses that are offered for which they meet the prerequisites.

Students entering Chelsea High School who demonstrate the requisite scientific inquiry and measurement skills will be invited to enter the science program by enrolling directly into biology. These students will then proceed to chemistry after successful completion of biology. It is suggested that these students also enroll in physics to meet most college admissions requirements. This sequence also opens up the possibility of taking one or more AP course offerings prior to graduation.

The honors offerings are reserved for those students who have demonstrated both a desire to challenge themselves and an ability to be successful in a rigorous course of study. Admission into these courses is competitive. Students who enter into honors level courses will most likely pursue one or more of the AP offerings. Students are expected to possess a "“B" or better average in the requisite science and math classes to be eligible for enrollment or, in the alternative, strong written teacher recommendation. Honors students are expected to maintain a "“C" average while enrolled in honors courses. They are also expected to possess an excellent record of attendance. Failure to maintain a "“C" average or maintain an excellent record of attendance may result in the forfeiture of the student's seat the class.

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