SCIENCE PHILOSOPHY

Science is everywhere and in everything! Our department philosophy is to help students to recognize the relationships between science disciplines and to appreciate the relevance of science in their everyday lives. Constructivist activities help students to internalize concepts which build sequentially from the Middle School curriculum through our Upper School courses.

Facilitating the process for students to become effective thinkers and problem solvers guides our coursework. Learning to ask questions, make observations, set up control experiments and document and interpret data all contribute to helping our students use the tools of science to draw appropriate conclusions for themselves. The collaborative nature of scientific work is strongly reinforced through frequent group activities in the classroom. Effective written and oral communication skills are emphasized as well as research skills and the use of appropriate technology.

The Middle School science curriculum emphasizes “hands-on” experiences for students. It is the intent and purpose of the Middle School curriculum to integrate science with the other academic disciplines.

The Upper School has adopted an inquiry-based learning philosophy to continue the “hands-on” experience. For most courses, experiments and demonstrations have been developed to support each topic. The Upper School has also adopted a physics first course sequence favored by many science educators. Modern science more naturally builds from physics, with physics informing the understanding of modern chemistry. Together, they allow the learning of modern biology, a subject area that has grown dramatically in scope and depth from incorporation of the other two sciences. Throughout the Upper School curriculum, the interdisciplinary nature of science is emphasized.

While two years of laboratory sciences are required in the Upper School, it is recommended that students experience all three of the major disciplines – physics, chemistry and biology. Students are encouraged to take four (4) years of science instruction.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

1500 – Life Science
Grade 6

 

Igniting the spark of scientific curiosity is the goal of sixth-grade science. Topics in this course center on life science and the classification kingdoms of animals, plants, protists, fungi, and bacteria. Numerous hands-on activities and labs are included to enhance student experiences using compound microscopes and other lab equipment, scientific methodology and metric measurement. Students may watch the beauty of nature unfold as seeds that they have planted grow in our greenhouse to be transplanted later into their own sixth-grade garden.

1502 – Earth Science
Grade 7
Science in the seventh grade focuses on the study of the chemical and physical processes of the earth. Topics investigated during the year include earth structure, matter, rocks, minerals, plate tectonics (including volcanoes and earthquakes), fossils, weather and climate. Environmental issues are explored from a global perspective. Emphasis is placed on continued development of laboratory skills and reporting. There is an integrated unit on orienteering as well as reports on mineral properties using spread sheets. Research on various developments of the Earth’s surface, as well as computer simulations, are used to develop further scientific knowledge. Multimedia computer presentations and internet research skills are developed using the Earth Science lab with networked computers.

1504 – Space and Physical Science
Grade 8
Science in the eighth grade focuses on space and physical science. Students investigate space from an environmental standpoint and focus on space exploration, nutrition, travel and colonization. The emphasis of study shifts from the Earth-moon-sun relationship to the greater neighborhood of the solar system and the farther reaches of the universe. Most of the second semester will be spent studying global climate change as an integrated science unit tying together the various topics studied in Middle School science. Using primarily inquiry-based learning, students will perform original research concerning such topics as the greenhouse effect, global warming, photo-voltaics, and solar heating, among others. Laboratory skills become more important during the year with emphasis on technique and reporting skills.

 

UPPER SCHOOL

1510 – Conceptual Physics
Grades 9 – 12

This is the foundation course for all Upper School science. Taking a conceptual approach, this course focuses on logical understanding of physics concepts, minimizing mathematical problem solving and maximizing hands-on activities. The two semesters are devoted to the laws of motion as well as topics on matter, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic.

This is a laboratory course.

1520 – Conceptual Chemistry
Grades 10 – 12

This course investigates the traditional concepts of chemistry without the need for mathematical sophistication. With each unit of study building on the previous one, the student’s chemical knowledge grows and is intertwined with an added emphasis on its relevance to everyday life. Covered topics include atomic structures and properties of matter, the periodic table, chemical reactions and bonding, acids and bases, and the chemistry of life. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic.

This is a laboratory course.

1522 – Chemistry (Honors) (Prerequisite: Physics)
Grades 10 – 12

Department Approval Only

This course provides an in-depth investigation of chemical concepts coupled with the quantitative rigor necessary to prepare for a college course. Its fast-paced, mathematically-based investigation includes topics such as atomic structure, chemical equations, stoichiometry, periodic relationships, bonding, kinetics, acids and bases, and thermodynamics. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic.

This is a laboratory course.

1530 – Biology (College Preparatory) )(Prerequisite: Chemistry)
Grades 11 – 12

In this survey course of the study of living organisms, students develop an understanding of the complexity of living organisms and an appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth. Covering biochemistry, cytology, classical and molecular genetics, ecology, evolution, biodiversity, green plants, and human body systems, students study how structure relates to function, and how organisms adapt to their changing surroundings. There is an emphasis on scientific methodology as it is applied to problem solving and the development of effective lab skills. A major dissection of a fetal pig is included as part of the laboratory experience.

This is a laboratory course.

1532 Biology (Honors) )(Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry)
Grades 11 – 12

Department Approval Only

This course is an introduction to the study of life from the molecular and cellular levels through to the organization of the human body and the biosphere. Organic chemistry, biochemistry, cytology, classic and molecular genetics, evolution, body systems, green plants, and ecological relationships are stressed as unifying concepts. A primary goal of this course is to develop further the necessary scientific skills to search for solutions to problems. A major dissection of a fetal pig is included as part of the laboratory experience.

This is a laboratory course.

ELECTIVES IN SCIENCE

The Science Department offers a series of advanced topics courses based on student interest and availability of qualified faculty. Student preferences, indicated in the spring, influence course offerings for the following year. Below are descriptions of the electives regularly offered by the department.

NOTE: Availability of elective courses depends on enrollment and staffing.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN SCIENCE

1540 – Environmental Science (Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry)
Grades 11 – 12

This course covers studies in ecology and environmental issues. The ecology portion deals with the ways living organisms and their non-living environment are inseparably interrelated and interact upon each other. The concept of the ecosystem and bio-geochemical cycles are the main focal points of this part. Environmental issues cover major concerns facing the Earth such as overpopulation, use of nuclear energy, global warming, solid waste and recycling, acid rain and use of pesticides. A unit on alternative sustainable energy resources includes original research.

This is a laboratory course.

1541 – Forensics (One semester)
Grades 11 – 12

Forensics is a fast paced multidisciplinary course that bridges science based inquiry and the criminal justice system. This course utilizes lecture, extensive laboratory activities and experiments, scientific literature/case study analysis, forensic competitions and demonstrations in a forensic context which will allow students to apply the scientific method to develop their writing, problem solving and critical thinking skills in a biological context. Inquiry based laboratory investigations and analysis play a central role in the course.

Students will apply the foundations of Biology and Chemistry to solve mock criminal investigations using a wide range of laboratory techniques used today to process and analyze evidence. Topics covered will include: crime scene analysis, physical/chemical analysis of various evidence types, advance microscopy, chromatography, hair/fiber/glass analysis, fingerprint comparison, comparative analysis, document analysis, firearms/ballistics, drugs/toxicology, entomology, anthropology, blood (serology) and DNA analysis among others. Students will be required to keep a detailed notebook, which will be the basis for their lab reports and serve as a valuable source of evidence for court trials in criminal cases.

Note: Only the curious-minded should apply.

1550 – Astronomy (One Semester) (Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra II)
Grades 11 – 12
(offered in 2011-2012)

The course is a survey of the science of Astronomy. The course will focus on the structure and evolution of the planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, and the universe from a modern perspective. The science underlying our understanding of the structure and evolution of celestial bodies will be presented from the viewpoint of physics and chemistry. This will be both a qualitative and quantitative study of Astronomy.

 

HONORS ADVANCED TOPICS IN SCIENCE

1512 – Advanced Physics (Honors) (Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry and Algebra II)
Grades 11 – 12

Department Approval Only

This problem-solving oriented course takes a rigorous approach to physics concepts as preparation for a college physics course. Students are taught techniques and approaches for problem solving through the use of real-life examples and applications. The course attempts to give students a thorough understanding of basic concepts of physics in all its aspects, from Newtonian mechanics to the physics of elementary particles. The course is non-calculus based but does introduce the origins of calculus in the classical presentation of mechanics. During the first semester, hands-on laboratories are an integral part of learning classical mechanics. The second semester gives hands on laboratory experience with concepts involving solids, liquids, and gases, along with electricity and magnetism.

A TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course. This is a laboratory course in which complex equipment and premises are utilized and tested.

1524 – Advanced Chemistry (Honors) (Prerequisites: Physics, Biology and Honors Chemistry)
Grades 11 – 12 (offered in 2012-2013)

Department Approval Only

Building on the theories and laws learned in Honors Chemistry, this first-year college level Chemistry course delves into the concepts and applications of quantum theory to chemical bonding and molecular structure, the properties of gases, liquids and solids, solution chemistry, acid-base theory, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, thermo chemistry, electrochemistry, and organic and polymer chemistry. The emphasis of the course is on chemical problem solving.

A TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course. This is a laboratory course in which complex equipment and premises are utilized and tested.

1534 – Advanced Biology (Honors) (Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry and Honors Biology)
Grades 11 – 12(offered in 2012-2013)

Department Approval Only

This college-level science course focuses on the phenomena of life from its molecular underpinnings to the amazing intricacies of cell structure and function. It also involves an in-depth study of classical and molecular genetics, evolution, the nine major animal phyla, and ecology. Course work includes laboratories, lectures, group exercises, and individual research.

This is a laboratory course in which complex equipment and premises are utilized and tested.

1544 – Advanced Interdisciplinary Science (Honors)(Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Algebra II)
(offered in 2012-2013)
Grades 11 – 12

Department Approval Only

Science is what we live. In this course, students investigate real-world problems related to the impact of human population growth by integrating their multidisciplinary science and math content knowledge with other knowledge and skills to develop and present relevant inquiry-based projects. Working independently and cooperatively, students identify relevant issues, use scientific methodology to approach solutions, and present their findings to an appropriate forum. The course begins with introductory units on environmental science and population biology. The remainder of the course involves discussions of the ramifications of overpopulation with units on human demographics, resource economics and economic geography, water resources, food resources, energy resources, and global climate change. The importance of social, political, and economic considerations in real-world problem solving is emphasized.

1542 – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors) (One semester) (Prerequisite: Honors Biology)
Grades 11 – 12(offered in 2011-2012)

Department Approval Only

This fast-paced semester course focuses on how body structures relate to function and how body systems work together to maintain a functioning being. The course begins by reviewing basic organic chemistry and biochemistry, and includes a review of cell structure and histology of human tissues, and then goes on to basic human anatomy. The major body functions are explored including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, immune, reproductive, skeletal, excretory, muscular, and endocrine systems. As a clinical course, there are weekly labs that augment textbook reading, current journal articles, on-line exploratory activities, and an independent research project.

This is a laboratory course.