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 ourUpperSchoolcourses.
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.
TheUpperSchoolhas 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. TheUpperSchoolhas 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 science disciplines. Throughout theUpperSchoolcurriculum, the interdisciplinary nature of science is emphasized.
While two years of laboratory sciences are required in theUpperSchool, it is recommended that students experience all three of the major disciplines – physics, chemistry and biology. Students are encouraged to continue their science learning experience and complete four years of science instruction by taking any of the department’s numerous electives.
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 indoors to be transplanted later into their ownsixth-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 school’s computer lab.
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
1509 – Integrated Science
Grades 9 – 11
For ELL II students, this course integrates the disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and earth science by emphasizing the commonalities and relationships between the different disciplines. The course will introduce the fundamental concepts of the physical and life sciences through the use of scientific inquiry. Students will learn about the scientific method and its use in answering questions and solving problems. Basic laboratory equipment and techniques are introduced. The students will also learn about scientific research and communication, including laboratory report writing and scientific presentation.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1510 – Conceptual Physics
Grades 9 – 12
This is the foundation course for allUpperSchoolscience. Taking a conceptual approach, this course focuses on logical understanding of physics concepts and their applications. Along the way, the students learn basic mathematical methods for solving physical problems and how to make complete logical explanations of their solutions. They are introduced to numerous physical applications of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in the real world. The two semesters are devoted to the laws of motion, as well as topics on the states of matter, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. The laboratory experience is an integral component of the course. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic. Inquiry based laboratory experiments are included as part of every unit to help the student integrate the knowledge being learned. Students are introduced to basic laboratory equipment and techniques. The students will also learn about scientific research and communication, including laboratory report writing and scientific presentation.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week..
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. The laboratory experience is an integral component of the course. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic. Inquiry based laboratory experiments are included as part of every unit to help the student integrate the knowledge being learned. Students are introduced to basic laboratory equipment and techniques. The students will also learn about scientific research and communication, including laboratory report writing and scientific presentation.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1522 – Chemistry (Honors)
Grades 10 – 12
(Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics, ELL IV )
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, thermodynamics, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. The laboratory experience is an integral component of the course. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations are tailored to each topic. Inquiry based laboratory experiments are included as part of every unit to help the student integrate the knowledge being learned. Students learn the requirements for keeping a laboratory notebook and for writing laboratory reports for college level science courses.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1530 – Biology (College Preparatory)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisite: Chemistry)
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 the fetal pig is included as part of the laboratory experience.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1532 Biology (Honors)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry, ELL IV)
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. Organic chemistry, biochemistry, cytology, classical and molecular genetics, evolution, biodiversity, green plants, body systems, (including a detailed study of those of the human) are stressed as unifying concepts. A primary goal of this course is to further develop the skills necessary to search for scientific solutions to biological problems. A major dissection of the fetal pig is included as part of the laboratory experience.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
ELECTIVES IN SCIENCE
NOTE: Availability of elective courses depends on enrollment and staffing.
The Science Department offers a series of advanced topics and AP 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.
1540 – Environmental Science
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
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 and meets five periods per week.
1541 – Forensics (One Semester) (offered in 2013-2014)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
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 and an in depth study of a famous murder trial in a context which will allow each student to apply the scientific method to develop his/her writing, problem solving and critical thinking skills . This all happens within a biological context that uses inquiry-based laboratory investigations and analysis.
Students will apply the foundations of biology and chemistry in order to process and analyze evidence used to solve mock criminal investigations. To do this, the students will use a wide range of modern day laboratory techniques. Topics covered will include crime scene analysis of various physical/chemical evidence types, such as lipsticks and inks, and will also involve the development of skills in microscopy, chromatography, hair/fiber/glass investigation, fingerprint and comparative document analysis, and entomological, anthropological, and serological examination. Inquiries into the use of firearms/ballistics, drugs/toxicology, and DNA gel electrophoresis will also be undertaken. 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. The laboratory experience is an integral component of this course, and the final exam entails written and lab practical components.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1550 – Astronomy (One Semester) (offered in 2013-2014)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, and Algebra II)
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 modern physics and chemistry. This will be both a qualitative and quantitative study of Astronomy. Independent research papers and presentations are completed in lieu of a final exam.
1534 – Advanced Biology (Honors) (offered in 2012-2013)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Chemistry and Honors Biology, ELL IV)
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, culminating in an oral presentation of this independent project to the class and select invited guests.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1542 – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors) (One semester) (offered in 2013-2014)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisite: Chemistry and Honors Biology, ELL IV)
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 organism. The course begins by reviewing basic organic chemistry and biochemistry, includes a review of cell structure and histology of human tissues, and then goes on to basic human anatomy. The major body functions involved with the following systems are explored: 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 and meets five periods per week.
1544 – Advanced Interdisciplinary Science (Honors) (offered in 2012-2013)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Chemistry, Biology, and Algebra II)
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 inquiry-based semester research projects and presentations are completed in lieu of semester exams. The course begins with introductory units on environmental science and population biology. The remainder of the course involves discussions of the ramifications of human population growth, 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, economic, along with scientific considerations in real-world problem solving is emphasized.
1554 – Biotechnology (Honors) (One semester) (offered in 2013-2014)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Chemistry, Honors Biology, and Algebra II, ELL IV)
Department Approval Only
This course is designed to introduce students to the new, quickly-growing field of biotechnology. Topics will include molecular and human genetics, the discovery, development and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs, biotechnology in plants, agriculture and medicine, and advanced biotechnological techniques. Issues that will be explored include stem cell research, bioterrorism, and bioethics. Students will develop lab skills to practice recombinantDNAtechniques,DNAextraction and identification, antibody identification, enzyme action and protein characterization. There will also be a major independent research project on a GMO. The laboratory experience is an integral component of this course, and the final exam entails written and lab practical components.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
1513 – Advanced Placement Physics B (AP) (offered in 2013-2014)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Physics, Honors Chemistry, and Algebra II)
Department Approval Only
This course follows the syllabus recommendations published by the College Board. It is a problem-solving oriented course and takes a rigorous mathematical approach to physical concepts. 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 the 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 sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.
This is a laboratory course and meets five periods per week.
Students are required to take the AP Physics B exam at the conclusion of the course.
1525 – Advanced Placement Chemistry (AP) (offered in 2012-2013)
Grades 11 – 12
(Prerequisites: Physics, Honors Chemistry, and Algebra II)
Department Approval Only
This course follows the syllabus recommendations published by the College Board. 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, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and organic and polymer chemistry. The emphasis of the course is on chemical problem solving. During laboratory sessions, hands-on experience is gained in classic wet chemistry techniques, along with basic spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.
This is a laboratory course and meets five blocks per week.
Students are required to take the AP Chemistry exam at the conclusion of the course.
