Science

To graduate, students are required to take one year each of physics, chemistry, and biology.

Physics I

Physics I concentrates on developing an appreciation for and an understanding of matter and energy. Basic algebraic equations, appropriate to a first-year algebra student, are presented and applied, though the emphasis of this introductory course is conceptual. Topics covered include motion, energy, fundamental forces (gravity, electrostatic and nuclear), current electricity and waves, light, and sound. Instruction is augmented with relevant applications, interesting demonstrations, traditional experiments, and creative lab experiences, where students are presented with situational problems that they must analyze and solve. Emphasis is on relating the concepts covered in class to what is observed in the everyday world.

Physics I Accelerated

The Physics I Accelerated course is similar to Physics I, but geared toward students enrolled in an accelerated math track. Students are expected to enter the course with a solid grasp of Algebra I skills and also apply the concepts learned in Geometry to solving physics problems. Co-requisite: Geometry Accelerated and recommendation of the Science Department.

Physics I Honors

Physics I Honors is similar to Physics I Accelerated, but geared toward students enrolled in an honors level math course. The pace of the class and the depth of problem solving reflects the mathematical skills of these students. Co-requisite: Geometry Honors, Algebra II Accelerated, or Algebra II Honors and recommendation of the Science Department.

Chemistry I

Chemistry I focuses on developing core concepts by expanding an understanding of the fundamental structures and properties of matter using the periodic table as a tool. Students explore atomic structure, chemical reactions, kinetic theory, and the nature of matter. While a quantitative component is involved, the primary goal of the course is to enhance an understanding of chemical concepts through the use of demonstrations, laboratory work and analogies. Examples of chemistry in everyday life and in industry are emphasized; students are encouraged to recognize and research the chemistry applications that are all around them.

Chemistry I Honors

In Chemistry I Honors, students examine the structure, composition, and function of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students begin with a review of measurement and calculations before moving on to the following major units: nuclear and electronic organization of matter, atomic structure, phases of matter, solutions and their behavior (including acids and bases), and chemical reactions (including thermodynamics and oxidation/reduction). The laboratory activities put theory into practice and makes chemistry come alive. Problem solving and analytical skills are a major emphasis throughout the course. Prerequisite: B in Physics I Honors, A- in Physics I Accelerated, or A in Physics I and recommendation of the Science Department. Co-requisite: Algebra II Accelerated or higher level math course.

Biology I

This course, a survey of the foundations of biology, uses a molecular approach that reflects recent developments in the field of the biological sciences. Topics covered include life processes and biochemistry, cell structure and function, animals and plants, microbiology, cell growth and division, genetics, DNA and RNA, genetic engineering, human body systems and ecology. An extensive component of theoretical and practical microbiology is included, incorporating a study of the structure and function of the microscope. The lab period allows students to organize and interpret results obtained by observation and experimentation.

Biology I Honors

Biology I Honors is an accelerated high school biology survey course designed to give students a strong grasp of biological concepts and the major themes that run through life sciences. Students begin the course with a review of chemistry and then transition into biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics for the first semester. The second semester examines macrobiological concepts such as evolution, ecology, microbiology, and plant biology. Note that, due to time constraints, animal biology and physiology are not covered in this course. Moreover, students must be prepared to not only learn concepts at an accelerated pace, but also to apply them to new and less familiar situations. Prerequisite: B in Chemistry I Honors, A in Chemistry I, and recommendation of the Science Department.

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

Bioethics

This science elective is concerned with dilemmas caused when the facts of medical/genetic research conflict with the norms and needs of society. The class focus is on understanding and appreciating relevant biological facts as they confront the principles and practice of ethical decision-making at the level of the individual, the community, and nations. Various resources such as the internet, newspapers, periodicals, and guest speakers are used. Students read about, discuss, debate, role-play, and research and present topics they find most relevant. The course is run in seminar format with an emphasis on journal writing, presentations, and class participation. Note: This class is open to students in grades 11 and 12. Students in grade 12 are granted preferential placement.

Biology II: Emerging Infectious Diseases***

Ebola, HIV/AIDS, Typhoid and Malaria: these are just some of the infectious diseases that are major challenges to human progress and survival. In addition, epidemics of old and new infectious diseases periodically emerge. This lab-based course covers the emergence and spread of infectious diseases whose incidence has increased or threatens to increase in the near future. These diseases can emerge from the evolution or mutation of existing organisms, a breakdown in public health measures, a spread to new geographical areas or from the development of antimicrobial resistance. Topics include the history of infectious organisms and their pathogenesis of human disease, new approaches to diagnosis including biomedical research using genetic engineering and nanotechnology, the role of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in prevention and treatment around the world and development of new vaccines and drugs. This course is run in seminar format with an emphasis on research, student presentations, case studies, laboratory experiments, and guest lectures. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology I.

Biology II Honors: Anatomy & Physiology (f)

This one semester, lab-based course is an in-depth study of the design and function of the human body that gives students the knowledge and tools to understand how the human body operates in health and disease. The primary emphasis is on organ systems, and students enjoy the opportunity to be the subjects of several laboratory exercises. Within these broader topics, we investigate the fundamental mechanisms that regulate homeostasis. In addition, students explore various interruptions in homeostasis caused by diet and exercise, lifestyle, diseases, infections, and environmental agents. Coursework includes laboratory exercises, supplemental readings, case studies, collaborative group work, and student presentations. Prerequisite: B+ in Biology I Honors or A in Biology I and recommendation of the Science Department.

Biology II Honors: Neuroscience (s)

This one semester lab-based course is a study in the chemical mechanism of brain function, including bodily functions and homeostasis, thought, and consciousness. Major topics include neuron structure and function, brain circuitry and gross anatomy, sensation and perception, sleep and circadian rhythms, and neuropharmacology. Finally, we delve into some of the big questions and controversies that exist in the study of thought: what is the nature of consciousness, how much of us is innate biology and how much influenced by our surroundings, and ultimately, how can we use what we know about the brain to improve our interactions with each other and the environment? Students engage collaboratively with classmates in dissections, labs, projects, and topical discussions. Prerequisite: B+ in Biology I Honors or A in Biology I and recommendation of the Science Department.

*** May be taken With Honors. See description on page 4. (f) denotes fall semester course (s) denotes spring semester course

Chemistry II Honors: Advanced Topics (f)

This one semester, lab-based course extends principles covered in the first-year chemistry curriculum. It focuses primarily on topics in physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. These topics are also investigated experimentally through a variety of quantitative laboratory techniques. A survey of topics in current chemical research is also covered. Successful completion of this course along with chemistry in 10th grade ensures students are prepared to take the SAT subject test in Chemistry. Note: This semester course is offered to students in grades 11 and 12. Prerequisite: B+ in Chemistry I Honors or A in Chemistry I and recommendation of the Science Department.

Chemistry II Honors: Organic (s)

This one semester, lab-based course introduces students to the fundamentals of organic chemistry, a standard college course for those studying allied health fields as well as several fields of engineering. Organic chemistry focuses on the study of carbon-based compounds. Students become familiar with the bonding, structure, nomenclature, and physical and chemical properties of common organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of organic chemical reactions, common organic functional groups, and connections to biochemistry. Note: This semester course is offered to students in grades 11 and 12. Prerequisite: B+ in Chemistry I Honors or A in Chemistry I and recommendation of the Science Department.

Physics II Honors: Astrophysics (f)

Throughout human history people have been fascinated by the night sky and our place in the cosmos. In this one semester physics elective students investigate the nature of space and time and the behavior of celestial objects through the lenses of classical and modern physics. Topics covered include the nature and behavior of light, orbital mechanics, special and general relativity, and the origin, structure, and fate of the universe. Lab work includes hands-on experiments, computer-based labs, astronomical observations, and analysis of astronomical data. This is a quantitative course with an emphasis on mathematical modeling and problem solving; students must be enrolled in or have completed Calculus and have a strong command of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. Prerequisite: A- in Physics I Honors and Precalculus and recommendation of the Science Department.

Physics II Honors: Electricity and Magnetism (s)

Electricity permeates and dominates our daily lives to the point where most of us can barely imagine life without it. In this one semester Physics elective students investigate electricity and its relationship with magnetism. Topics covered include electrostatics, electric circuits, Ohm’s Law, magnetic forces and fields, and electromagnetism. This is a quantitative course, supported by several interactive labs, with an emphasis on mathematical modeling and problem solving; students must be enrolled in or have completed Calculus and have a strong command of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Prerequisite: A- in Physics I Honors and Precalculus and recommendation of the Science Department.

Engineering I: Drafting & CAD (f)

Everyday engineers work to create, redesign, and produce effective products and solutions. Scaled drawings (draftings) and CAD are some of the skills engineers use to help visualize and create prototypes to test their ideas and share these ideas with others. In this course, students learn how transform a rough sketch of an idea into a formalized draft and then into a CAD model of the product. They utilize the 3D printer, laser cutter, router, or other tools to create physical prototypes, and eventually finalized products. This course is designed to be a companion course to Engineering: Principles of Design; both courses together provide a solid introduction to the breath of the field of engineering. Note: This semester course is offered to students in grades 9-12.

(f) denotes fall semester course (s) denotes spring semester course

Engineering I: Principles of Design (s)

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of engineering and the engineering design process. The process begins by defining a problem or need and seeking input from those who have identified the need we are addressing. Once possible solutions are generated, the best solution is selected in light of many considerations, ranging from material and manufacturing costs, environmental impacts and legal restraints. Drawings and prototypes are constructed and tested, then the results are evaluated, and future improvements or modifications are made. The final solution is then presented to the appropriate constituents for evaluation. The pace of the class is brisk and the topics covered give students a look into the breadth of the field that is engineering. In-class projects and activities are designed to develop particular skills while having a usefulness in the life of the student designer; the inspiration for the projects often results from ideas generated by the students themselves or other members of the school community. Students will work in teams, as well as independently, throughout the course to hone their skills as they learn the engineering design process. This course is designed to be a companion course to Engineering I: Drafting & CAD. Note: This semester course is offered to students in grades 9-12.

Engineering II: Smart Systems & Applications

This second year engineering course takes an in-depth look at a particular field of engineering and extends students’ understanding of the engineering design process by considering smart systems and their impact on daily life. Future smart cities will leverage high densities of networked sensors and actuators in systems that are driven by streaming data, with various applicationspecific tradeoffs between local data storage and cloud computing. The flexibility of this approach can allow for the development of devices at various scales, such as smart personal health monitors, smart buildings, and even smart cities improving quality of life in the realms of public health, environment, transportation, and public safety, among others. In this class, students begin to develop an understanding of smart systems and technologies. Students learn how to use basic mechanical devices and sensors such as motors, actuators, and ultrasonic detectors. When combined with a microcontroller and the proper code, these smart devices can respond to outside stimuli, provide a physical service, or collect data. Students then construct a series of progressively more challenging projects designed to solve a problem or accomplish a certain task, with the ultimate goal of using some or all of their creations here on campus. Note: This course is open to students in grades 10-12 , will run in the 2023-2024 school year, and is offered every other year alternating with Engineering II: Advanced CAD Applications. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Engineering I: Principles of Design or by recommendation of the Science Department.

Engineering II: Advanced CAD Applications

This second year Engineering course builds on the students’ foundational knowledge obtained from Engineering I: Drafting and CAD and challenges them to apply their skills to increasingly complex, real-world based ideas and projects. Students utilize advanced tools and features of the CAD software to create models with multiple interactions, including working gears and levers, on surfaces that are curved or non-linear in nature. While the focus of this course is not tied to a single engineering discipline, the skills learned are applicable across multiple engineering fields, as engineers often are tasked with creating novel parts or solutions for problems they encounter in their daily work. The final project challenges students to create a mechanically functional product that aligns with how an analogous product works in the real-world. Note: This course is open to students in grades 10-12 , will run in the 2022-2023 school year, and is offered every other year alternating with Engineering II: Smart Systems & Applications Prerequisite: Successful completion of Engineering I: Drafting & CAD or by permission of the Science Department.

Note: Computer Science electives are listed as cross-curricular electives on page 35.

Environmental Sustainability**/***

How can one planet support over 7 billion lives so that all people have sufficient resources? The answer is through Environmental Sustainability. In this one semester elective, students discover that reduce, reuse and recycle isn’t enough for the survival of humanity and the planet. Rather we need to rethink how we deliver the basic resources necessary for survival across the planet. Through project based learning, students experience how energy and nutrients cycle within the environment, how the human population dynamics and global consumption shifts of the last millennium have disrupted those patterns, and what challenges need to be addressed to reverse or repair them in the future. Note: The semester course is open to students in grades 11 and 12. Tenth graders with a strong background in Chemistry and Biology may be considered.

Independent Science Research

In this science elective, students conduct an independent science project (sometimes outside of school) to experience how science is done in the “real world.” Students are matched with mentors from within the school community or from academia/industry who guide their research project. Students should be committed to spending hours after school or during the summer months completing their projects. Research results may be presented at local science fairs in the spring or written as a paper in the style of a peerreviewed journal and submitted for publication to our in-house journal. Note: Students may earn up to one additional credit in this Science elective (depending on the extent of research), is graded as Pass/Fail, and is ideal for students who are passionate about science.

Psychology**

This is a course where students learn the complex factors that shape one’s behavior. The long standing debate of nature vs. nurture is examined through the interactions of our biology, our environment, and our experiences which determine who we are and how we will behave. Students learn about basic principles that guide how we think and act and come to recognize the tremendous diversity that exists across individuals and across cultural boundaries. Note: This semester course is open to students in grades 11 and 12 and students in grade 12 are granted preferential placement.

Research in Microbiology

This course is run in partnership with the Small World Initiative (SWI): an innovative program that encourages students to pursue careers in science while addressing a worldwide health threat – the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics. SWI provides a unique platform to crowdsource medical breakthroughs by tapping into the intellectual power of many people concurrently addressing a global challenge, advancing promising micro-organisms into the drug development pipeline. Students use university-level research techniques over the course of the year with the goal of discovering and producing new antibiotics. Through a series of student-driven experiments, students collect soil samples, isolate diverse bacteria, test bacteria against clinicallyrelevant microorganisms, and characterize those showing inhibitory activity. This is particularly relevant since over two thirds of antibiotics originate from soil bacteria or fungi. Students enhance their lab experiences by learning about the microbiological world, mechanisms of antibiotic action, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Classroom activities include lab experiments, lecture, student-led discussion, lab-meeting style presentation of findings, journal critiques, and poster sessions. Note: This course is open to students in grade 12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry I and Biology I and recommendation of the Science Department.

** The semester offered is to be determined. *** May be taken With Honors. See description on page 4.