Science Department Course Descriptions

The Science Department works to ensure that all students understand how science influences their lives and to enable them to use their knowledge of science and its methods in future problemsolving and decision-making. Through formal instruction, class discussion, and laboratory investigation, we seek to cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the world.

Throughout the courses, we stress observation, critical analysis, and experimental design. We employ and advance our students skills extensively in mathematics, writing, and computer use. For students with special interest and ability in science, the department offers a challenging and diverse selection of advanced courses.

Grade 9 Science: Physics

Students study the fundamentals of physics across a wide range of topics, including mechanics, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. The course encourages the development of creative and logical thought, and problem solving.

Principles of Chemistry

Students study the core principles of chemistry across a range of topics, including scientific method, phase changes, properties of gases, atomic structure, periodic properties, Lewis structures, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and reactivity, properties of solutions, equilibrium, and acids/bases. The course will focus on the ideas of chemistry to build a solid foundation for work in 11th grade molecular biology

Chemistry

Students study the fundamentals of chemistry across a wide range of topics, including scientific method, phase changes, properties of gases, kinetic molecular theory, mass spectrometry, atomic structure, periodic properties, Lewis structures, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and reactivity, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, equilibrium, and acids/bases. Where possible, experimental evidence is used to construct models of chemical behavior. Complex experiments require independent work and thought.

Principles of Biology

This course is designed to give students a broader understanding of the life sciences, encompassing essential concepts in cell structure and function, some aspects of animal and plant physiology in addition to basic ecology. Evolution and environmental sustainability will play key roles in this course, allowing students to make connections between the cellular and the larger macroscopic world.

Biology

This course focuses on a mechanistic, molecular-level understanding of biological systems. Coursework will draw strongly upon students’ previous work in 10th grade Chemistry. Topics may include biochemical interactions, structure-function relationships, cell signaling, metabolic processes, molecular genetics and evolution, and microand macro-scale ecology. These topics may be incorporated into broader teaching modules on physiological systems, health and disease, biotechnology, and more.

Advanced Biology

This accelerated course in molecular biology will move at a faster pace than Biology. Coursework will draw strongly upon students’ previous work in 10th grade Chemistry. Topics may include biochemical interactions, structurefunction relationships, cell signaling, metabolic processes, molecular genetics and evolution, and micro- and macroscale ecology, and more. A strong emphasis on scientific logic, statistical data analysis and communication, and self-directed inquiry will also prepare passionate students for more advanced or independent work in science as 12th graders.

Advanced Chemistry

This course is taught at a college level and units of study include reactivity and chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure including molecular orbital theory and the structure of solids, states of matter, properties of solutions, equilibrium, acids, bases, buffers, and titrations, thermodynamics, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, and the nature on transition metal complexes. Laboratory work is extensive and detailed and involves scientific inquiry. Although this course is not specifically designed to cover the AP Examination, problem solving is of that level and content.

Advanced Physics

Motion, force, energy, momentum, gravity, and orbits will be examined in greater detail than they were in Physics, and their rotational analogues will be introduced. Problem solving, conceptual reasoning, and the connections between the various topics will be emphasized. Depending on the time available and the preferences of the class we will study select topics in relativity, electricity, circuits, or magnetism.

Advanced Biology Research: Entomology

This course is designed to immerse students in a collaborative scientific environment and expose them to the many facets of research. Students will be expected to be an active and productive member of the research team by fully participating in lab research, lab meetings, journal club meetings and presentations. Students will carry out a research project that will be presented in multiple public forums. Scientific communication skills will be strengthened through written assignments, discussion and presentations of peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentation of student research. The course is embedded in Entomology and students will gain a broad understanding of insect biology and taxonomy.

Environmental Science

This course will allow students to engage with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the multiple relationships that exist in the natural world. Students will investigate and analyze natural and anthropogenic environmental problems, evaluate risks, and examine solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. Concepts and ideas will be explored through laboratory work, environmental health assessments, presentations and projects. Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that draws from subjects such as biology, chemistry, and geology.

Psychology

Psychology will introduce students to the foundational concepts within the broad field of Psychology. The course, Psychology, is based on an integrated social science course model, which incorporates elements of Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science, and Behavioral Economics into the study of Psychology. The curricular and pedagogical focus of Psychology is to expose students to the foundational approaches to understanding the human mind’s manifestations of cognition and behavior.

Engineering Principles

Students explore the wide variety of work engineers do and the principles they employ through engineering projects such as: the design and construction of bridges, airplanes, and electronic circuits. Tools and skills range across soldering, woodworking, drafting, computer-aided design, laser-cutting, data analysis, problem-solving, and design optimization.

Forensics

This semester long course will be a study about a select group of types of forensic evidence that can be used to help solve a crime. Topics of study may include: evidence collection, hair and fiber analysis, toxicology, fingerprint analysis, serology, DNA analysis, pathology, entomology, and forensic anthropology. Additionally, the course will be taught with a social justice lens as we analyze the impact of evidence collection and analysis on the criminal justice system.

Astronomy

This course explores the intellectual feats of the ancients, such as determining the distance to the moon and the size of the earth, as well as contemporary investigations of exoplanets, dark matter, and cosmology. Foundational concepts will include solar system dynamics, orbits, gravity, nuclear fusion, spectroscopy, star cycles, stellar nucleosynthesis, black holes, special relativity, general relativity, and the evolution of the universe. Students will have opportunities for naked- eye astronomy and telescopic observations in conjunction with the Columbia University stargazing and lecture series.

Environmental Sustainability

Through a science and engineering lens, the course investigates principles of sustainability in the contexts of Population, Atmosphere and Climate, Energy, Radiation, Waste, Water, and Food. As we consider the problems we face we will also look for solutions through policy, science, and technology. Field trips to better understand the systems that sustain NYC are integral to the course.

Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics

This semester-long course will use projects, hands-on lab experiences, media, and original research to dive into the fascinating intricacies of the human body. Students will gain an overall understanding of the structures and functions allowing us to move, breathe, and digest. Themes of homeostasis and “form fits function” will be revisited and reinforced. We will gradually investigate mechanisms of diseases, injuries, and their treatments. Significant time will be spent doing lab experiments.