Science

9th grade
Required
Yearlong

In this course, students will explore the fundamental characteristics of living organisms, beginning with the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of life and building to the genetic principles governing global populations. In addition, we will investigate the interrelatedness of anatomical systems, global ecological cycles, and the principles of evolution. In addition to providing students with an understanding of core biological concepts, the course is designed to enhance skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Through laboratory experiments, case studies, modeling, direct instruction, analysis of authentic data sets, and field trips, students will gain an appreciation for the diversity and unity of life on Earth. 

Incoming ninth grade students who have taken high school biology in eighth grade may request exemption from the course if they score 80% or above on a placement test.  Because graduation requirements include two semesters worth of biology credit earned during high school, students passing the placement test should plan to take two semester-long electives in the biological sciences before graduation.
 

10th grade
Required
Yearlong

This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of fundamental topics in chemistry. Subjects include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds, kinetics, acid/base chemistry, thermochemistry, and electrochemistry. Laboratory activities and demonstrations reinforce core topics, foster inductive and deductive reasoning, connect core topics to everyday phenomena, and hone laboratory skills. Students are engaged both as small groups and as a class with laboratory-based challenges. Either this course or Quantitative Chemistry is required in 10th grade.

10th grade
Required
Yearlong

This course is best suited to students who have a strong interest in science and a solid mathematical background. The emphasis is on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of topics such as atomic structure, classifying and quantifying matter, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, gas laws, stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, and electrochemistry. This chemistry option moves more quickly through mathematical content, allowing time to pursue a greater breadth of topics. Class activities and demonstrations reinforce core topics, foster inductive and deductive reasoning, connect core topics to everyday phenomena, and hone laboratory skills. Assessments include traditional tests as well as alternative skills-based assessments. Either this course or Chemistry is required in 10th grade.

11th or 12th grade
Required
Yearlong

Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena. While this course covers topics similar to those in Quantitative Physics, it is designed to offer more mathematical support for students and emphasizes more projects and lab experiences. Prerequisite: Algebra II.

11th or 12th grade
Required
Yearlong

Quantitative Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena. While this course covers topics similar to those in Physics, it is designed for students interested in a rigorous mathematical analysis of physical concepts. The course examines Newtonian mechanics with an emphasis on quantitative problem-solving, using calculus when appropriate. Prerequisite: Calculus.

Upper School
Elective
One semester

Astronomy applies the tools of science to the sky above us and the universe beyond our planet. Topics include the size and age of the universe, the diverse history of astronomy, light and telescopes, the formation of the solar system, the life cycle of stars, extrasolar planets, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and looking at astronomy as a way of learning about the nature of science. 

Upper School
Elective
One semester

Students who have completed the Engineering I intensive dive deeper into more specific challenges with more advanced engineering skills. In addition to civil and mechanical engineering challenges, students complete projects in fields as diverse as robotics and biomedical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. Students leave campus when opportunities arise, visiting engineering sites and shadowing engineers. A special emphasis is placed on engineering for social justice, exploring how engineers can have a positive impact on the community and people around them. Prerequisite: Engineering I intensive or equivalent experience

10th–12th grades
Elective
One semester

The challenge of understanding and maintaining a sustainable environment may be the single most pressing scientific issue that will confront students throughout their lives. This course will equip students to understand and confront the problems facing our region and our globe, contributing to their eventual solution. Beginning with an introduction to ecological principles, students explore the many ways that humans affect the biosphere through population growth, energy production and consumption, natural resource depletion, and agricultural and industrial pollution, among others. To explore these issues, students integrate knowledge from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, history, political science, geology, statistics, and demography through reading, lecture, class discussion, lab and fieldwork, and projects. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (at least currently enrolled).

10th–12th grades
Elective
One semester

This class introduces students to some of the fundamental science content, processes, and skills involved in forensics and law enforcement. Fingerprint and crime scene analysis, ballistic event reconstruction, and the rates and markers of organic decay and decomposition are all explored, as students apply what they have learned to solve real-world-type problems. Lab skills are especially emphasized in this hands-on, practical course meant to appeal to all students interested in crime-solving, applied science, and lab work.

11th–12th grades
Elective
One semester

This course offers students an opportunity to deepen their study of the science of chemistry. Designed in part by areas of student interest, topics may include kinetics, thermochemistry, environmental chemistry, reaction energy, and qualitative analysis of known and unknown substances. Students are expected to expand and deepen their understanding through small-group work, problem-solving, and independent lab experiences. The class format includes lecture, discussion, and laboratory work with an emphasis on group collaboration and experimental design, similar to collegiate-level laboratory settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of one year of Chemistry.

11th–12th grades
Elective
One semester

In this course, students will investigate basic human and animal physiology. Topics covered will include select anatomical systems, including relevant terminology, biochemistry, and function. Through lab work, case studies, and discussions, students will gain a better understanding of both normal and abnormal physiological conditions with an eye toward understanding the basic principles of biological cause and effect. Dissection of a fetal pig and/or appropriate organs may complement our coursework. This class is designed to help provide students with the skills necessary for success in future biology and health-related classes at the postsecondary level. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

11th and 12th grades

Students study how organisms interact with each other and their environment at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. More specifically, they become familiar with basic ecological theory, explore the questions ecologists study, experience basic ecology methods of investigation, and analyze and interpret ecological data. Students have the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a field setting with the possibility of an overnight field excursion. Prerequisite: Biology. 

Upper School

Students are introduced to the ways of thinking and problem-solving that make engineering unique in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Students work collaboratively to identify and creatively solve real-world problems in a broad range of engineering fields. As students learn how an engineer thinks and works, they gain a better appreciation for how the world around them has taken its current form, and how engineering can address problems that affect real people. This class is designed for students with a broad range of prior experience and math skills. We especially invite students from backgrounds that are not traditionally well represented among engineers to explore this course.

Upper School

This course has been designed to provide students with an authentic lab research experience. Students will be exposed to a variety of techniques needed to isolate, visualize, and characterize common microorganisms while completing a multi-week research project. The intensive format will allow student research teams to work asynchronously on individualized projects as they learn how to troubleshoot experiments and persist through challenges within a supportive environment. The experience with self directed lab work and knowledge of common lab techniques gained in this course will uniquely qualify students for lab internships and research experiences. Prerequisite: Biology, 9th–12th grades.

Upper School

This is a project-based course in which students design a science lesson or unit for elementary school students. The unit incorporates the essential elements of project-based learning that include designing a real-world project for an authentic audience. Students in this course would partner with local elementary/ middle school teachers to bring science or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) lessons and demonstrations to their students. In addition to prepping their teaching, student would spend classroom time learning about learning, providing context to improve their teaching (while simultaneously informing their own future learning). No prior science coursework is required, though an enthusiasm for learning and working with others is important.