Upper School Curriculum :: Science

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Chemistry comprises a study of the basic topics of general chemistry, focusing most carefully on applications necessary to understand modern biology. Units of study include atomic theory and atomic structure, mole concept, chemical nomenclature and formulas, chemical bonding,  intermolecular forces and molecular geometry, phases of matter (gas, liquid and solid), types of reactions and stoichiometry, solution stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry. The course is lab-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing the process of science over the acquisition of facts.

 

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Biology builds upon core concepts presented in freshman Chemistry. Units of study are tied together by central themes in biology: emergent properties, cells, heredity, structure and function, environmental interactions, homeostasis, diversity, evolution, and science as a process of inquiry. This course utilizes inquiry-based labs to emphasize foundational concepts while incorporating concepts from all disciplines of science.

 

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A student must take either year-long Honors Physics or Mechanics 1 and two other trimesters of Physics. All physics courses are lab-centered and inquiry-based, using modeling techniques.

 

Honors Physics has a broad view of classical physics and excursions into areas of modern physics. Topics include motion & forces, momentum, energy, heat, waves and sound, electricity & magnetism, and light. The course has a strong laboratory component.

 

Mechanics 1 introduces students to the concepts of mechanics and techniques used to study physics. Topics will include motion, forces, and mechanical energy.

 

Thermal Physics gives students an initial understanding of the science of heat movement. Topics include heat and temperature, thermal equilibrium, thermodynamics and internal energy, system states and statistics, entropy, and behavior of gases. Applications important to human interaction with the environment are emphasized.

 

Mechanics 2 introduces students to further topics in mechanics, including momentum, collisions, motion in two dimensions, rotation, and orbital motion.

 

Waves studies the application of physics to wave phenomena. Topics include oscillating systems, harmonic motion, waves in springs, water, air and space, acoustics, physics of music, and optics.

 

Physics of Sports visits specific examples of force, motion, and energy found in sports. The students will learn to make use of tools such as graphical analysis, qualitative reasoning based on the laws of physics, reasoning by analogy, dimensional analysis, numerical estimation, computer simulation, and the use of published resources.

 

Electricity is a study of electric phenomena. Students will model the forces between electric charges, the behavior of electric circuits, and magnetic phenomena.

 

Concepts of Modern Physics examines limitations of classical physics, new ideas replacing “common sense,” structure on the smallest scales, recent theories, and technological outgrowths of modern physics, such as transistors and lasers.

 

Human Physics includes physical models of the human body, physical measurements of anatomy and physiology, fluid dynamics within the body, physics of sight and hearing.

 

Other upper level science electives include: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B, AP Physics C, Biotechnology, Organic Chemistry, Botany, Astronomy, Ecology and Evolution, and others.

 

All science courses emphasize lab and/or field work and the scientific process.

 

 
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