Science
"Where the world ceases to be the scene of our personal hopes and wishes, where we face it as free beings admiring, asking and observing, there we enter the realm of Art and Science " – Albert Einstein
Science is a creative process through which investigational discovery leads to understanding of the world. Science involves both understanding the recognized principles, laws and theories, as well as mastering the necessary manipulative, investigative, and communicative skills. The curriculum, therefore, blends concepts and process into a coherent presentation enabling students to succeed in their personal, academic and professional lives. Our students obtain a basic understanding of both the physical and biological sciences, preparing them to make informed decisions about complex technological and environmental issues.
EARTH SCIENCE
Grade 6
Sixth grade science is devoted to providing students with an integrated, introductory exposure to general science with a strong concentration in earth science. The student will develop an appreciation for our Earth as the basic skills of investigation, processes and procedures are learned.
LIFE SCIENCE
Grade 7
The seventh grade science course is devoted to providing students with an integrated and comprehensive introduction to Life Science. Skills learned in Earth Science are reinforced.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 8
Physical Science addresses the topics of motion, forces, energy, astronomy, and chemistry. Activities and demonstrations are integrated with introductory problem solving. The curriculum also incorporates the JASON Project, where students experience new concepts in action by following the real-time investigations of a scientific research team.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Grade 9
This course is designed to develop the physics concepts necessary for an informed study of chemistry. The approach focuses on understanding physical principles relating to electricity, forces and motion, ways of moving energy, atomic structure, gravity, astronomy and weather in a variety of contexts. The introduction of these concepts emphasizes hands-on, rather than mathematical methods.
CHEMISTRY
Grade 10
Chemistry develops an understanding of the basic concepts of matter and its changes. The curriculum covers topics such as atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, the periodic table, chemical formulas and bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws and solution chemistry while emphasizing an understanding of practical applications of chemistry to daily life. Lab activities support the learning of concepts and involve the use of measurements and calculations.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Grade 10
This course will cover the same curriculum as Chemistry, with emphasis placed on methods of scientific measurement, calculation and problem solving. Students enrolling in this class should be concurrently taking Algebra II.
BIOLOGY
Grade 11
Biology presents the major concepts of the science of living matter including the areas of cellular biology, photosynthesis, genetics, taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology. It also seeks to improve skills and teach lab techniques that will benefit students in the science classroom and the wider world.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GENETICS
Grades 10, 11& 12
The key ideas and modern applications of genetics will be addressed in this elective class. Our aim is to provide students with the scientific basis for understanding issues relating to genetic engineering - including gene manipulation, gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy and genetic modification. Research efforts like the human genome project, forensic applications of genetic knowledge, and controversial social and political issues such as stem cell research will also be explored.
HUMAN BIOLOGY
Grades 11 & 12
Students study the structure and function of the human body systems emphasizing practical information and the development of life skills. A discussion of the anatomy of each system to provide structural background is followed by a study of the applicable physiology and biochemistry of the biological systems involved. Topics such as stress management, physical fitness, nutrition; drug and alcohol abuse, social and other diseases, pregnancy, cardiovascular resuscitation and basic first aid are interwoven throughout the course. Human Biology provides useful skills and promotes discussion and thought about some of the problems facing today’s young people.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: BIOLOGY OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
Grades 11 & 12
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States with more than eight million people living along its shores and the prospect of thirty million within the next fifty years. These facts ] make the Chesapeake Bay an ideal example for the study of environmental science. Study of the material will occur through a combination of virtual class work/lecture and in-person lab and fieldwork. Students will be exposed to the science of ecology for the scientific methodology, to economics, demographics, and politics for the effects each of these has on laws and policy-making decisions locally and globally. Through readings, laboratory exercises, guest speakers, and field trips, students gain first-hand knowledge of the world’s richest estuary and its composition.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Grades 11 & 12
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a rigorous, college level class providing the basic body of chemical information typically covered in two semesters of a first year course. The curriculum follows the guidelines established by the College Board in the areas of atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics. At some colleges and universities, high scores on the AP Chemistry exam may allow a student to claim college credit. At a minimum, upon completion of the course, a student will have a good background in laboratory methods and analytical problem solving skills, as well as a working knowledge of chemical concepts that will provide a strong preparation for the challenges of college chemistry.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Grades 11 & 12
Advanced Placement Biology challenges students at a college level. This introductory college level course of biology extends significantly beyond the usual high school biology course with respect to the depth of the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of lab work performed by students, and the time and effort required of students. Advanced Placement Biology provides the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing field of biology in our society.
PHYSICS
Grades 11 & 12
This course presents a few major topics in physics, seeking to develop in students an appreciation for the development of theories from experimentation, logical reasoning, and imagination; their experimental testing; and the subsequent identification of their limitations. Topics include motion, forces (including gravity), energy, electricity and magnetism, and atomic physics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C – MECHANICS
Grade 12 One Year
Advanced Placement Physics presents topics from mechanics at the college level. The treatment is calculus-based with a strong emphasis on problem solving. The ] curriculum includes laboratory work and error analysis.
ZOOLOGY
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
This seminar course will use lecture, lab, discussion, and student analysis to examine the evolution, systematics, anatomy physiology, ecology, and ethology of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Students will study evolutionary biology, systematics, and ecology while examining various scientific ideas and theories through individual research, laboratory discovery, field trips and group debate. |