Science

Class I

Close observation of the environment is the underlying theme of the year. Natural ecosystems and how they function are focal points that are enhanced by field work. Students learn to recognize Massachusetts’ flora and fauna and become recorders of their environment, keeping a year-long journal. Topics of study include ecology, trees, marine organisms, water resources, insects and a unit on fast plants. Experiments and activities enhance the curriculum.

Class II

In Class II, students undertake a guided inquiry into the major systems of the human body. They hone their observation, data collection and evaluation skills, and expand their laboratory and microscope skills. They also explore cell structure and processes to understand the human body at a cellular and systemic level. Students develop engineering skills through various design challenges. An important component of the sixth grade year involves independent research and technological presentation of a human systems topic not otherwise covered in class.

Class III

Seventh-grade science is an inquiry-based course in which students investigate aspects of earth systems science by doing earth systems science. The course has been designed to remind students to reflect on inquiry processes as they carry out their investigations. Journals are used as an important tool in helping students develop these understandings, and modeling what scientists do. Students investigate broad issues in earth science including the earth’s interior, plate tectonics, surficial processes, rocks and minerals, local geology, fossils and fossilization, and the history of life on earth. An engineering design project exposes the students to the design process.

Class IV

Introductory physical science is a laboratory-based course, which investigates the physical and chemical properties of matter. Experimental skills, cooperative problem solving, and laboratory report writing are major goals of the course. To complete the laboratory portion of the course, students engage in a cooperative exercise in which they analyze the composition of an unknown mixture. Students conduct an independent investigation to culminate the experience.

Class V Required Course:

Biology
Topics include cell biology, evolution, ecology, genetics, a comparative survey of the kingdoms, and human physiology. Laboratory work is designed to build skills and develop an understanding of the scientific process through experimental design and critical thinking. In the first semester students investigate topics related to human evolution, including skin color, to explore the basis for racism in society. Second semester, the students complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice in biology. They conduct background research, perform experiments, analyze data and submit findings in a scientific paper.

Class VI Required Course (one of two levels):

Chemistry
This course provides an introduction to the major concepts of chemistry. This course is a rigorous introductory chemistry course. Topics covered include atomic structure, the modern periodic table, chemical bonding, reaction types, states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Connections are made between the course material and real-world application of chemical theory. Problem solving involves both qualitative and quantitative analyses and utilizes basic algebraic skills. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations illustrate the concepts and emphasize their applications to everyday life.

Honors Chemistry
This course covers the same broad spectrum of topics as the chemistry course. An emphasis is placed on the development of advanced problem-solving skills. The quantitative component of the course is balanced with qualitative description and application of chemical theory to the world around us. Laboratory experiments illustrate theory and require the application of theoretical concepts and principles in a detailed conceptual and quantitative analysis of results.

Class VII (Physics 1 or Honors Physics 1 required):

Physics 1
This course offers a standard mechanics syllabus including motion, forces, energy, momentum, circular motion and sound. Although development of mathematical skills is an important part of the course, we strongly emphasize a conceptual, hands-on approach. Application of physical principles to everyday experience is an important part of the course. Extensive use is made of laboratory experiments and demonstrations.

Physics 2
This course picks up where Physics 1 leaves off, with the study of electricity, magnetism, light and optics and some modern physics.

Honors Physics 1
This course covers the same broad spectrum of topics as the physics course. The approach is both conceptual and mathematical; it emphasizes the connection of ideas to everyday life but stresses the development of problem-solving strategies in quantitative applications. Laboratory experiments supplement the class work.

Honors Physics 2
The continuation of the Honors Physics 1 course, Honors Physics 2 covers electromagnetism, geometric and physical optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: Honors Physics 1.

Class VIII Electives:

Advanced Placement Physics C
This course emulates a first-year college course in physics with calculus and includes directed and independent laboratory investigation. First semester is classical mechanics, and second semester is electromagnetism. Students take both sections of the AP Physics C Examination.

Advanced Placement Biology
Topics in biology are studied at a level equivalent to a college introductory class. Material covered includes biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, organismal diversity, ecology, and plant and animal physiology. The laboratory component is an integral part of this course. Students are responsible for some topics not covered in class in their preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.

Advanced Placement Chemistry
This course covers structure and states of matter, stoichiometry, kinetics and equilibrium, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, trends in the periodic table, introductory organic chemistry, and reactivity and reactions. Advanced problem-solving strategies are emphasized. Techniques for writing laboratory reports on quantitative data are also addressed. Students are expected to attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry that will prepare them for the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that not only explores the science behind the environmental problems of our planet but also the economic, political, and social aspects. This course draws from eastern and western philosophies to contextualize the relationships between the natural world and the human-made world. Students examine the risks associated with these problems and alternative solutions for resolving them. Through the laboratory component, students explore the biology, chemistry, and physics behind environmental issues and begin to think creatively about ways to solve them. Students are responsible for covering some topics not covered in class in their preparations for the Advanced Placement Examination in Environmental Science.

Upper School Science Electives
Offerings vary year-to-year, but some include:

Astronomy
Where do we fit in? Why does the sun shine and will it ever stop? How did the universe come to be, and what is its ultimate fate? Students begin to explore the answers to these and other questions as they study topics in celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, and cosmology. The emphasis is strongly conceptual, but some mathematics is required.

Introduction to Engineering Design
Students learn the principles of engineering design by participating as team members in a variety of design projects. Most of the tasks involve building special purpose machines or devices. Students study some of the principles of mechanical structures and electrical circuitry and learn some of the techniques of computer-aided mechanical drawing. At the end of the course, they design and program robots that perform tasks of their own choosing.

Marine Biology
This course provides an overview of the physical and chemical aspects of the marine environment as well as an introduction to the biology and ecology of marine organisms. Marine organisms are studied in the context of their ecosystems including rocky intertidal, estuaries, coral reefs, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Human impact on the marine environment is also examined.

Forensic Science
This course provides an overview of the chemical and biological components of the science used in crime scene analysis. The molecular structure and properties of trace evidence, poisons, drugs, explosives, and accelerants are studied in conjunction with laboratory tools such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing, chromatography, and blood spatter analysis. Case study investigations utilize skills of observation, data collection, and logical reasoning.