Science

The science department believes that girls naturally wonder about themselves, the physical world and their place within it. We also recognize that women are still quite underrepresented in many fields of science. Therefore, the primary goal of our eight-year program is to encourage girls’ enthusiasm for science while providing them with the skills and content necessary for scientific literacy, an understanding of the scientific process and a solid preparation for those who wish to continue with post-secondary work in the sciences. Beginning in Lower School, students develop the skills of observation, critical thinking, and experimentation. As they move into the Upper School, students acquire a foundation in biology, chemistry and physics while continuing to develop advanced problem-solving skills. We offer an elective program that encourages girls to explore specific fields of science according to their interests, as well as an Advanced Placement program for qualified girls who would like to perform advanced study in a particular area.

Science Courses 2007-2008

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 yearlong journal. Topics of study include ecology, weather, trees, marine organisms, global climate change, 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, genetics and natural selection to understand the human body at a cellular and systemic level. Students investigate basic concepts in physics using biological examples. An important component of the Class Involves independent research of a course topic.

Class III

Seventh-grade science is an inquiry-based course in which students investigate aspects of earth systems science by doing earth system science. The course is largely student-driven, and 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 plate tectonics, geology, earth history and astronomy.

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 training in record keeping are major goals of the course. To complete the laboratory portion of the course, students engage in a cooperative exercise at school in which they analyze the composition of an unknown mixture. Students also perform an independent experiment at home.

Class V-VIII

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, and compare mitochondrial DNA sequences of individuals from around the world 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 three levels):

Chemistry
This course covers states of matter, the modern periodic table, electronic structure of the atom, chemical bonding, reaction types, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental and forensic chemistry. Problem solving involves qualitative analysis and the real-world application of chemical theory. Limited mathematical analysis is used in some problem solving. Laboratory experiments illustrate theory and applications to everyday life.

Honors Chemistry
Topics covered include atomic theory, thermodynamics, states of matter, physical chemistry, the modern periodic table, electronic structure of the atom, gas laws, chemical bonding, reaction types, organic chemistry, pH, kinetics, equilibrium and electrochemistry. Mathematics and problem solving are 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 the analysis of results.

AP Chemistry
This course covers the material described in the syllabus prescribed by the College Board: structure and states of matter, aqueous reaction stoichiometry, kinetics and equilibrium, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry covering trends in the periodic table, organic chemistry and chemical reactivity and reactions. Strategies for studying and problem solving 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 Chemistry examination in May, which they are required to take.

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.

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 preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science
As described by the College Board, “The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.” This course is interdisciplinary, touching on areas from biology, chemistry, physics and geology. 

Upper School Science Electives

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.

Experimental Psychology
Following instruction about experimental design and statistics, students are exposed to selected issues from four different psychological perspectives: learning, cognitive, biological, and social. Methods of exposure include readings, discussions, demonstrations, and experiments. Offered alternate years.

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.

Science and Belief
Abducted by aliens? Seen any ghosts recently? What’s your sign? In our culture, we are constantly being told about beliefs not based upon any scientific evidence. What constitutes scientific evidence and how do scientists interpret it? How can we tell pseudoscience from real science? Through assigned readings, discussions, projects, and presentations, students apply their understanding of science to such topics as psychic phenomena, astrology, alchemy, and other beliefs widely accepted in popular culture but not in the scientific community.