Science

1 credit; full year
This course is typically taken in Grade 9

The most interesting scientific questions are the simplest, and require all disciplines of science to address. What is the universe made of? How did life begin on Earth? How will we engineer solutions to the challenges of the present and future? The first year of a two-year integrated science program, this course investigates the origin of the universe and the Earth, the basic chemical and physical processes that make life possible, and the interaction between the living world and its environment. Student work focuses on asking questions, defining problems, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, making models, engaging in argument from evidence, constructing explanations, designing solutions, reasoning, and communicating findings—the core work of doing science.

The curriculum encompasses all three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); students meet the performance expectations with an emphasis on science and engineering practices and the cross-cutting concepts common to all scientific disciplines. Completion of this two-year course sequence exposes students to the perspectives by which each scientific discipline views the field of science, allowing them to choose advanced courses with informed intent.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: completion of Integrated Science: The Universe from Atoms to Life, or commensurate experience
This course is typically taken in Grade 10

This is the second year of a two-year integrated science program. The first semester of this course investigates living organisms from the molecular level to the population level and includes cells, inheritance and evolution. In the second semester, students widen their knowledge of ecosystems and chemical reactions, and explore reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment.

Student work focuses on science practices: asking questions, defining problems, conducting investigations, making models, engaging in argument from evidence, constructing explanations, designing solutions and communicating findings—the core work of doing science.

The curriculum encompasses all three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); students meet the performance expectations with an emphasis on science and engineering practices, and the cross-cutting concepts common to all scientific disciplines. Completion of this two-year course sequence exposes students to the perspectives by which each scientific discipline views the field of science, allowing them to choose advanced courses with informed intent.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Algebra II, successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10, and departmental recommendation

Discover the complexities of life in AP Biology, a university-level course that builds on the concepts introduced in Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10. Students explore biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution and ecology while developing their scientific skills through laboratory investigations, statistical analysis of data, problem solving and projects. This course challenges students to be curious and think deeply about biological concepts, moving beyond memorization of information to analysis of data and application of knowledge. Independent study and practice outside of class are essential for preparation for the AP exam. 

*reading intensive

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Algebra II, successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10, and departmental recommendation

This university-level course delves more deeply into topics studied in Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10 and emphasizes theoretical aspects of chemistry such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of matter, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics and basic concepts of thermodynamics. Students utilize advanced problem-solving skills to apply concepts to the interpretation of complex chemical phenomena. Proper record keeping of quantitative and qualitative lab work is emphasized. Independent study of multiple units and practice outside of class are essential for preparation for the AP exam.

1 credit; full year

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher, successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10, and departmental recommendation

AP Environmental Science is a university-level course that explores Planet Earth, our reliance and impact on it, and solutions to today’s biggest environmental challenges. Students study diverse topics such as ecosystem dynamics, plate tectonics, human population trends, agriculture, energy consumption, pollution, biodiversity loss, ozone depletion, and climate change by engaging in discussion, activities, projects, laboratory investigations and field trips. With an emphasis on scientific practices, students not only learn about environmental challenges but also acquire the tools to address them. Independent study and practice outside of class are essential for preparation for the AP exam

*reading intensive

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II/Trig or Precalculus with Analysis or higher

AP Physics 1 is an introductory physics course offered at the university level, and is the first year of the AP physics program. The course is a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, rotational motion, gravitation and oscillation, and fluid mechanics. Students are encouraged to develop analytical skills through laboratory investigation, problem solving and conceptual explanations, and in the interpretation of various physical phenomena. After completion of AP Physics 1, students have the option to continue on to AP Physics 2 or AP Physics C.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1, concurrent enrollment in Precalculus with Analysis or higher. It is recommended that a Grade 3 or higher is achieved on the AP Physics 1 exam before taking AP Physics 2 

AP Physics 2 is an option for a second year of AP physics. The course builds on the basic topics covered in AP Physics 1, and adds additional topics in classical physics such as thermodynamics, optics and electromagnetism, and is an introduction to modern and nuclear physics. Students continue to develop their quantitative problem-solving and conceptual analytical skills, and practice more sophisticated laboratory and data analysis techniques.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 and concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, and departmental recommendation

This university-level course is a calculus-based intensive study of two of the most basic themes useful for describing the classical world: mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Calculus gives students the tools to extend their study of physics to describe complex systems from first principles, investigate complex and continuously changing systems, and provide more comprehensive analysis of experimental data. This class is useful for students interested in studying physics, engineering or related majors in college. Students take both AP Physics C exams: mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. 
*Note: TThe two AP Physics C exams (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) are each 3 hours long.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10, and approval of the instructor

Throughout this course, we study and seek solutions to the environmental problems confronting human existence on this planet. We do this in the classroom and in the wilderness. This course is designed for students interested in understanding our relationship with nature and our role as stewards, and developing their relationship with nature. In the classroom, we study the environments to be visited, and examine humanity's ancestral relationship with the Earth and how this has changed over time. We investigate environmental issues through current events, nature journals and projects. Outside of the classroom, our focus is a two-week hiking and camping expedition to a remote wilderness area. Students experience nature the way humans have for all but the last 10,000 years of our evolutionary history. During the expedition, students live simply in nature, let go of city and school life, work closely with a small group to overcome challenges, and take on increasing levels of responsibility for themselves and their trail group. The course-required expedition takes place at the same time as Music Tour and Alternatives during the two weeks prior to Spring Break. There is an additional charge for the expedition and financial aid is available.

½ credit; semester I, Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10 (this course will alternate yearly with Microbiology and The Science of Food)

Human beings shed more than 30,000 dead skin cells a minute. The heart is the only muscle that doesn’t get tired. How is street art connected to anatomy? This introductory course is designed for students who are interested in the human body or medical school, or who just think science is pretty cool. Anatomy and Physiology I is the study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Laboratory work in this course includes dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, physiologic experiments, computer simulations, peer teaching and multimedia presentations.

½ credit; semester II, Grade 11 or 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Anatomy and Physiology I (this course will alternate yearly with Microbiology and the Science of Food)
Biologically, where does “fight, flight or freeze” come from? What are the first signs of an immune response? What causes hiccups? Students learn the answers to these questions and much more in this course that builds on the fundamentals studied in Anatomy and Physiology I, by exploring the normal functions of hormones, circulation, respiration, digestion, metabolism, immune response and excretion. Emphasis continues to be on interrelationships among the systems and regulation of functions. We focus on how the human body responds to stimuli and hormones all in the name of maintaining homeostasis. Laboratory work includes dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, physiologic experiments, computer simulations, peer teaching and multimedia presentations. The course ends with an intensive dissection experience that explores all body systems. This hands-on activity integrates concepts learned throughout both semesters. Students conduct detailed dissections and present a final lab report, showcasing their understanding and application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course.

½ credit; semester I
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10

Have you ever wondered how different scents are produced or how medicines are synthesized? Perhaps you are more interested in food science? This course allows students to explore the design, engineering and application of chemical systems, building on the chemical fundamentals taught in Grades 9 and 10, such as reaction types, with a focus on practical organic chemistry. The course provides an opportunity to have hands-on experience in the chemical synthesis of compounds, such as polymers, flavors and drugs. Use of practical analytical techniques enhances student understanding of the multistep processes required to create everyday materials. Student choice dictates the final unit of study.

½ credit; semester II
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10

Does chemistry get a bad press? The words chemical or synthetic are often viewed as unnatural, toxic or dangerous, but chemistry touches every part of our lives. This course starts with the foundations of the chemical industry born from the need for explosives in the First World War. Students are introduced to the Haber process as a model of a chemical case study, and learn about stoichiometry, acid and base chemistry, equilibrium and molecular structure, while considering economic, environmental and engineering implications. Further units follow where students use this study model to investigate, for example, the production of dyes. This course focuses on, and develops, student understanding of atomic processes and mathematical principles of chemical reactions. This course can be taken as a stand-alone course or as further preparation for AP Chemistry; however, it may not be taken concurrently or after AP Chemistry.

½ credit; semester I
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10

For millennia, humans have contemplated their place in the cosmos using only the visible light in the night sky. But over the last century, we have entered the age of multi messenger astronomy, where new technologies have allowed us to probe space using the full electromagnetic spectrum, cosmic particle detection, and gravitational waves. This course explores our cutting-edge understanding of the universe at the very smallest and largest scales. Among the topics investigated to explore the universe are particle physics, introductory quantum mechanics, stars and their life cycles, special and general relativity, and the origin, evolution and fate of the universe.

½ credit; semester II
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated Science in Grades 9 and 10

From the toast popping up in the morning to the water swirling down the drain, the home is full of invisible systems working silently behind the scenes. In this course, students become home detectives, uncovering the complex physics and engineering that is often taken for granted. We explore the energy transformations that heat houses, the electricity and circuits in appliances, and the mechanics that make them work. We also examine wireless technologies such as wifi and Bluetooth, the essentials of gravity and water systems, and the wonders of London’s infrastructure that help make it all happen. Students conduct experiments, build models, and take apart appliances in the classroom and in the MILL to better understand the physics behind these everyday wonders. This course is for students who want to learn physics and engineering in an active, hands-on, practical way.