2008-2009 Science Courses

Three years of science are required for graduation. Though they are not formally required, we recommend that students take courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics before graduation. A fourth year of science is recommended, particularly for students considering selective colleges and/or a college major in science, engineering, medicine, or related fields. Many science courses have mathematics prerequisites, and some have science prerequisites as well.

Full Year Science Courses

FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE
This course focuses on physical science in a broad sense by undertaking a series of projects in basic physics (e.g. rockets and propulsion systems) and engineering (structures and bridge building). The curriculum is heavily oriented toward a series of labs or projects supplemented by lecture, discussion, and reference work. The goal of the class is to provide students with a firm conceptual foundation in scientific processes and content and is a preparation for any higher level classes in the Science Department.

BIOLOGY
This course covers methods of biology, cell structure and processes, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, organism diversity and ecological relationships. Students develop observational and analytical skills through regular laboratory activities. Students have the opportunity to conduct several long-term projects or research studies throughout the year.

Texts:

• Biology - Miller/Levine
• Newcomb's Wild Flower Guide - Little & Brown
• Other readings as assigned

ADVANCED BIOLOGY
The Advanced Biology course is an extension of Biology I, covering topics in more depth and investigating new topics. This course includes an extensive unit on human anatomy and physiology which includes a cat dissection, a unit on molecular biology using modern techniques such as gel electrophoresis (DNA fingerprinting) and a mini-unit on bioethics issues. These and other topics in biology may be covered in this course.
Prerequisites: Open to Juniors and Seniors who have taken both Biology and Chemistry.

CHEMISTRY
Chemistry includes studies of the atom, elements, compounds, and theories explaining their behavior. After studying the foundational aspects of Chemistry, investigation of various topics of Chemistry is undertaken, such as Kinetics, Equilibrium and Acids and Bases. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite - Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Advanced Placement)
This Junior/Senior level course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. The goals of this course are to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world; to identify and analyze both natural and human-made environmental problems; and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This rigorous course involves classroom instruction as well as laboratory and field investigation and an independent project. Prerequisites - successful completion of both Biology and Chemistry.
Prerequisites - Successful completion of both Biology and Chemistry.

Text: Environment - Raven and Berg

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (Advanced Placement)
This course is an advanced level Chemistry course with the purpose of preparing students for taking the AP Chemistry examination. As such, the course is fast-paced and challenging, covering material covered in the first year Chemistry course (but in greater depth, and with more mathematical sophistication), as well as material not covered in the first year. In addition to regular class days and labs, there are four required AP Lab Saturdays during the year, where the class meets for three hours in the morning and does experiments. The course will be offered if there is sufficient demand.
Prerequisites - Chemistry, Algebra II (current enrollment in Pre-Calculus preferred), or the permission of the instructor.

Text: Chemistry: The Central Science - Brown & Lemay

PHYSICS
This conceptually rigorous course focuses on the fundamentals of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and light. Students will study motion, forces, projectile motion, energy, and momentum in the Fall term. The Spring term focuses on rotational motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, light and optics. Physics is an appropriate course for those with strong problem solving skills and a comfort with formulating algebraic expressions and solving for unknowns. The class also involves precision writing of explanations of physical phenomena. Laboratory activities, demonstrations, word problems, and short essay writing are integral parts of the class.
Prerequisite/co-requisite: Algebra II.

1st Semester Science Courses

BIOETHICS
This semester-long course explores a wide range of topics related to ethical issues in medical sciences and technology. Topics include organ transplantation, new reproductive technologies, The Human Genome Project, gene therapy, fetal tissue transplantation, AIDS, euthanasia, health care issues and environmental issues. Course curricula may include case studies, debate, panel discussions, role play, journal writing and student led seminars. This science elective is open to students in grades 11-12.

GEOLOGY OF NATURAL HAZARDS
This course is designed for learning about the geological forces that affect our environment. Students will learn basic rock and mineral types along with landforms and the processes that shape them, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, etc. Case studies such as Katrina, the Indonesian tsunami, and others will be discussed in scientific and social contexts. This course has a minimal laboratory component, but involves field trips around the Potomac watershed.

2nd Semester Science Courses

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: A brief history of the Earth
Climate change has become one of the most talked about topics in science today. What is really happening? This one-semester study will focus on climates around the earth and how they have changed during the history of our planet. The mechanisms of global climate change are central to this study and will include investigations into the oceans, the atmosphere, geologic history and astronomy. The class will focus in particular on Arctic and Antarctic climates and their recent history. The class includes labs involving map studies, properties of matter, and heat transfer. The outcome will be to understand the broad range of sciences that investigate the global climate and a developing perspective on our current changing climates.

1ST SEMESTER ESL SCIENCE COURSE

ESL SCIENCE I
This course focuses on both the content of physical and biological sciences and the English language structures and functions related to the study of science. Science concepts and relationships serve as a vehicle for students to learn the language of observation, identification, description, definition, and experimental investigation. Through scientific inquiry, students learn the language of classification, comparison, measurement, inference, and hypothesizing necessary for work in subsequent non-ESL science classes.

2nd SEMESTER ESL SCIENCE COURSE

ESL SCIENCE II
This course is a continuation of ESL Science I.

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