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The discipline of science offers students pathways to understand natural phenomenon and and systems, to analyze data, and to see the interconnectedness in our world.
Students take Physics in 9th grade, Chemistry in 10th grade, and Biology in 11th grade. Advanced Physics, Advanced
Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Environmental Science, and Science Independent Research are available
to students who complete introductory coursework.
331 Physics (Physical)
major elective
Grades: 9,10
This is an introductory physics course that primarily
focuses on concepts and laws of classical physics, especially
mechanics, including the topics of motion in
one and two dimensions, Newton’s Laws of Motion,
work, energy, power, circular and rotational motion,
and the relevant laws of conservation. Material is also
drawn selectively from wave motion, sound, light, and
color. The emphasis in this course is on conceptual
comprehension of this material, but there will be
quantitative work that complements the information
being studied. Frequent laboratory experiments and
reading material will reinforce problem-solving skills.
Participation in the Physics Olympics is required.
372 Chemistry (Physical)
major elective
Grades 10, 11
This introductory course will cover basic chemical vocabulary,
nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry,
gas laws, atomic theory, molecular geometry,
equilibrium and acid-base chemistry and will provide a
solid foundation for more advanced work in chemistry
and biochemistry. Weekly labs are included. Participation
in Science Night is required. It is strongly recommended
that students take chemistry before taking
biology.
371 Biology (Biological)
major elective
Grades: 11, 12
This course introduces cell structure and function,
photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, nucleic acid
structure and function, human anatomy, physiology
and reproduction. We emphasize processes and recurrent
themes in biology such as structure matching
function, negative feedback and positive feedback. We
pay special attention to human biology, including coverage
of diseases, drugs and alcohol. Weekly labs and
several extended projects give students hands-on experience
with the concepts we study. An independent
research paper and participation in Science Night are
required. We strongly recommend that students take
chemistry before taking biology.
373 Advanced Chemistry (Physical)
major elective
prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of chemistry AND approval from the Science Department Head.
Grades: 11, 12
This chemistry course covers much of the same material encountered in 1st year college chemistry programs. While not AP Chemistry, we will approach its level of rigor and largely follow many of the recommendations outlined by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. The course should provide a solid preparation for students considering taking the SAT II in Chemistry or the AP Chemistry exam. Labs will occur on a nearly weekly and include experiments using pH, temperature, pressure, and other Vernier probes that employ computer-based data acquisition and analysis methodology.
Students work collaboratively throughout the year. Topics covered include: the structure of matter; solution stoichiometry; the kinetic theory of gases and gas laws; thermodynamics; quantum theory and periodicity; chemical bonding and molecular orbital theory; the chemistry of solids, liquids, and solutions; kinetics and equilibria; acids, bases, and aqueous equilibria; spontaneity, entropy and free energy; oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and a brief overview of organic chemistry. Students taking this course will understand the fundamentals of chemistry and develop competence in dealing with chemical problems. This course will help students develop the ability to think clearly and to express ideas orally and in writing with clarity and logic. Participation in Science Night is required.
376 Advanced Biology (Biological)
major elective
prerequisite: Successful completion of chemistry and biology AND approval from the Science Department Head.
Grade: 12
This course uses Campbell & Reece, Biology, 7th edition and articles from journals such as Scientific American and Nature. Evolution is a major theme. During first semester, topics covered include the origin of life on earth, taxonomy and classification, the cell cycle, meiosis and gametogenesis, Mendelian genetics, population genetics, molecular genetics and genetic engineering. Weekly laboratories include phylogenetic systematics, polymerase chain reaction and bacterial transformation, among other activities. During second semester, students work in small groups on research projects related to molecular evolution and comparative genetics. Participation in Science Night is required.
377 Advanced Physics (Physical)
major elective
prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Pre-Calculus AND concurrent enrollment in Calculus AND approval from the Science Department Head.
Grade: 12
This is a fast-paced course that will focus on a variety of topics including mechanics, special relativity, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and more. It builds on material from the introductory physics course but the introductory course is not a prerequisite. This course is math-intensive and we will use calculus and trigonometry as tools to understand the physics. Computers will be used for simulation, data analysis, and the completion of labs. Experiment design will be an important aspect of the laboratory experience. Participation in Science Night is required.
374 Environmental Science
major elective
prerequisite: Chemistry AND approval from the Science Department Head.
Grades: 11, 12
This course will look at a wide range of topics in five major themes: ecology, human population, renewable and nonrenewable resources, environmental quality and pollution, and society and environmental decision- making. Concepts in each theme will be explored by considering global and local environmental issues. We will also use local resources such as the Wissahickon Creek and the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. This course is designed for students who would like to pursue a science course that is not a second-year course in chemistry, biology, or physics. The coursework will make use of laboratory experiments that can be conducted in the laboratory and in the field. Participation in Science Night is required.