Science

Since they are natural scientists, their questions are many; we strive to provide them with the tools to become scientific investigators and problem solvers.

This is done through consistent encouragement and providing students with a wide range of experiences to stimulate their curiosity.  We want students to maintain their sense of wonder about their world, even as they begin more formal scientific study.  

Kindergarten:

Animal Families: classification and identification of traits
Reptiles: an in-depth study including hands on experience with live reptiles
Crystals: students grow crystals and learn about their unique structure
Assorted Physical Science Lessons

First Grade: 

Invertebrates: life cycles, studies of live worms, crickets and butterflies
Weather: young meteorologists learn to use tools to predict weather
Magnets: forces and magnetic fields
Mammals: identifying traits and the great diversity of mammals
Botany: plant life cycles and gardening in the greenhouse and outdoors

Second Grade:

The Pennsylvania Deciduous Forest, an ecological view
Fossils; an introduction to prehistoric life and how it is studied
Amphibians: frogs, toads, salamanders and their near relatives

Third Grade:

Environmental science: What is a Carbon Footprint?
Electricity: building circuits and using alternative energy sources
Ornithology: Life cycles, feathers, eggs, nests, birds of prey and dissection of owl pellets
Simple machines: Building with LEGO: structures, forces and levers

Fourth Grade:

Living in Water
The Chemistry of Water
The Water Cycle
The Distribution of Water on Earth
Watersheds and Estuaries
Pacific Salmon and their Migration
Water Quality Testing and Monitoring
Identifying Aquatic Organisms and using them as Environmental Indicators
Simple Machines Building with LEGO:  Wheels and Axles

Fifth Grade:

Center of Gravity:  a study of balance and the factors that determine the stability or instability of objects
Landforms: Students study how land gets shaped by wind and water erosion using the formation of the Grand Canyon in the Colorado Plateau as the central focus
Air and Air Pressure: a study of the gases in our atmosphere and how living at the bottom of an “ocean of air” affects everyday experiences
Simple Machines Building with LEGO: Gears

The 6th grade science program begins with environmental science in correlation with a four-day camping trip. Studies then turn to human biology and physiology. Students continue our theme of exploration as they learn how to create a scientist’s sketchbook and journal, tools that were used by scientists during the Renaissance.  This practice is a launch pad for students as they learn how to record observations and create data tables in their science courses. 

After learning about the many “systems” in the human body, in 7th grade students focus on physical science, exploring concepts of physical properties, chemical and physical changes, and atomic and molecular theory.  Students also learn to integrate units of measurement through their study of physical matter and Earth science. 

The 8th grade program is environmental science. All courses are lab-based and focus on the methods of scientific inquiry and experimentation. Eighth grade students put their research skills to the test as they conduct experiments on an independent project for our annual Science Night.  In addition to writing a research paper, they learn how to create scientific posters and how to present their findings to peers and parents through a grade-level poster presentation.  

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.