Curriculum Guide

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US Science

  • Astronomy, Modern Physics & Philosophy

    ASTRONOMY, MODERN PHYSICS, AND PHILOSOPHY US3732
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

    This course on quantum mechanics, astronomy, cosmology, metaphysics, and epistemology covers a range of topics from quarks, the smallest sub-structure of matter, to superclusters of galaxies in hopes of illuminating the quest for the Grand Unified Theory of Everything. Historical as well as modern models of the universe will be studied, and the nature of human understanding will be discussed. The following topics will form the framework for the class: sub-atomic and particle physics, the four fundamental forces, quantum mechanics, special and general relativity, locating stars and constellations, stellar evolution (including the sun, stars, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes), galactic and cosmic evolution, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Students are expected to approach the material by reading texts, participating in discussion and group problem solving, working actively in lab groups, working independently at home, and taking field trips to Fermilab and for astronomy observations. Students will be assessed through lab write-ups, quizzes, journals, essays, and projects and presentations.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle.

  • Biology I

    BIOLOGY I US3214
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 9

    This foundational course is designed to develop scientific literacy and strengthen skills in scientific investigations through the exploration of topics and concepts in biology. In addition, students will be taught study skills such as note taking, vocabulary acquisition, and how to write in science. The curriculum emphasizes the core fundamentals of scientific literacy such as: design, collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of scientific information. Topics include the exploration of ecology, evolution, cell and molecular biology, and genetics and heredity.

  • Biology I - Advanced

    BIOLOGY I - ADVANCED US3050
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 9
    PREREQUISITE: Approval of Placement by the science department.

    This accelerated biology course is designed for students who have demonstrated high achievement and motivation and excellent higher level thinking skills in their previous science studies. Students in this course are expected to be curious, independent learners with accomplished study and organizational skills as well as the ability to work well in groups to construct their understanding of complex concepts. Skills like mathematical and computational thinking and developing models will be developed.  Biology I - Advanced will take place at a faster pace with less direct instruction and more independent work. and many of our resources are at an advanced reading level.  Topics include the exploration of ecology, evolution, cell and molecular biology, genetics and heredity, and the nature of science and bioethics.  While the topics are largely the same, Biology 1-Advanced covers the Biology I topics with more depth. This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle.

  • Biology II - Advanced Topics

    BIOLOGY II - ADVANCED TOPICS US3855
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chemistry I US3314 or Chemistry I-Advanced US3150 and successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics I US3320 or higher and approval of current science teacher.

    Biology II - Advanced Topics is a second-year biology course that takes an in-depth look at biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The class will use the lens of “content in context” allowing students to see the importance of biology’s application to their lives.  These explorations will often be student-driven, allowing students to tap into their own curiosity on the topic and allow for investigation in a variety of directions. For example, a student might study how an understanding of biomolecules applies to food science/nutrition or bioengineering/medicine. The open-endedness allows for students to be creative in how they choose to showcase what they’ve learned.  Computer simulations, cooperative learning, discussion, guest speakers, case studies, reading from outside texts, individual research, and lab activities are just a few of the strategies that are employed.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Chemistry I

    CHEMISTRY I  US3314
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 10
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology I US3214 or Biology I-Advanced US3050.

    Chemistry is a central science that bridges other natural sciences. This course provides students with the opportunity to study the composition, properties, and behavior of matter and connect those concepts to a greater understanding of the world around them. The curriculum is designed to continue the process of strengthening problem-solving, research, and scientific investigation skills through interactive lessons, project-based activities, and lab work. Potential topics include matter, chemical foundations, chemical reactions, moles and stoichiometric calculations, modern atomic theory and chemical bonding. Other potential topics include intermolecular forces, gas laws, and thermochemistry.

  • Chemistry I - Advanced

    CHEMISTRY I - ADVANCED US3150
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 10
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology I US3214 or Biology I-Advanced US3050 and approval of current science teacher.

    Chemistry I - Advanced is designed for students who have demonstrated high achievement and motivation in their science studies, as well as a superior proficiency in mathematics, logic, and reasoning and written expression of ideas. Potential topics include matter, chemical foundations, chemical reactions, reactions in aqueous solutions, moles and stoichiometric calculations, thermochemistry, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, gas laws, solutions, acid-base chemistry and chemical equilibrium. Students must be independent learners with accomplished study and organization skills. This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle.

  • Chemistry II - Advanced Topics

    CHEMISTRY II - ADVANCED TOPICS US3897
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chemistry I US3314 or Chemistry I-Advanced US3150 and successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics I US3320 or higher and approval of current science teacher.

    Chemistry II - Advanced Topics begins with a brief review of the topics covered in the first year of chemistry. Students then study thermodynamics and revisit and expand their understanding of modern atomic theory and periodic properties. Bonding and intermolecular forces are also explored. New topics include kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and biochemistry. The course also includes more advanced topics of inorganic chemistry such as quantum mechanics, molecular architecture of solids and liquids, rates of reactions, and various types of equilibria. The course concludes with an introduction to organic chemistry. Students enrolling in the course are expected to have strong algebraic skills and be proficient using a graphing calculator. Students should be able to demonstrate good problem-solving skills as they analyze data and apply equations to complete problem sets, laboratory reports, and exams.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Chemistry of Cooking

    CHEMISTRY OF COOKING US3900
    (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

    How nutrients are altered by cooking processes is critical in understanding nutrition. This course examines the connection between the macromolecules we eat and how they are changed chemically by cooking. The topics of this course will include a review of pertinent chemistry concepts from the Chemistry-I course, the major macromolecules, essential vitamins, and minerals, dairy, vegetables, fruits, fermentation, doughs and batters, fats, candy, eggs, meats and seeds and grains. The focus of the science will be on the changes of the materials as the food is processed. The class will consist of labs, readings, discussions, films, lectures, quizzes, tests, group work and projects. Students will be graded heavily on their participation in the labs and hands-on activities. This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Climate Science & Environmental Justice

    CLIMATE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE US3950
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/ 0.5 Credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and completion/concurrent enrollment in Physics.  In addition, successful completion of Themes in World History and Modern World History I and II.
    COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Climate Science & Environmental Justice US2615.

    Climate change is the existential crisis of our time and is worsening global inequities.  This is an interdisciplinary, project-based course between the science and history department on climate change and environmental justice.  The essential questions are:  to what extent can climate change be slowed to allow for minimal impact to ecosystems, economies, public health, and natural resources; and, who is driving the change?  The science behind climate change will be provided, in addition to the delicate balance between human intervention and political oversight.  Scientific topics include the difference between climate vs. weather and positive feedback loops; extreme weather events; the thawing of glacial freshwater and its effect on ocean currents, rising sea levels, and decreased albedo; the prevalence of big agriculture; renewable energy sources; and the impact of climate change on infectious disease.  Social studies topics include exploring federal oversight through the Departments of Agriculture and Interior, federal vs. state regulations, political platforms, and topics related to social justice and activism. We will be fully invested and engaged in the fall election (2024) We will explore the impact of the 2024 Election on the state and federal government’s oversight and management of climate change. Each student will be expected to create a "Call to Action" project to help mitigate global warming and should be tangible, locally based, and supported by climate science.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Eng I: Intro to Engineering

    ENGINEERING I: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING US3980
    (Offered second semester)(1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-10
    COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Introduction to Engineering US0765.

    Introduction to Engineering is for students in the 9th or 10th grade who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the Introduction to Engineering course is to expose students to the design process, analysis, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation.  Introduction to Engineering gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based learning. Introduction to Engineering challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning. This class is co-taught by teachers in ILIS and Science.

    During the first part of the semester, students will learn how to use the Tinkercad 3D computer modeling software to create models to 3D print on our Prusa 3D printers. They will then move onto 2D modeling in Onshape to design projects that will be cut on our Glowforge laser cutter. In the second part of the semester, students will learn about microcontrollers and the Arduino programs they utilize in order to respond to inputs and to control various devices, such as LEDs, sensors, and servo motors. As a capstone to the course, students will integrate their knowledge of 2D and 3D design as well as microcontrollers to create a unique device.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Eng: Fabrication and Microcontrollers

    ENGINEERING: FABRICATION & MICROCONTROLLERS US3990
    (Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Computer Programming I US0730
    COREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment during the same period in Engineering: Fabrication and Microcontrollers US0775.

    The ability to engage in a creative process to solve a problem or to design a novel artifact is essential to engineering as a profession. Engineering: Fabrication and Microcontrollers is a hands-on, project-based class that will utilize convergent thinking (including analysis and evaluation), divergent thinking (creative brainstorming) and lateral thinking (reasoning between critical and creative solutions and/or designs).  This course is designed to be a ‘maker-lab’ class for students who want to explore creative design and problem solving - while simultaneously developing core Engineering skills.  Students will produce artifacts that can be utilized from the arts to robotics. This class is co-taught by teachers in ILIS and Science.

    During the first part of the semester, students develop skills in technical representation and documentation through 3D computer modeling using the Onshape Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and produce 3D-printed and laser cut prototypes. In the second part of the semester, students program a microcontroller, using the Arduino IDE language, to respond to inputs and to control various devices, such as LEDs, sensors, and servo motors.  Vector graphics software will be used to create vector images for our Glowforge (Laser Cutter) and OnShape (CAD) for our Prusa 3D printers (3D Printer).  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Mind & Brain

    MIND AND BRAIN US3898
    (Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

    Why do humans behave the way that they do? Psychology is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects behavior. This semester-long elective will touch upon the 6 domains of psychology. The brain and nervous system will be studied in depth. Additional topics will include cognition, memory, sensation and perception, development, social psychology and psychological disorders.  This course also ties in previous biological concepts like evolution and cell and molecular biology into our understanding of human behavior. In this course students will engage in discussion, complete readings outside of class, write, dissect, hear from guest speakers, engage in demos, listen to podcasts, learn from videos and demonstrate understanding through projects, group work and more traditional types of assessment.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle.

  • Physics I

    PHYSICS I US3320
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chemistry I US3314 or Chemistry I-Advanced US3150 and successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Applied Algebra II US5440 and approval of current science teacher.

    This course explores descriptive and mathematical models for understanding topics such as uniform and accelerated motion, work, energy, energy conservation, forces, Newton’s Laws, sound, waves, oscillations, and circuits. Students are also taught data analysis techniques and experimental design in the lab component of the class. Students are expected to approach the material by participating in discussions and group problem solving, working actively in lab groups, working independently at home, and taking a field trip to an amusement park. Students are assessed on the mastery of content and laboratory objectives with multiple chances to demonstrate mastery of each objective. For part of the second semester, students demonstrate understanding of concepts in sound, waves, oscillations, and circuits, ending with a capstone project.

  • Physics I - Advanced

    PHYSICS I - ADVANCED US3880
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Chemistry I US3314 or Chemistry I-Advanced US3150 and Advanced Geometry US5252 or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus US5460 and approval of current science teacher.

    This course explores descriptive, mathematical, and computer models for understanding topics such as motion, force, momentum, energy, gravitation, waves, sound, light, and electromagnetism, and modern physics. Using an increased level of mathematics, the models developed in this course are more sophisticated in detail and applied to a wider range of phenomena. Students are also taught data analysis techniques and experimental design in the lab component of the class. Students are expected to approach the material by participating in discussions and group problem solving, working actively in lab groups, working independently at home using textbooks and supplemental materials, and taking a field trip to an amusement park.  Students will be assessed through homework, reading assignments, skills-based lab and project reports writeups, problem-sets, and quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations for the number of times they demonstrate a set of standards throughout the year. This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

  • Physics II - Advanced Topics

    PHYSICS II - ADVANCED TOPICS US3922
    (1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 12
    PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Physics I US3320 or Physics I-Advanced US3880 and concurrent enrollment in Calculus US5470, or Advanced Calculus US5485.
    *Students who wish to enroll in Physics II - Advanced Topics after completing Physics I will be provided resources to preview and independently practice selected topics from Physics I - Advanced.

    Physics II - Advanced Topics is a calculus-based physics course that takes an in-depth look at the sophisticated mathematical descriptions of the physical world. Topics include classical mechanics such as linear, circular and rotational motion, and oscillations, in addition to force, linear and angular momentum, work, kinetic and potential energy, and the conservation laws. The course begins with an overview of important concepts in calculus, such as differentiation, integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course focuses on the application of fundamental insights of calculus in physics and how these mathematical insights have deepened our understanding of the principles that govern the physical world. This course also emphasizes statistical analysis and interpretation of data.  Computer simulations, cooperative learning, discussions, individual research, and lab activities are just a few of the strategies that are employed. Students will be assessed through formative assessments such as daily check-ins, and lab write-ups; and summative assessments such as exams.  This course has six instructional meetings per 8-day cycle. 

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