Science

Suggested Course Sequence

Overview

The study of science lets students experience the wonders of the universe. At Leland and Gray, students engage in observation, inquiry, experimentation, and analysis. They seek explanations and apply their experience to real-world problem solving. To that end, the science department recommends that all students take courses in both life sciences, such as biology, and physical sciences, such as physics. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in four or more science courses in high school. Students are required to complete Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy and Biology for graduation.

Life Science  Grade 7

Science in seventh grade is all about figuring out how living things are organized, how they work, and how they’re connected. Students ask questions, find answers, and work together to understand life science. Along the way, students learn the skills needed to grow as scientists: setting up research questions, using inquiry to find answers, organizing and analyzing data, and applying and presenting discoveries. Students use scientific tools, computers, textbooks, labs, and videos to learn about the history of science, the kingdoms of living things, cells, homeostasis, human body systems, food and energy, and ecology.

Earth Science Grade 8

From the air we breathe and the water we swim in to the ground we walk on, all matter and systems –from the atomic to the cosmic – are connected. Students explore the basic structures and principles of these intertwined systems. The amazing dynamism of earth, its elements and cycles, is the domain of Earth Science. Through labs, discussion, fieldwork, play and interdisciplinary projects, students meet the mysteries of meteorology, astronomy and geology as well as basic chemistry and physics. In microcosm and macrocosm, students discover the fundaments of matter, energy and motion and tap into an understanding of Earth through studies in local geography and natural history.

Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy 1 credit Grade 9 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in Exploring the World Through Literature

This is an introductory course in the physical sciences designed to give students a solid foundation in physics, chemistry, and astronomy. This inquiry-based course offers students insight into the means by which scientific knowledge is acquired. Topics covered include: physics – motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, friction, balanced and unbalanced forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, momentum and energy; chemistry – classification of matter, characteristic properties, the atomic model of matter, chemical reactions, mixtures, solution chemistry and radiation; and astronomy – the study of the U.S. Space Program, gravity, Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, Newton’s Law of Gravity, and rocketry. Students participate concurrently in the English course, “Exploring the World in Literature,” to allow for several interdisciplinary projects. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for all upper level science classes.

Biology  1 credit Grade 10, Level I Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy

Students learn to understand the similarities and differences among organisms, genetics, evolution, human anatomy, and physiology. Methods of learning include fieldwork, dissections, laboratory experiments, class discussions, research reports, research and self-directed projects, and a field trip to New York City. The text is Basic Biology: An Ecological Approach.

Biology  1 credit Grade 10, Level 2 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy

The science of biology is the study of life. In this course, students explore the basic characteristics of life and the variety of life. Students learn the common challenges faced by all organisms and their responses. Methods of learning include field work, dissections, laboratory experiments, class discussions, and a field trip to New York City. The text is Biology: Visualizing Life.

Advanced Placement Biology  1 credit Grades 11-12 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Level 1 Biology and Chemistry

AP Biology is designed as the equivalent of a college-level, introductory biology course. Students learn the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. They develop an understanding of concepts instead of memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. The three general areas covered by this inquiry-based course are molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.

Environmental Topics and Stream Ecology 1 credit Grades 11-12 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy and Biology

This course divides the semester into two distinct marking periods. During quarter 3, students investigate various environmental topics affecting the world today. Past topics include global climate change, the 6th Extinction, the B.P. Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, hemp and alternative fibers, and drinking water. This is a project-based course with a focus on developing critical thinking skills. Students perform self-directed research and present their findings to the class and the school community. Quarter 4 is a field-based study on the stream ecology of Mill Brook, in collaboration with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, in the ongoing effort to reintroduce Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River Watershed. Students perform a watershed survey, outline stream characteristics, test stream chemistry, and survey macro vertebrate life. The culminating project for this class is a public presentation of data collected and conclusions formed.

Chemistry I  1 credit Grades 10-12 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology and Algebra I: Part II

This course is designed for any student wanting a solid grounding in chemistry concepts. Students engage in lab experiments almost every day. Topics include atomic theory, the periodic table of the elements, properties of matter, types of chemical reactions, and applying chemistry to everyday materials and events.

Physics I  1 credit Grades 10-12  Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology and Algebra I: Part II or Geometry

This course is designed to give students a solid grounding in general physics.  Students engage in lab experiments almost every day. Major areas of study will be classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and wave phenomena. Students learn to solve some problems using trigonometry.

Advanced Placement Chemistry 1 credit

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Geometry and Algebra II, and continued study of math Science credit

This yearlong course is designed to provide a solid first-year college chemistry experience, conceptually and in the laboratory. The labs serve to introduce and support the learning in text, lecture and discussion. Student learn problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and proper lab technique. Because students take the AP Chemistry exam in May, they participate in practice questions and reinforcement of test-taking strategies throughout the course.

Advanced Placement Physics B  1 credit

Prerequisite(s): Algebra II and continued study of math Science credit

AP Physics B is designed to provide the equivalent of an introductory college course in algebra-based general physics. The emphasis in this yearlong course is on understanding concepts and using concepts and algebra skills to solve problems. Laboratory work supports the learning in text, lecture, and discussion. Because students take the AP Physics exam in May, they participate in AP exam questions and reinforcement of test-taking strategies throughout the course.

Meteorology 1 credit Grades 11-12 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy and Biology

Meteorology is the science that deals with the phenomena of the atmosphere, specifically weather and weather conditions. Students investigate how the atmosphere interacts with solar energy to create dynamic weather systems and applies basic meteorological and climatic principles to the study of local, regional and global weather patterns. This course includes an in-depth unit of global climate patterns and changes as well as field trips and guest speakers.

Human Anatomy and Physiology  1 credit Grades 11-12 Science credit

Prerequisite(s): Introductory Physics, Chemistry and Astronomy

In this course, students deepen their understanding of the human body. They compare structures and functions of the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiac, respiratory, digestive, renal, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Students apply concepts to real-life situations in health, injury, and disease.

Geology and Astronomy 1 credit Grades 10-12 Science credit

The Earth is a grand stage with dramatic shows happening all the time. Some shows, such as volcanic eruptions are violent, quick, and easy to see. Other shows, such as erosion and climate change, are gradual and produce subtle changes. Geology is broadly defined as the study of Earth and is usually divided into two categories, physical and historical. Physical geology examines the composition of our
planet and the dynamic processes, such as volcanism and glaciations, that affect the earth’s surface Historical geology studies the impact of the forces of physical geology over time on the biotic communities and the abiotic areas of the planet. Since ancient times, the heavens have been a source of wonder and inspiration. Today’s technology continues to make exciting discoveries that astound and change understanding of the universe. Students learn a representative sample of the facts, evolving ideas and the frontier discoveries in astronomy today. This semester course is divided equally between geology and astronomy. Whether the students gaze is downward or upward, students go outside often to explore the mysteries of the world.