Science is a required course in 9th and 10th grades and optional for grades 11th and 12th. The department recommends that students take a course in environmental science, biology, chemistry, and physics before graduation.
Students entering ninth grade should consult with their current Science teachers or the Science Department Head about the two options for Biology, Biology I or Biology IA. Both are survey courses, with Biology IA moving at a faster, deeper pace. Biology IA also has an independent research component for students and meets 6 periods per week. Students electing to take Biology IA should demonstrate enhanced academic stewardship and heightened reading comprehension.
All other students will receive a list of course options from the Science Department in February before course sign-ups based on the Science faculty discussions about the most appropriate courses for each student. The approval for a student to take a course is based on the level of difficulty of a course, the prior knowledge deemed necessary to take full advantage of the course as described in the course description, and a candid assessment of the quality of the student’s work, especially the demonstrated ability to keep up-to-date with coursework and the student’s level of maturity, independence and responsibility. The student’s advisor and the Academic Dean may be consulted during this process. If a student thinks that there are extenuating circumstances which should be considered for entry into other courses not on their list, they may seek Science Department consideration and contact the Science Department Head.
Any student who wishes to take two or more Science courses concurrently may do so if space is available and if the student receives department approval for the second course. The department faculty, as a group, grants approval to “double in science” using the guidelines described above.
Summer School courses satisfy graduation requirements for science but, due to their shortened class and lab time, are not as comprehensive as the full year courses. Consequently, if a student wishes to use a summer course to advance in science, he/she needs approval of the department head and may have to do some independent work before enrolling in a more advanced course.
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BIOLOGY I—1 credit; year course
Open to: 9 Meets 5 periods per week
Prerequisites: None
Biology I is a comprehensive first-year course that assumes solid knowledge of basic physical science. All levels of biological organization are depicted from molecules through cells, tissues, organs, individuals, populations, species, communities, and ecosystems. The first semester focuses on the cell and its chemistry, structure, and function, and on classical and molecular genetics. Evolution, ecology, and the diversity of life, with an emphasis on humans and their systems are covered second semester. Laboratory work and technology are integral parts of the course. Tests emphasize critical thinking, application of principles, and recall of facts.
BIOLOGY I Accelerated—1 credit; year course
Open to: 9 Meets 6 periods per week
Prerequisites: None
This is a more comprehensive, in-depth study of Biology than Biology I. The course elaborates on many of the topics introduced in middle school biology – treating these topics in more detail and with more sophisticated laboratory work. All levels of biological organization are examined – from the molecule through the cells, tissues, organs, individuals, populations, species, communities and the world biome. The tests in this course emphasize critical thinking, applications, and recall of facts. Aspects of health and environmental concerns as well as socio-biological issues are included. Technology and computer use are heavily integrated into the program. Students work with video microscopes and image capture hardware and software. Students learn how to make web pages, use the internet, Power Point, Excel, Word, and other software packages that are available on the schools network. Each student is required to do an independent scientific research project.
CHEMISTRY I Accelerated—1 credit; year course
Open to: 10, 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Chemistry IA is an accelerated version of Chemistry I. Both are survey courses covering the topics of: measurement, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, gases, atomic and electronic structure, chemical bonding, thermo chemistry, liquids & solids, solutions, equilibrium, reaction rates, acids & bases, spontaneity and electrochemistry. Topics are covered with more sophisticated math and lab work and in greater depth than Chemistry I. In turn, students should be very comfortable with Algebra since it is used almost daily in class. A major emphasis is placed on collaborative learning through problem-solving. The course is designed for students who thrive in a student-centered environment, who enjoy working in groups, and who do not need a lot of reflection and practice to understand concepts. If combining the ideas of the last three chapters to work a complicated, multi-step math problem, and getting the correct answer down to four significant figures makes your day, this is the course for you.
PHYSICS I—1 credit; year course
Open to: 10, 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week
This introductory course will use an approach to the subject that puts an emphasis on both comprehension and computation. Using a conceptual approach to topics, students are often able to develop a gut feeling for the physical world that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Students will then be able to use this conceptual understanding to develop and apply quantitative relationships between variables. Assessments emphasize scientific thinking, such as making observations, testing ideas, analyzing data sets, generating graphs, and using trends to make predictions, rather than recall of facts or definitions. Units on classical mechanics and matter are covered in the first semester, which includes an examination of the thinking of Albert Einstein and his theory of general relativity. In the second semester units on heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and quantum theory are covered. Small group and class laboratory exercises as well as daily demonstrations complement collaborative problem-solving and are a catalyst for further inquiry. The computer is used as a tool for data gathering, analysis, and presentation as well as for the display of visual information.
PHYSICS I—1/2 credit; first semester only
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week
This first semester Physics I course is open to juniors who will be enrolled in second semester immersion programs away from campus andseniors who wish to reduce their load after first semester or who wish to enroll in a different second semester course.
PHYSICS I Accelerated—1 credit; year course
Open to: 10, 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Physics IA introduces all major areas of physics including measurement, motion and mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, light, modern theories of the atom and concepts of quantum theory. The course stresses the concepts which will be needed to go on to more sophisticated science courses (conservation laws, wave-particle duality, quantum states vs. continuum, etc.). Most topics are covered quantitatively. A high level of mastery of mathematics at the level of the Sidwell Friends School Advanced Math course is essential. Understanding trigonometry is especially important. Also included in the course are discussions on the influence of science on the larger world and the role scientists will play in shaping the world of the future (in areas such as nuclear power, computer use, communications, etc.). Laboratory periods and demonstrations are included where appropriate to give students direct experience dealing with force, acceleration, momentum, etc. Students will use the computer to simulate problems that are difficult to handle by more traditional methods.
PHYSICS I Accelerated—1/2 credit; first semester only
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
This first semester Physics IA course is open to juniors and seniors who wish to enroll in an off-campus, second semester immersion program sanctioned by the school.
BIOLOGY II—1 credit; year course
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Biology II will review, consider in significantly more depth, and interconnect the topics studied in Biology I or Biology IA
. This comprehensive survey course differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and advanced analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology, drawing upon their previous experiences in both introductory biology and introductory chemistry classes. This course is designed for students who are self-motivated, independent learners with a keen interest in biology and advanced reading comprehension.
All members of the class will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology in May.
CHEMISTRY II—1 credit; year course
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Chemistry II will review, consider in significantly more depth, and interconnect the topics studied in Chemistry I or Chemistry IA. These areas of study include the more theoretical concepts of chemistry such as the structure of matter, kinetic-molecular theory, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, acids, bases, and thermodynamics, as well as the descriptive chemistry of metals, nonmetals, complex ions, and coordination compounds. Mathematical problem solving will be a major focus of the study of all topics. In an extension of laboratory skills acquired in previous science courses, students will make observations of chemical reactions, record quantitative data, calculate and interpret results, and communicate effectively in writing the results of their experimental work. This course is designed for students who are self-motivated, independent learners who have a solid foundation in mathematics. Students with a keen interest in chemistry will benefit the most from this in-depth, advanced level course.
All members of the class are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry in May.
PHYSICS II—1 credit; year course
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Physics II follows the syllabus required for the Advanced Placement “C” Examination. This course builds on the topics introduced in Physics IA, the introductory course. The first semester covers classical mechanics including rotation. The second semester includes electricity and magnetism. The level of mathematics assumes the student has taken or is currently enrolled in Calculus at the BC level. Laboratory work also builds on Physics IA labs but becomes more sophisticated with respect to procedure and error analysis. As the year progresses more applications that require integrals are presented in keeping with the student’s progress in Calculus
All members of the class will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics in May.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—1 credit; year course
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Environmental Science is a full year advanced science course covering environmental principles and problems. The topics covered in the course include ecosystems and ecological principles, population dynamics, energy, renewable (water, soil, air, sun, ecosystems) and nonrenewable (geologic, fossil fuels, nuclear) resources and their management, conservation biology, land use, agriculture and pest control, pollution (water, air, land, solid waste, hazardous waste) and prevention, environmental health, global changes (climate, ozone depletion), restoration and remediation, environmental policy, sustainable development, and environmental planning. Given the comprehensive nature of this course, which moves at a fast pace, and the heavy reading load required for class discussion and necessary background knowledge for labs,
students need to be self-motivated, independent learners with enhanced reading comprehension skills.
Students may elect to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May, but all are required to take a comprehensive exam of the entire year during senior exam week.
INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH
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1 credit; year course.
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
Introduction to Molecular Biology Research introduces students to molecular biology and biochemistry through laboratory and research experience. With molecular biology and biotechnology having an increasing importance and impact on the biological sciences, human health, agriculture, the environment, and society, this course introduces students to the principles of this evolving field using a hands-on approach. The major topics covered in the course include DNA structure, DNA to proteins (process and function), gene regulation and expression, basic principles and techniques of recombinant DNA technology, methods for analyzing genomes, and bioinformatics. Successful students will develop both their conceptual understanding of molecular biology topics and their mechanical ability to execute various DNA manipulation protocols in the classroom.
INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH—1/2 credit; first semester only
Open to: 11, 12 Meets 5 times per week, with one double period
This first semester Molecular Biology Research course is open to juniors and seniors who wish to enroll in an off-campus, second semester immersion program sanctioned by the school.
THE SCIENCE OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PROCESS —1 credit; year course
Open to: 11 and 12 Meets 5 times per week
Astronomy is a scientific exploration of humanity’s place in the universe. Topics will range from the traditional to the exotic, including the structure of the universe, the evolution of stars, the Big Bang, black holes, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Emphasis will also be on how we have developed the understanding that we now have of astronomy, and the tools by which we continue to make strides towards a deeper understanding. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the material through various projects such as
researching a particular planet and presenting it to the class
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engaging in a debate about funding for NASA, and developing robots to simulate missions to Mars.
THE SCIENCE OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PROCESS — 1/2 credit; first semester only. Open to: 11 and 12 Meets 5 times per week
This first semester Astronomy course is open to juniors who will be enrolled in second semester immersion programs away from campus and seniors who wish to reduce their load after first semester or who wish to enroll in a different second semester course.