Astronomy
Students are introduced to the structure and history of the universe in this course. Regular observing nights allow students to make direct observations of the universe and its strange and beautiful cast of characters. Students begin with the local neighborhood and learn about our solar system. They then work farther out and farther back in time to understand the structure and origins of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects. The course draws on various sources, including history, literature, religion, and philosophy to trace humankind’s evolving understanding of the universe.
Biology/Honors Biology
This course is designed to deepen students’ knowledge of the fundamental concepts of biology as well as to develop skills in laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis, experimental design and control, and scientific writing. Topics include the structure of cells and cell energetics, the evolution and diversity of life, the role of DNA and RNA in cell function, the fundamentals of genetics and heredity, and the application of these areas in current research. Honors Biology requires students to develop and carry out an independent research project which will be exhibited and judged at the Newton Country Day School Science Fair. In addition, students in Honors Biology must write a research paper based on scientific literature.
Advanced Placement Biology
This lecture and laboratory survey course is equivalent to a first year college course for biology majors. A broad range of topics is covered in depth and emphasis is placed on the underlying themes of biology. The pace of the course is rigorous and requires strong mathematical and scientific reasoning skills. The laboratory program challenges students to think analytically and to develop their ability to interpret data. The course is structured to provide opportunities for students to develop their skills in scientific writing. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Examination.
Chemistry
Students study the basic principles of matter including measurements, atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gases, liquids, solutions, organic, and acids and bases. Logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills are emphasized. The laboratory program challenges students to think analytically, make observations, draw logical conclusions, and communicate in writing. All students learn to apply Flash technology to create an independent animation of a chemical reaction.
Honors Chemistry
Students study the basic principles of matter as well as solids, periodic trends, reaction dynamics, oxidation and reduction, and nuclear chemistry. The pace of the course is rigorous and requires strong mathematical skills. The development of skills in logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and problem solving is emphasized. The laboratory program challenges students to think analytically, make observations, draw logical conclusions, and communicate in writing. All students learn to apply Flash technology to create an independent animation of a chemical reaction.
 |
Advanced Placement Chemistry
This course is a study of chemical principles equivalent to a first-year college course in general chemistry. The quantitative treatment of the properties of matter and chemical reactions requires solid mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The laboratory program challenges students to think analytically, to reduce problems to identifiable and answerable questions, to design and carry out experiments, to analyze acquired data, to reach conclusions, and to communicate findings. Students are prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination and participate in the American Chemical Society Ashdown Exam competition.
Physics
Students explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe through practical examples and laboratory experience. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed and employed as students use concepts such as forces, energy, and momentum to understand the workings of the world around them. These fundamental categories allow students to explore other topics such as electricity and magnetism, light, sound, nuclear physics, astronomy, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
Honors Physics
Students with strong mathematical skills explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe through practical examples and laboratory experience. Pacing is rapid with coverage of more topics at greater depth than in Physics. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed and employed as students use concepts such as forces, energy, and momentum to understand the workings of the world around them. These categories allow students to explore other topics such as electricity and magnetism, light, sound, thermodynamics, fluids, nuclear physics, astronomy, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
Advanced Placement Physics B
This course is equivalent to a first year college course in Physics. Students who have completed a year of Physics or Honors Physics or who receive special permission may elect this course. The course is non-calculus based with an emphasis on the utilization of trigonometric functions. An expansive variety of topics are examined ranging from projectile motion and Newton’s Second Law to optics and the study of electromagnetic theory. Students are prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam.
Advanced Placement Physics C
This is a college level course for students who have successfully completed a year of Calculus and either Physics or Honors Physics or who receive special permission. It is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics C (Mechanics) Exam. The course allows them to delve deeply into topics in physics and to use techniques of integration and differentiation to solve problems.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science focuses on the relationships among living things and the Earth. Students are introduced to the concepts of ecosystems, natural cycles, resource allocation and usage, and human impact on natural systems. They explore these concepts through case studies, laboratory investigations, fieldwork, and projects. They are encouraged to explore and propose solutions for environmental issues in their home community, their state, their country, and around the world.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is equivalent to a first year college course in Environmental Science. The course focuses on field and laboratory techniques of data collection and analysis. Students deepen their understanding of ecosystems and explore remediation strategies. The course prepares them for the Advanced Placement Exam.
Anatomy and Physiology
Through laboratory investigations, readings in current medical literature, classroom discussions, and research into topics of health and medicine, students gain an understanding of the complex physiology of the human body and its systems. The human body is approached from the biochemical, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism level. Emphasis is placed on problem solving from a clinical perspective. Pathophysiological states are examined with respect to homeostasis of body systems. Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry are prerequisites for this course.
Psychology
An elective open to seniors, this course offers students an introduction to the history, theories, and important contributions in the field. While primary emphasis is placed on developmental psychology, students also have the opportunity to explore other schools of psychological thought.
Independent Research in Science
This course provides an opportunity for students to sharpen scientific reasoning and laboratory skills by participating in laboratory research on an individual basis. Students are required to research, devise, and execute a scientific research proposal. They conduct research under the supervision of a mentor/teacher in the science department. Students complete a research project and present the results at a formal scientific forum, such as the Massachusetts State Science Fair. They are encouraged to continue to participate in scientific research outside the school community. Acceptance to this course is based on a personal interview with members of the Science Department.