Science

This course is designed to give students an overview of the natural sciences and prepare students for Biology 9. The first semester begins with a discussion of what science and the scientific method of discovery are. This leads to the discovery of what makes something living or non-living and students will learn about the differences among plant, animal, and bacterial cells. The course then moves to the Linnaean system of classification of living things, and a study of the Domains and Kingdoms. During a study of the Plant Kingdom, students will dissect a flower to study its reproductive system. The course then progresses to the study of viruses, bacteria, and infectious diseases, along with human anatomy. Class time will consist of lectures, group discussion, dissections and other small group work.

Skills that will be emphasized in class include organization, learning how to use a microscope, handling dissection equipment, learning how to write using scientific language, and creating an independent research project for our Science and Engineering Fair using the scientific method. At times during the course of the year, students will design their own laboratory experiments in groups.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry and prepares them for the study of science at the Upper School level. Girls learn about the engineering design process and apply knowledge gained through readings, class discussions, and demonstrations to solve real-life engineering problems. Students use an inquiry-based approach to formulate questions, design experiments, and make predictions about physics and chemistry phenomena. They build, test, and modify a prototype as part of an independent engineering project, which they exhibit at our Science and Engineering Fair. Topics covered in the course include motion, forces, energy, work and machines, matter, and elements and the periodic table.

Biology is the study of life. In this course, students explore the diverse characteristics of living things, from the tiny atoms and molecules that comprise cells to the complexity of organisms and ecosystems. Course topics include ecology, evolution, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell membranes and transport, the cell cycle and mitosis, DNA, and patterns of genetic inheritance. Through collaborative laboratory investigations and inquiry-based activities, students practice posing scientific questions, interpreting data, reading and generating graphs and data tables, and drawing conclusions. Projects, writing prompts, and study guide assignments help students engage in substantiating claims with evidence, connecting new details to overarching themes, effectively organizing information, using models, and synthesizing concepts. Open to students with no prior experience in Biology

Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body, its constituent parts, and how these parts are related to one another; physiology is the study of how our anatomy functions. In this course, students explore the human body beginning with small-scale structures (cells, tissues, organs) and building up to organ systems. Themes that are addressed with each system include the close relationship between anatomical structures and their function, homeostasis, the connections between levels of organization within systems, and the integration of systems. Students learn through collaborative inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences, such as manipulatives, model building, and dissections. Students also analyze case studies, wherein they investigate a patient case in order to apply, connect, and extend what they have learned about an organ system to understand a health condition. Students demonstrate their understanding of content through creative projects, case study reports, learning reflections, and quizzes. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry. Open to students in grades 11 and 12

This course aims to explain the physical world through the study of matter and its changes. The first semester focuses on reactions; it begins with an overview of chemical change and atomic structure and cumulatively builds content to include bonding, the effect of structure on properties, the prediction of products, and visual models of atom movement throughout changes. The second semester covers the mathematical and cross-disciplinary aspects of chemistry. Study includes measurement and unit conversion through stoichiometry, acids, bases, and solutions through environmental chemistry, and thermochemistry and organic chemistry through the chemistry of cooking. Throughout the year, logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills are emphasized. In each unit, students are assessed through weekly quizzes, class engagement, a significant lab analysis and a unit test. Each term students engage in creative displays of mastery such as the creation of rain-activated art, “the chemistry of…” topic presentations, stop-motion animations, infographics, and material prototypes. Open to students with no prior experience in Chemistry

This is a student-driven, challenging course that provides a real-world study of the fundamental principles of structure, behavior, and change of matter. Students derive their own learning through a carefully scaffolded curriculum. Students make observations of phenomena, engage in thoughtful discussions in collaborative groups, plan investigations, and collect and interpret data. Pacing is rigorous and strong mathematical skills are required. Skills are honed in independence, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, scientific inquiry, problem solving, and precision in the use of evidence to support claims. A guided questioning approach is used to learn and construct information. The laboratory program challenges students to think critically, design and carry out experiments, collect and evaluate data, draw conclusions, and communicate in scientific writing. Students are assessed based on application of their understanding to novel situations to demonstrate their mastery of content and skills. Grading is based on a year-long mastery of content and skills with the perspective of a growth mindset. Open to students with no prior experience in Chemistry with departmental approval

This course is a study of the properties of matter and principles governing chemical reactions, commonly covered in a first year college course in general chemistry. The course explores key topics of chemistry in depth and promotes students’ mastery of the quantitative aspects of chemistry by enhancing their qualitative understanding and visualization of the particulate nature of matter. Students are encouraged to test, evaluate, and refine explanations and predictions of natural phenomena through science practices. These practices include generating representations and models, engaging in guided inquiry in the laboratory, developing strategies for collecting data, and making connections across concepts and domains. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and assume ownership of their own learning. Pacing is vigorous and strong mathematical skills are required. This course prepares students to take the AP Chemistry exam. Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with departmental approval

This course is equivalent to a first year college course in Environmental Science. Students focus on the interconnectedness of 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. These concepts are explored through case studies, laboratory investigations, fieldwork, and projects. Students are encouraged to explore and propose solutions for environmental issues in their home community, their state, their country, and around the world. Through collaborative activities, students practice posing scientific questions, interpreting data, reading and generating graphs and tables, drawing conclusions, and answering free response and multiple choice questions in the AP exam format. This course prepares students to take the AP Environmental Science exam. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with departmental approval

In this course, students with strong mathematical skills explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe through practical examples and laboratory experience. Pacing is rapid and content coverage is deeper than in Physics. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed and emphasized to a greater extent as students explore the concepts of motion, forces and energy as they relate to the workings of the world around them. Students explore the process of scientific inquiry with significant independence by designing and carrying out experiments, analyzing data, and creating and interpreting graphs. Various sensors and software are often used in lab activities to record data and to enhance the analysis of relationships and patterns. Students apply the concepts to real-world phenomena and scenarios. Topics include experimental design and measurement, kinematics in 2D, forces and Newton’s laws of motion in 2D, work and energy, momentum, circular motion, gravitation, harmonic motion, torque and rotation, and light and optics. Open to students in grades 11 and 12 with departmental approval

This course is a broad study of physics that complements the content of AP Physics 1. This non-calculus based course is equivalent to a second semester college course that emphasizes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve problems. Students develop deeper skills to construct, critique, analyze, and evaluate scientific hypotheses in hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Students apply physics concepts in an increasingly sophisticated manner using experimental evidence, symbolic notation, and proportional reasoning. Various sensors and software are often used in lab activities to record data and to enhance the analysis of relationships and patterns. Topics include waves and sound, RC electric circuits, electromagnetism, geometrical and physical optics, thermodynamics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course prepares students to take the AP Physics 2 exam. Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Physics 1 or equivalent with departmental approval

This course provides an opportunity to pursue an independent scientific research or engineering design project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students are required to propose a topic, research the proposal, develop a hypothesis or design goal, design and execute an experiment or prototype, and use statistical tests to analyze data and draw conclusions. The experimental and prototyping phase may occur either at home, at school, or at a scientific research institute outside of the school. Students present their work at scientific forums, including the Newton Country Day Science and Engineering Fair, the Massachusetts State Fair, and the New England Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Students hone skills in planning and conducting research projects, collecting and analyzing data, and engaging in scientific writing and public speaking. A significant time commitment is involved both during and outside of school hours, especially in the months of November through February. The ability to work independently along with organizational and time-management skills are necessary for success in this course.