Science

Middle School Science

The middle school science program at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School involves students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to basic concepts in Life, Physical, and Earth science. At each grade level, students spend one term studying a unit in each area of the three areas of science. Each new concept is accompanied by laboratories or interactive experiences that allow students to use the scientific method to discover the meaning of the topic.

Science 6/7

In the sixth grade year, students spend fall term learning about the brain and the science behind learning. In the winter term, they explore the Earth and the Universe in an Astronomy unit. During spring term, students complete a unit on sound, light, electricity and magnetism.

Middle School: Science I

Students in Science I spend fall term “Learning about Learning.”  This unit focuses on the science of learning as students develop an understanding of how the brain develops throughout their lifetime. During winter term, students explore the universe as they delve into a unit on astronomy. Students focus their efforts spring term on a unit covering sound, light, electricity and magnetism.

Middle School: Science II

In the seventh grade year, students spend fall term learning about the classification of living things and then explore the plant kingdom.  During winter term, students complete a unit on weather and climate.  The spring term is devoted to a study of motion, forces and energy.

Middle School: Science III

In the eighth grade year, fall term is spent in a study of robotics.  Using Lego Mindstorm® kits, students are introduced to computer programming and robot engineering.  During the winter term, students study the characteristics of life as they relate to cells, systems of living things and organisms.  During the spring term, students study energy and the resources on our planet.

Adv. Biology: Evolution

This is an advanced biology course featuring an introduction to the modern theory of human evolution, evolutionary genetics, including development of the concepts of genetic diversity, natural selection, random genetic drift, population substructure, infinite-alleles models, and the neutral theory of molecular evolution.

Prerequisite: Biology

Adv. Biology: Genetics

This is an advanced biology course in genetics, focusing on human genetics. The student will acquire an understanding of the basic concepts in inheritance in order to solve genetic problems and recognize common misconceptions regarding human heredity. The student will be able to describe the structure and replication of DNA and its role in protein synthesis in order to understand the chemical basis of genetics and the use of DNA in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Prerequisite: Biology

Adv. Biology: Microbiology

This is an advanced biology course will focus on the structure, function, and genetics of cellular structures and major groups of microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria; the role of microbes in the economy of nature and man.

Prerequisite: Biology

AP Chemistry

This elective course is equivalent to college freshman chemistry and is based on the syllabus prepared by the College Entrance Examination Board. Lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, Chemistry, and completion of or concurrent registration in Pre-calc.

AP Environmental Science

This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental issues both natural and anthropogenic, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. The approach is interdisciplinary, incorporating knowledge of biology, chemistry, geography, geology, social sciences and economics. Experiences on field trips, in the school’s Rustad Outdoor Study Area and elsewhere on the SSM campus enhance classroom learning and lab experiments. Year: Senior, Junior or Sophomores (with permission and concurrently enrolled in Chemistry)

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, Biology, and Chemistry

AP Physics

This full-year, college-level course is based on the Physics C Syllabus prepared by the College Entrance Examination Board. One half of the year is spent on mechanics, the remainder on electricity and magnetism. Calculus is widely used throughout the course. Lectures and experiments prepare the students for the AP examination given in May.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, Physics and completion of or concurrent registration in Calculus.

Biology

This course provides a solid background in the life sciences, focusing on the study of fundamental biological concepts and the understanding of how each process relates to their everyday lives. In particular, the emphasis is on the biology of cells and genetics, and their application to the principles of natural selection and biodiversity. All of these concepts are then studied in the context of the role of organisms in their ecosystem. Mastery of the subject matter is accomplished through research and activities that extend learning into the lab. Students are also given the tools and opportunities to apply their knowledge through the completion of independent research projects.

BioScience: Additional Organ Systems

This course examines the group of organ systems (Lymphatic, Urinary, Reproductive) not addressed in previous BioScience courses.

BioScience: Bioethics

This course examines the ethical theories and standards used in making health-related decisions. An introduction to ethical theory will be followed by the study of specific biomedical issues presented within the context of case studies. Conversations with health professionals involved in these types of decisions will also enhance understanding of each issue. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of the complexities of ethical dilemmas and an appreciation for the multitude of possible courses of action. Individual contributions to group discussion, supported by thorough and thoughtful reading, will be a critical element of this course. Periodic written reflection will also be required.

BioScience: Energy Delivery Organ Systems

This course examines the group of organ systems (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive) that each have a role in energy delivery for the human body.

BioScience: Information Transmission Organ Systems

This course examines the group of organ systems (Nervous, Special Senses, Endocrine) that generally provides information transmission for the human body.

BioScience: Public Health and Infectious Disease

This course will serve as an introduction to the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. Core concepts include principles of public health, biology of infectious organisms and biology of the human immune system; infectious disease transmission mechanisms and containment in both the United States and developing countries; design and implementation of infectious disease control and prevention measures, including vaccination development and use; and methods for investigating infectious diseases. This discussion and project-based course will emphasize current issues and real-world public health challenges.

BioScience: Structural Support Organ Systems

This course examines the group of organ systems (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal) that generally provides structural support for the human body.

Chemistry

Through lectures, demonstrations, problem-solving sessions, and laboratory experiments, this full-year course blends traditional and inquiry approaches to present the fundamental concepts of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, the gas laws, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, molecular structure, kinetics, equilibrium, acids, bases, and oxidation/reduction.

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in Algebra II.

Computer Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping

The current explosion of open source products has made computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided machining (CAM), once available only to large corporate R&D facilities, suddenly accessible to anyone with a computer and a basement workshop. In this course, students will take advantage of newly available disruptive technologies. Beginning with SolidWorks, students quickly move through a series of structured tutorials and then develop an independent project of their own design. Emphasis is placed on designing applications, products, or solutions to practical, real-world problems. A physical prototype of the design is then produced using a student built, open source 3D printer also known as a Replicating Rapid-prototyper (RepRap). This portable, remotely useable fabrication machine readily interfaces with SolidWorks. The product is then carefully evaluated and the design cycle repeated as necessary to produce a final product. Design skills and proficiencies are assessed according to appropriate benchmarks and deliverables include an individual product portfolio.

Creating Apps with Embedded Logic Programming

Embedded logic lies beneath many of today’s amazing technological innovations including the coolest new handheld apps and hottest new video games. After a brief introduction to languages Java, C, and Python; students quickly move from structured lessons and exercises to developing an independent project of their own design. Students will feel they have stepped out of the classroom and into a fully equipped R&D facility where collaboration and mentorship play important roles. Emphasis is placed on designing applications, products, and solutions to practical, real-world problems that students care about. Programming skills and proficiencies are carefully assessed according to accepted benchmarks and deliverables include an individual product portfolio.

Field Ecology

This course will examine principles of ecology and conservation biology through laboratory and field research. Students will participate in projects emphasizing analyses of biodiversity, population demography, and interspecific behavior.

Prerequisite: biology (may be concurrently enrolled)

Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course will be an in-depth study of the eleven systems of the human body and how the body functions. Students take a hands-on approach to learning the systems. The course further delves into the scientific aspects of human movements, inter-workings of the body and the body’s energy systems. The class also studies various training methods and how they can improve flexibility, strength, power, endurance and speed. Students learn the scientific basis of physical training and how exercise can enhance and improve the efficiency of these systems to elevate athletic performance. There is a mix of both class and laboratory time.

Prerequisite: Biology

Human Ecology

This course will examine the complex and varied systems of interaction between human societies and the natural world. Activities will examine the roles of social, cultural, and psychological factors in the maintenance or disruption of ecosystems and investigate the effects of population density on health, social organization, and environmental quality.

Prerequisite: biology (may be concurrently enrolled)

Physics

This full-year course presents the fundamental concepts of physics with relevant applications. Topics include mechanics, light, optics, sound, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and electricity. An emphasis is placed on problem solving methods as well as inquiry based activities and laboratory experiments. Students learn to discover relationships from acquired sets of experimental data using current technology and results are formalized in a lab notebook.

Prerequisites: Algebra II

Systems Ecology

This is an interdisciplinary course that includes atmospheric, aquatic and soil studies, as well as other field projects to study the interactions of human society and natural systems.

Prerequisite: biology (may be concurrently enrolled)