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 concepts and skills related to the study of Life, Physical, and Earth Science. At each grade level, students spend one term studying a unit in each area of study. Each new concept is accompanied by laboratories or interactive experiences that allow students to use inquiry and the scientific method to discover the meaning of the topics.

Science 6/7
Science 6/7 is a multi-aged two year course of study in which the students will explore the following topics in one academic year: intro to biology, astronomy, health; students will explore these topics in the other academic year: forces and motion, weather and climate, and sound and light.

Science III
In the eighth grade year students will explore the following topics: chemical building blocks, the earth, and robotics/technology

Biology (year-long course)
This 9th grade 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.

Introduction to Engineering, Grades 8 & 9 (term-long course)
Introduction to Engineering provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of math and science concepts as an introduction to the engineering profession. Students will learn, through hands-on activities, about important scientists and the application of their principles in our everyday lives. Students will design and build bridges to gain an understanding of forces, model roller coasters to learn about potential and kinetic energy, assemble circuits to discover the fundamentals of electricity and computer science, and create hydraulic hands and pneumatic launchers to learn about pressure and forces. Students will also be introduced to the design process and CAD technology.

Upper School Science

Graduation Requirement: Students are required to complete 3 years (9 term credits) of science. Biology is the introduction into SSM science; this is a required course and is usually taken in 9th grade. After completing biology, students can then utilize the next 3 years to take any combination of the courses listed below depending on such factors as student interest, scheduling, completion of pre-requisites, and student readiness. Students are required to complete either chemistry or physics any year during 10th – 12th grade.

Biology (year-long course)
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.

Chemistry (year-long course)
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 thermodynamics.

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in Algebra II

Physics (year-long course)
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

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (year-long course)
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 Sophomore (with permission and concurrently enrolled in chemistry

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, Biology and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

Advanced Placement Biology (year-long course)
The AP Biology course is a year-long elective designed to be the equivalent of the college-level introductory biology course. The intent of the course is to expose students to higher-level biological principles, concepts and skills, and allow them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-life applications. Rather than learning from a micro level outward, students learn from a macro level inward. Students will also learn not by memorization of facts, but through content and concept application via the AP Biology science practices. These four core topics will be explored: evolution, biological systems using energy to maintain homeostasis for survival, passing inheritable information to provide continuity of life, and the interaction of biological systems with biotic and abiotic factors.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, Biology and Chemistry (Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry by permission)

Advanced Placement Chemistry (year-long course)
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 enrollment in Pre-calculus

Advanced Placement Physics (year-long course)
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 Calculus or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus

Field Ecology (Fall Term elective)
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 Ecology (Winter Term elective)
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)

Systems Ecology (Spring Term elective)
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)

Human Anatomy and Physiology (year-long course)
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

Engineering Sciences

Principles of Engineering (term-long course)
Engineering is solving problems using creativity and ingenuity paired with math and science principles. In Principles of Engineering, students will experience each of these topics to gain an insight into what engineering is. Starting with the engineering design process, students will learn how to analyze problems using a series of steps to discover unique solutions. Students will then be introduced to 3-D solid modeling, dimensioning, geometric tolerancing, 3-D rapid prototyping, and engineering management processes. Throughout the class these skills will be put to test by working on projects. Historically important engineering projects, current engineering trends, and ethical implications in the engineering field will also be covered.

Engineering: Robotics (term-long course)
Students are introduced to robotic technologies through the design and development of multifunctional robots integrating both VEX and GEARS robotic systems. Students will use 3-D solid modeling to design and analyze their prototypes, build and test their robots, then compete in a wide variety of challenges. Topics covered include platform and drivetrain design, principles of mechanics and electronics, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and an introduction to autonomous control using the Arduino platform and sensors. Students will also be introduced to cutting-edge technology through the National Robotics Engineering Center.

Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering

Engineering: Power and Energy (term-long course)
Power and Energy examines core concepts of power and energy technologies. Students will be introduced to the basics of electricity, how it was discovered and developed, and modern ways it is produced. Coal and hydroelectric power plants will be studied, followed by an introduction to nuclear energy, nuclear power plants, and the nuclear fuel cycle. Other areas of study will include alternative fuels, heat engines, and renewable energy sources. Students will also be introduced to the economic, environmental, and ethical implications of energy generation. This course will highlight historical figures and events, current understanding, and future technologies.

Engineering: Statics and Materials (term-long course)
Statics and Materials introduces the concepts of structural engineering by combining traditional methods of evaluating force systems with hands-on structural analysis activities. Students will learn how to calculate forces acting on individual components in static structures; then apply that knowledge to design a bridge made with tubes and flat bars. Students will load-test various sized components to determine the tensile and compressive loads; then use that data to maximize the performance of their bridge design. Once the optimal design has been determined, students will build their bridges to compete in a performance vs. cost bridge competition.

Engineering: Electrical and Computer Systems (term-long course)
Electrical and Computer Systems explores the fundamentals of both computer and electrical engineering disciplines. Students will study the components of personal computers, how they work, and their role in the function of a computer. Students will also learn about the architecture of a microprocessor, interfacing it with external electronic circuitry/sensors, and communicating with the processor through computer programming languages. Boolean logic is also introduced. This course will include a basic review of relevant electrical theory.

BioScience Center of Excellence

The BioScience COE courses, taught by Maren LaLiberty, MD, are offered in a four-year rotation and are directed at students with an interest in the fields of medicine, biomedical engineering or biomedical research.

In addition to the traditional study of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, the fall and winter courses will include applications of physics and chemistry topics wherever relevant. Class discussions and lectures will be supplemented with organ dissections and laboratory experiments. Spring courses will extend the year’s studies further into the social and ethical dilemmas of the medical field. Writing and writing revision will be heavily emphasized in this course and compose more than half of the final grade.

Prerequisites: B+ or higher in Biology, BioScience Program Director permission.

BioScience: Oxygen Delivery Organ Systems, Part I (fall 2011)
This course examines the cardiovascular system and how it works together with the respiratory system to provide oxygen to the human body. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.
BioScience: Oxygen Delivery Organ Systems, Part II (winter 2011-2012)
This course examines the respiratory system and how it works together with the cardiovascular system to provide oxygen to the human body. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: Public Health and Infectious Disease (spring 2012)
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: Nutrition Delivery Organ Systems (fall 2012)
This course examines the digestive system and how it works with all other organs systems to provide the nutritional elements necessary for cell survival. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: Waste Removal Organ Systems (winter 2012-2013)
This course examines how multiple organ systems (urinary, digestive, respiratory, integumentary system) assist in removing waste products from the human body. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: (spring 2013) To be determined

BioScience: Immune and Lymphatic Systems (fall 2013)
This course examines the immune and lymphatic systems which generally provide the human body with protection against outside agents that can cause disease. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: Reproductive Organ Systems (winter 2013-2014)
This course examines the group of organ systems (reproductive, endocrine, nervous) that work together to successfully reproduce the human species. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: (spring 2014) To be determined

BioScience: Structural Support Organ Systems (fall 2014)
This course examines the group of organ systems (integumentary, musculoskeletal) that generally provides structural support and protection for the human body. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: Information Transmission Organ Systems (winter 2014-2015)
This course examines the group of organ systems (nervous, special senses, endocrine) that generally provides information transmission for the human body. A combination of traditional lectures, class discussions, organ dissections, laboratory experiments, and multiple writings will be utilized to enhance learning in this course.

BioScience: Bioethics (spring 2015)
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. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of and a proficiency at using a standard framework for analyzing ethical problems. Individual contributions to group discussion, supported by thorough and thoughtful reading and writing will be critical elements of this course.