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The goals of the Science Department are to assist students in becoming familiar with the natural world and to help them acquire an understanding of the scientific method through problem solving and the development of critical thinking skills. In addition, the department strives to increase the scientific knowledge of each student with a view toward developing a more informed citizen who is able to deal with an increasingly complex technological society.
Requirements
Two years of a laboratory science are required of all Walnut Hill School students. Students may meet this requirement by selecting from the following courses: Biology, Chemistry or Accelerated Chemistry, Physics, and Biology II. The usual sequence of courses is: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. In addition, juniors and seniors with the appropriate prerequisites may elect to study Biology II, Physics II (if offered), or Science and Social Issues.
Courses in Science
Biology
This introductory course emphasizes the use of scientific method to investigate the natural world. Students will be introduced to the major topics of modern biol–ogy, making them more informed consumers of what they read and hear in the media, and preparing them for more advanced study. Topics studied in this class include biological chemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, plant biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Weekly laboratory sessions will serve to emphasize topics being studied, and students will learn how to compose a proper laboratory report. Upon successful completion of both this course and Chemistry, students may continue into Biology II. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Prerequisites for International Students: English level must be at a minimum that of ESL III; recommendation of the Head of the ESL Department.
Biology II
The purpose of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the biological world. In-depth studies are conducted in those disciplines which were introduced in the first-year Biology course. Areas covered in this course include biochemistry, genetics, cellular biology, bacterial and viral biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Students will also have an opportunity to research and discuss current topics in Biology such as stem cell research, human cloning, and forensic science. Laboratory periods are an essential part of the course, which approaches topics at the level of an introductory college biology course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry, and permission of the Biology II instructor.
Chemistry
This science course offers students a basic introduction to the study of matter. Major topics covered in Chemistry include the classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding, and chemical reactions. Other topics may include the study of solutions, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Chemistry students will perform approximately 30 laboratory experiments during the semester. They will also have the opportunity to collect and analyze the data for at least one experiment they design and implement.
Prerequisite: The completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of B or higher, or the concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, or the completion of Algebra 2.
Accelerated Chemistry
This science course offers students an introduction to the study of matter, using a more mathematical approach than in the traditional Chemistry course offered at Walnut Hill. Topics to be studied include the classification of matter, atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. Other topics may include solutions, gas laws, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Accelerated Chemistry students will perform approximately 30 laboratory experiments during the semester. They will also have the opportunity to collect and analyze the data for at least two experiments they design and implement.
Prerequisites: The completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of B+ or higher. Ideally, students should have already taken Biology and completed Algebra 2 or have concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
Science and Social Issues
Students in Science and Social Issues will explore a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the use of resources and alternative energy sources, pollution and global warming, genetic engineering, medical ethics, the spread of and cures for diseases, growth of the human population, and nuclear weapons. A typical unit will begin with a basic introduction of the current science behind the issue, followed by the reading of articles from various sources, and class discussions or a debate. Students are expected to participate daily during class. While this is not a lab science, each student will perform several experiments, including designing and running his or her own plant experiment.
Prerequisite: Completion of two years of lab science. Recommended for seniors.
Physics
Students are introduced to fundamental physical concepts while facilitating development of reasoning skills required to apply these concepts. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on “discovering” the laws of physics using a hands-on approach. Physics will also introduce various forms of science writing, and enrolled students should feel comfortable composing a lab report. Course materials may cover the basics of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and wave phenomena (including sound and light).
