ADVANCED COSMOLOGICAL AND PLANETARY SYSTEMS
Instructors: Tod Cossairt and Alexis Spina
This course is a scientific exploration of our universe and of our own planet Earth. This course begins by focusing on the origins of our universe and the creation of Planets, Solar Systems, Stars, and Galaxies. Students are then introduced to the concepts associated with Earth Origins, Earth Structure, Plate Tectonics, Earth Materials, Geologic Structures, and Geologic History. The final chapter of the course is designed to introduce and reinforce an ecological awareness for the natural Earth systems that sustain life. Classroom format includes lecture, PowerPoint presentation, laboratory identification and drawing, and video presentations. Additional learning is facilitated through on-line interactive website workshops in the school library, trips to our on campus observatory dome, and on local geologic field trips.
The topics listed below are a brief overview of what we will cover this year:
- astronomy and the universe
- knowing the heavens
- eclipses and ancient astronomy
- gravitation and the motions of planets
- the nature of light and matter
- planets and moons
- stars and stellar evolution
- galaxies and cosmology
- earth origins and structure
- earth materials
- plate tectonics
- geologic history
- natural systems
- energy systems
- food agriculture
- water systems
Prerequisite: A background in math is a definite prerequisite for this class as well as a completion of the other science classes, such as Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science. This is a year-long class with a strong lab component. Therefore, it does fulfill a year of science requirement for college.
BIOLOGY
Instructor: Lindsay Bergen
The study of biology pertains to the study of life and all of its subsidiaries. The comprehensive course begins with an introduction into the nature of the life sciences. The course moves into the basic unit of biology; the cell. It is the cell that the students discover is the building block of life. The structure and function of the cell are studied extensively. Once mastery has been determined, the students learn about cell types, growth and division. Finally, the conversation proceeds to genetics and DNA and RNA replication. After the unit on genetics and evolution, the students begin their study of the different microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, continuing to fungi, then plants, and, finally, the animal kingdom. The study of the animal kingdom consists of invertebrates such as the mollusk and chordates. The year will close with a brief study of the ten systems of the human body. After a basic understanding of biology is established within each unit, the fundamentals are then used to explain how biology is closely related to chemistry, physics, earth science and psychology.
The outcome of the course is a deep understanding of the study of life, the components that comprise it, how it is currently being studied and most significantly, how to apply these concepts and the study of biology in a productive way to our society. In addition, students will learn how to write a laboratory report. The course will teach students how to ask a good scientific question, collect data, hypothesize and conclude. Then, through instruction, each student will master how to write a laboratory paper describing the above process using the appropriate scientific language and college-approved report protocol. This is the primary objective of the course. Using the study of biology to practice the skill of writing laboratory reports completes this objective. In addition, the students will learn and practice good safety etiquette in all experiments.
Major course topics:
- cell structure and function
- mitosis and meiosis
- genetics
- classification
- bacteria and viruses
- animal physiology
- plant structure, function and ecology
Level: This course is typically occupied by sophomores but open to anyone needing Biology. It is a full-year course that satisfies the laboratory science requirement.
Prerequisite: None
CHEMISTRY
Instructor: Lindsay Bergen
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to a study of the physical world. The primary questions addressed include the identification of different types of matter, substances’ compositions, physical and chemical behaviors, as well as their interactions. Chemistry is a major part of our everyday lives; in fact, everything around is a chemical! Over the course of the year, we will discuss the ways in which chemistry influences our lives. Specific topics will include a review of numerical skills necessary in science applications, atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, physical and chemical processes, the mole concept, stoichiometry, bonding, gases, liquids, and solids, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium and acid-base behavior. Daily scientific demonstrations and weekly hands-on laboratory experiments allow students to continue to master how to write a laboratory report. The students practice how to ask a good scientific question, collect data, hypothesize and conclude. Then, through instruction, each student will master how to write a laboratory paper describing the above process using the appropriate scientific language and college approved report protocol. In addition, the students will learn and practice good safety etiquette in all experiments.
*Problem-solving is emphasized. Extensive lab work will supplement the topics studied.
Course topics include:
- atomic structure
- periodic table
- acid/base reactions
- reaction predictions
- thermochemistry
- organic chemistry
Level: Class typically occupied by juniors. It is a full-year course that satisfies the laboratory science requirement.
Prerequisite: No course prerequisite. (Preferred completion of Algebra I/Geometry)
PHYSICS
Instructor: Alexis Spina
Physics is the branch of science which studies the relationships between matter and energy. Topics that are discussed in this course include mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, relativity, and how these principles affect our society and the world as a whole. Emphasis will be put on understanding the theories at hand and identifying them in everyday life. A knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world, but also supplies the insight to develop new and innovative ideas.
A laboratory component accompanies the classroom element in the course. Full labs are carried out at least once a week, with a full lab write-up required of each student.Students will be expected to undertake and report on laboratory projects related to the topics in the class.
The topics listed below are a brief overview of what we will cover this year:
- Newtonian mechanics (the motion of objects)
- classical thermodynamics (the nature of heat)
- electricity and magnetism
- optics and light (reflection and refraction)
- astronomy
- modern physics
Prerequisite: A strong background in math is a definite prerequisite for this class, as well as completion of the other science classes, such as Chemistry, Biology, and Geology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND A SENSE OF PLACE:
Principles of Environmental Science and Natural History of Happy Valley
Instructor: Tod Cossairt
This course is an entry-level "place-based" environmental science course. Place-based environmental education is intended to inform students through the development of an increasing awareness for the environment in which they live and interact. The fundamental assumption is that an environment one is truly aware of is an environment one will take care of.
This course is designed to provide:
- An awareness for the natural history and environment of Happy Valley
- A sensitivity for the principles of environmental science
- An experiential exposure to sustainability practices
- An appreciation for interdependence and interconnection with the environment
Prerequisite: None
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
Principles of Natural Systems and Sustainable Relationships
Instructor: Tod Cossairt
This course is designed as an upper-division "place-based" environmental science course. Environmental sustainability education is fundamentally the study of the relationship between all things and the environment in which they are found. The essential understanding cultivated is that all things are in relationship, or are interconnected, within the environment in which they live. To understand the importance of these environmental interrelationships provides a framework for appreciating the intricate systems that sustain our own environment and life, as we know it, over time.
This course will focus on the fundamental principles of sustainability by applying them to natural life support systems, energy systems, water systems, food systems, waste systems, and systems that support species diversity and wildness.
Texts: This course uses a variety of relevant printed and multimedia materials rather than a formal textbook. Two books, however, have been selected for inclusion into this course and will be required reading: The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan, We Are the Weather Makers, Tim Flannery. These books will be supplied to students in class.
Level: Upper-division
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
Instructor: Tod Cossairt
Historical Geology is an upper-division course in physical geology. The course explores the contemporary geologic theories associated with earth origins, earth structure, plate tectonics, earth materials, geologic structures, geologic history, fossil record, and paleogeography.
This course integrates the geologic history of various United States national parks to illustrate geologic processes. Classroom format includes lecture, PowerPoint presentation, laboratory identification and drawing, and video presentations; additional learning is facilitated through on-line interactive website workshops and local geologic field trips.
Level: Upper-division
Prerequisite: