Science
Science courses at George School encourage students to understand the world in which they live. The academic schedule provides ample time for hands-on learning through experimentation. A wide survey of courses provides a broad knowledge of science.
Freshmen take either Integrated Science 9 or Chemistry. For most freshmen, Integrated Science 9 is recommended. Chemistry is the more appropriate choice for students with a good understanding of the scientific method and its application and a good command of the laboratory, computer, mathematical, and scientific writing skills taught in Integrated Science 9 (e.g., writing lab reports, algebraic problem solving, and collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, including graphical analysis of numerical data both with and without the assistance of computer applications such as spreadsheets.)
Integrated Science 9
This inquiry-based course integrates chemistry, physics, and environmental science. It combines laboratory, classroom, and field experiences designed to encourage students to understand and use the scientific method during their study of science. Topics covered include chemical reactions, properties of matter, heat, biological indicators for healthy ecosystems, plant identification, and water analysis. Students develop the skills necessary to succeed in future science courses. These skills include qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, preparation of lab reports and oral presentations, note taking, and scientific collaboration. Students maintain an organized binder of work and learn to use computer software applications for data collection, graphing, word processing, and presentations.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Essential Principles of Biology
Key topics in biology, including ecology, basic biochemistry, cell biology, introductory genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and human anatomy and physiology are studied in this course. Major topics are presented through lectures and lab experiments. In-class exercises and group work help to reinforce concepts. Students learn to collect and analyze data from various experiments and demonstrations as well as to develop critical thinking skills. Daily homework includes reading, lab reports, and preparation for quizzes and tests. A major project is assigned each term, including an oral presentation in the first term.
This course fulfills the life science requirement.
Biology
Topics covered in this fast-paced course include ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics, bioethics, evolution, diversity of life, human anatomy and physiology, and botany. There is an emphasis on evolutionary biology. Students are expected to review independently much of the information presented. Concepts presented in lectures are illustrated using demonstrations and experiments. Students in this class must be able to articulate their knowledge clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Lab notebooks are used to organize all lab work. Lab reports include data collection as well as an in-depth analysis of experimental outcomes. Students should be able to apply basic algebraic skills and statistical analysis of data. In addition to readings from the text, students are frequently assigned technical and complex supplemental readings. Although not a requirement, it is useful if students have had prior experience in chemistry.
This course fulfills the life science requirement.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science 9 (B-) or Chemistry
IB Biology SL
This course prepares students for the standard level IB Biology exam. Lecture-format classes are combined with frequent experiments to investigate all major topics in the IB SL curriculum: cells, genetics, chemistry, human physiology, evolution, and ecology. An in-class dissection of a mammal provides hands-on experience with anatomy. Information is covered in detail and at a moderately fast pace. Nightly homework typically includes reading a chapter in a college-level text, writing a lab report, or preparing a presentation. Two hour evening labs every three weeks are required in order to fulfill IB lab expectations. This course includes two lengthy independent projects. Tests are relatively infrequent and can cover as many as five chapters from the text.
All students in this class are required to take the IB exam and to attend a weekend-long IB science retreat, during which they complete an IB project. Readings are assigned over most vacations and students are required to complete a summer assignment in preparation for the class.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the IB diploma program and either Chemistry (B-) or Chemistry in the Community (A)
IB HL/AP Biology
This course prepares students for the higher level IB Biology exam or the AP Biology exam. Lecture-format classes are combined with frequent experiments to investigate all major topics in the IB and AP curricula. Evolution, energy transfer, genetic continuity, interdependence, system equilibrium, and structure and function are the underlying themes. An in-class dissection of a mammal provides hands-on experience with anatomy. Information is covered in detail and at a fast pace. Nightly homework typically includes reading a chapter in a college-level text, writing a lab report, or writing an essay. The course includes a lengthy independent lab project. Tests are relatively infrequent and can cover as many as five chapters from the text.
Students are required to take either the IB exam or the AP exam. Students taking the IB exam must attend a weekend-long IB science retreat, during which they complete an IB project. Students are required to complete a summer assignment in preparation for the class.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (B-) and one of the following: Biology (B), ESL Biology (B), IB Biology SL (C)
Note that Chemistry in the Community and Essential Principles of Biology may NOT be substituted for the Chemistry and Biology prerequisites.
Chemistry in the Community
Chemistry in the Community follows the American Chemical Society curriculum designed to study the conceptual rather than quantitative aspects of chemistry. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, solutions, water purification, grouping of elements, properties of metals, organic nomenclature, petroleum and its uses, gases, energy from food, processes used in chemical industries, and nuclear radiation. The chemical topics covered are tied to real-life situations as much as possible. Students in Chemistry in the Community develop analytical problem-solving skills. Extensive laboratory exercises along with small-group activities complement the topics covered in class. Students are expected to read and answer problem questions each night. Reading quizzes are used to test comprehension. This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Chemistry
The major concepts of inorganic chemistry are covered in this course. These include atomic structure, molecular bonding, typical chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, solutions, electrochemistry, nuclear reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium systems, and oxidation-reduction. The study of these concepts requires a facility with single-variable algebra and mathematical calculations to demonstrate quantitative principles. Rigorous and fast-paced lectures are supported by regular lab activities and demonstrations. Students are expected to read and practice problems from their textbooks daily. Formal lab reports that include in-depth analyses of the results are expected weekly. Students in this class may elect to take the SAT II chemistry test in June with some independent study outside of class.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Prerequisite for freshmen: Placement test and strong performance in a junior high Algebra 1 course
Prerequisite for upperclassmen: Integrated Science 9 (B) or Biology (B-); and either completion of an Algebra 2 course* or an A- in Algebra 1
*Intermediate Algebra and Advanced Algebra fulfill the Algebra 2 requirement
IB Chemistry SL (proposed course)
(A final determination about whether to begin offering this course in 2012-2013 will be made by April 2012.)
This course prepares students for the standard level IB chemistry exam and for the SAT subject test in chemistry. The development of a student's ability to frame and investigate scientific questions is emphasized. Through their laboratory investigations, students gain experience in the formulation of hypotheses, in experimental design, and in collecting, analyzing, and evaluating experimental data. Topics such as stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium are reviewed. Acid-base chemistry and the reactivity of organic compounds are studied in depth, as are at least two of the following topics: modern analytical chemistry, further organic chemistry, food chemistry, and environmental chemistry.
Students attend a two-hour evening lab session approximately once every three weeks in order to fulfill IB lab expectations. Students are required to take the IB Chemistry SL exam and to attend a weekend-long IB science retreat, during which they complete a self-designed IB project. Students are also required to complete assignments and/or readings over most vacations, including the summer vacation.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (B) and enrollment in the IB diploma program.
Satisfactory performance on a placement test is required for those students whose prerequisite chemistry class was taken somewhere other than George School.
Note that because of content overlap, students may not take both IB Chemistry and AP Chemistry.
AP Chemistry
This course prepares students for the AP chemistry exam and for the SAT subject test in chemistry. Topics in inorganic chemistry include stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction reactions, equilibrium, covalent bonding, atomic theory, nuclear reactions, solutions, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and atomic structure. Topics in organic chemistry include nomenclature, structure and naming of functional groups and basic organic reactions. The fast-paced lecture format of the class is supplemented with regular lab activities. Students are expected to read and practice problems from their textbooks daily. Formal lab reports are expected weekly.
Students are required to complete a summer assignment in prepartion for this course.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (B)
Satisfactory performance on a placement test is required for those students whose prerequisite chemistry class was taken somewhere other than George School.
Note that because of content overlap, students may not take both IB Chemistry and AP Chemistry.
Conceptual Physics
This course attempts to take students back in time to the eve of the great discoveries of Archimedes, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Faraday, Coulomb, and Einstein, so they may relive the joy of discovering the laws of physics through firsthand experimentation rather than rehashing the mathematical derivations of these laws as they are known to exist today. In this vein, Conceptual Physics focuses on practical connections between physics concepts and the real world. Opportunities exist for the students to participate in large-scale projects with an emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The calculations required in this class use single variable algebra. Trigonometry is useful, but mastery is not essential. Topics covered each year include kinematics, forces, energy, electricity, and magnetism. The curriculum is flexible and could branch off into related fields.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Physics
This course helps students to discover the laws of nature firsthand at a pace that allows for the development of required mathematical concepts. Major concepts covered include, but are not limited to, kinematics, laws of motion, energy, momentum, gravity, circular motion, and thermal physics. Substantial time is spent in the laboratory. Weekly or biweekly lab experiments are performed during class and the results are analyzed in lab reports. In addition to lab reports, students are assigned approximately three to five hours of homework per week, which might include reading a chapter from a college-level text or solving several related problems.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra (A–), Advanced Algebra (B–), or Algebra 2 with Trig (B–); or a precalculus course concurrently Sophomores who wish to enroll must have taken chemistry as freshmen
IB Physics SL
This course prepares students for the standard level IB physics exam, as well as physics at the college level. Many of the topics covered in this course are the same as those in Physics, but they are treated in more depth and with more mathematical rigor. Additional topics include energy and power; climate change; electricity and magnetism; waves and oscillations; and atomic and nuclear physics. Substantial time is spent in the laboratory. Students must have mastered multi-variable algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, exponents, and operations using a graphing calculator. Additionally, students should be familiar with vectors and mathematical modeling of data. Weekly or biweekly lab experiments are performed during class and the results are analyzed in lab reports. Students should be unafraid to use computer technology in the acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data. Students are assigned approximately five to seven hours of homework per week, which might include reading a chapter from a college-level text, solving several multi-step problems, writing lab reports, and conducting independent research.
Students are required to take the IB exam and to attend a weekend-long IB science retreat, during which they complete an IB project.
A summer assignment is required in preparation for the course.
Corequisite: A precalculus course
Prerequisite: Physics (B–)
AP Physics C—Mechanics
This calculus-based course follows the syllabus of the AP Physics C - Mechanics exam, preparing students for calculus-based physics at the college level. The course also includes a unit in which students design and build electronic circuits. The course helps students to develop a deep understanding of the laws of physics through the application of rigorous mathematical techniques and detailed analytical approach to experimental data. Students must be able to recognize mathematical patterns quickly and to apply their understanding of specific experiments to more general phenomena. Substantial time is spent in the laboratory. Students must have mastered multi-variable algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, exponents, and operations using a graphing calculator. Additionally, students should be familiar with vectors and mathematical modeling of data. Weekly or biweekly lab experiments are performed during class and the results are analyzed in lab reports. Students should be unafraid to use computer technology in the acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data. Students are assigned approximately six to eight hours of homework per week, which might include reading a chapter from a college-level text, solving several multi-step problems, writing lab reports, and conducting independent research.
Students are required to complete a summer assignment in preparation for this course.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Prerequisites: One of Chemistry (B), Biology (B) or Physics (B); and either an SL precalculus course (A) or IB Math HL 1 (C )
Corequisite: A calculus course
Environmental Science—Sustainable Systems
This lab-intensive class takes a rigorous approach to investigating the impact of humans on our environment. Major topics studied include biomes, resource management, energy, population, ecology, environmental stewardship, sustainable development, organic gardening, "green" architecture, and environmental politics. The textbook is supplemented by a steady stream of current articles and information to synchronize the course with current environmental issues. Students will be assessed based on the quality of their lab reports, presentations, quizzes, tests, and term exams as well as their contributions to activities and discussions.
This course fulfills the life science requirement.
Prerequisite: Biology, Essential Principles of Biology, Chemistry, or Chemistry in the Community
IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL
This lab-driven, transdisciplinary course fulfills both the Group 3 and Group 4 requirements for the IB Diploma Program and it prepares students for the IB environmental science exam in May. Students use systems thinking to explore ecosystems, energy and nutrient transformations, population dynamics, biodiversity, and the issues of global warming and pollution management. Students also investigate a range of environmental value systems with reference to specific environmentally-related decisions made locally and globally. Students should expect to work waist deep in water or trudge through thick meadows, rain or shine, because field work is central to understanding the environment.
All students in this class are expected to take the IB exam and to attend a weekend-long IB science retreat, during which they complete an IB project. Students are expected to own their own closed-toed shoes appropriate for wading into a stream. Rain boots are preferred.
A summer assignment is required in preparation for the course.
This course fulfills the life science requirement.
Prerequisite: Biology (B-) or IB Biology SL (C)
Computer Programming and Robotics
This course is cross-listed in the math and science departments. Students use the BasicX language to design autonomous robotics applications for wheeled, walking, and facially-expressive robots manufactured by Robodyssey Systems. It is assumed that students are already comfortable with computer technology but know very little about computer programming. Topics covered include top-down and event-driven programming, logical statements, loops, arrays, sensor input, motor control, relays, and GPS programming. All students have the opportunity to enter a robot in local or national competitions such as firefighting, soccer, and dance. Near the end of the year, desktop programming is introduced via video game programming using the Visual Basic.NET language. This is an applied science and mathematics course for students with various academic backgrounds. The course gives students who have mastered trigonometry and algebra an opportunity to use their knowledge to create complex computer algorithms. Students who are familiar with, but have not mastered these mathematical skills, can use these ideas in practical and relevant ways to help refine and augment the science and mathematics curricula. This is a project-oriented course and is largely driven by student interests.
This course fulfills the physical science requirement.
Prerequisite: A precalculus course (can be taken concurrently) or Advanced Algebra (B) or Algebra 2 with Trigonometry (B)
Forensic Science
This term course provides an introduction to the many scientific and procedural methods involved in the field of crime scene investigation. The primary focus is on the particular scientific techniques used to analyze a variety of types of forensic evidence. In addition to becoming proficient in each of these techniques students need to understand the scientific principles that make these tests possible and valid. Some of the laboratory experiments include fingerprinting, flame tests, blood typing, DNA analysis, gel electrophoresis, print casting, and fiber, hair, and blood pattern analysis. Laboratory activities take place during most class periods and are supplemented by reading assignments from the text. A final project challenges students to apply the techniques they have learned to complete an investigation of a staged crime scene.
This course fulfills 1 credit of the life science requirement.
Cognitive Neurology
This term course delves into underlying questions regarding our evolution, behavior, and perception. Students explore some of the questions regarding the way we, as a species, perceive, behave, and respond to the world around us, challenging themselves to look for connections. As they search for a deeper understanding of the scientific principles covered, students examine the validity of the theories presented to them about how the brain works. Specific topics covered include the limbic system, memory, visual perception and processing, and some interesting cognitive disorders that give us a window into the inner workings of the brain.
Students are expected to maintain a well-organized, detailed journal to document observations and reflections from readings, discussions, and lab activities. Among the thought-provoking readings for this course are challenging technical articles, Rita Carter’s Mapping the Mind and Steven Pinker’s How the Mind Works. One major oral presentation is required.
This course fulfills 1 credit of the life science requirement.
Marine Science
This term course provides an introduction to the physical, chemical, biological, and environmental role the oceans and their margins (estuaries, wetlands) play in the planet's evolution. We will learn how the oceans were formed and how they are steadily transformed by geologic and biological forces. How the oceans affect the planet's weather and its role in global warming will be important topics. We will examine the many kinds of organisms that inhabit the various realms of the oceans and how human activity has affected the health of the world's seas. A field trip to an aquarium or a spring trip to a shore based research program might be possible. Students will be expected to produce a couple of presentations about a specific marine topic.
This course fulfills 1 credit of the life science requirement.