Science
The science department recognizes the need for a basic but thorough science education for everyone in our increasingly technological world. Three years of science is seen as desirable at OES and is required for acceptance by many colleges and universities. Therefore we encourage this path even for students who decide their primary interest lies in another area. Our program offers a strong, basic science education in the Physics-Chemistry-Biology sequence. It also offers honors courses that require a more rigorous math background. The honors courses provide opportunities for acceleration and enrichment to talented and motivated students who are very interested in science, and who aspire to careers in science, engineering, or medicine. Independent research, group process, critical thinking, structured problem solving, and clear communication are honed in all science course offerings.
The US science faculty have a policy of recommending students for placement in professional labs only after they have done their first project. We are happy to recommend for a mentorship those students who have shown with performance on their first upper school project the maturity, responsibility, interest, drive, and laboratory skills to succeed in a professional setting. Also required are a commitment by both student and parent(s) to the time and transportation demands necessary for work in a professional setting.
The following courses are offered:
Course Descriptions
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
This year-long activity-based survey course focuses on the conceptual
understanding of physics phenomena: mechanics, wave motion, light,
sound, behavior of gases, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic
radiation, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and miscellaneous
topics of interest. An independent research project is required.
Conceptual Physics is normally taken by Ninth Graders who are
also enrolled in Algebra or Geometry and who have successfully
completed an Algebra course.
HONORS PHYSICS
This year-long course focuses on problem solving and understanding
the development of concepts and theory relating to topics in physics.
Topics are treated mathematically as well as conceptually and
include mechanics, wave motion, light and electromagnetic radiation,
sound, kinetic molecular theory, thermodynamics, and occasionally
other topics of interest. An independent research project is required.
Honors Physics is usually taken by Ninth Graders also enrolled
in Advanced Algebra (it is assumed Geometry has been completed)
or higher, and by Seniors interested in careers in science, engineering,
or medicine, who did not take it as Freshmen. This course provides
a foundation for further study for the AP Physics B exam. Enrollment
with permission of the science faculty.
CHEMISTRY
This year-long, lab-based course is designed to introduce the
underlying concepts of chemical principles as they apply to everyday
life and to practice a qualitative description of those principles.
The phenomena studied include the structure of atoms and molecules,
nomenclature, periodic properties, energy transfers, and principles
of chemical reactions (bonding, reactions in solution, behavior
of gasses, electron transfer). Integrated into these studies are
considerations of societal issues associated with them. The issues
associated with water quality in particular are addressed. All
students take part in year-long water quality studies of one or
more OES wetlands and/or streams. Students may also choose to
do individual research projects. Chemistry is usually taken by
Sophomores. (Prerequisite: Physics)
HONORS CHEMISTRY
This year-long, lab-intensive course provides a quantitatively
rigorous survey of chemical principles. The course includes a
thorough survey of chemical principles, including atomic structure,
bonding, chemical nomenclature, periodic properties, stoichiometry,
solution phenomena, behavior of gasses, equilibrium, kinetics,
and thermodynamics. Both demonstrations and experiments introduce
students to descriptive chemistry. An independent research project
is required. Honors Chemistry is usually taken by Sophomores who
have completed Advance Algebra (co-enrolled in Advance Algebra
with permission of the instructor) and by Seniors interested in
careers in science, engineering, or medicine, who have not taken
it earlier. This course provides a foundation for further study
for the AP Chemistry exam. (Prerequisite: Physics.) Enrollment
with permission of the science faculty.
BIOLOGY
This introductory year-long course is an activity and lab-based
exposure to basic elements of biology with an emphasis on evolution
as the central organizing theory explaining the development and
diversity of life on Earth. Students will use tenets of physics
and chemistry as these apply to topics including the origins of
life, cellular organization and biochemistry, reproduction, Mendelian
and population genetics, speciation, biogeography, sociobiology,
and ecology with an emphasis on energetics and system dynamics.
The place of humans in the context of the biosphere will be examined
in detail. Students may elect to continue an independent research
project, or to cooperate with classmates in a group research project
focusing on field research in one or more of the OES wetlands
and/or streams. This course is intended to be a Junior level course.
(Prerequisite: Physics and Chemistry or permission of the department
chair. )
HONORS BIOLOGY
This course attempts to demonstrate the breadth and scope of biology,
highlight the main themes, and show the links between disciplines.
The year begins with a quarter of foundation topics and takes
a swift tour through the basics of biochemistry, cell biology,
classification, evolution, and ecology. The second quarter will
be concerned with DNA, traditional genetics, and genetic engineering.
The third quarter will consider transport, movement, and locomotion.
The final quarter will look at the acquisition and use of energy
by cells and the movement of energy through ecosystems. Each student
is required to undertake an independent research project on an
individual, pair, or large group basis. Honors Biology is usually
taken by qualified junior and senior students, and it provides
a foundation to allow further study for the AP exam. Enrollment
is only with permission of the science faculty. (Prerequisites:
Physics, Chemistry)
MODERN PHYSICS A & B
We will offer two modern physics semester electives. Each of them will stand alone, so students need not take the 1st semester to take the 2nd , and vice versa. After finding out who is interested, the instructor will sit down with the students enrolling and set the course titles. Below are the options in no particular order. We can only do two of the four.
The Development of Modern Atomic Theory
This lab-based semester course will focus on the development of modern atomic theory, beginning in the mid-19th century and continuing through approximately the middle of the 20th century. Discovery and properties of the electron, the application of kinetic molecular theory to Brownian motion and measuring the size of the mole, the blackbody radiation problem and Planck's quantum hypothesis to resolve it, the discovery and characterization of the photon as the fundamental quantum of light, the wave nature of matter and wave/particle duality, Rutherford's discovery of the nucleus, the Bohr quantum model of the atom, the deBroglie hypothesis, the development of quantum electrodynamics, and the application of quantum ideas about atoms to condensed matter will be discussed. Long periods will be devoted to doing a class project on solar energy, wit students who are continuing research projects allowed to opt out of the class project and use long periods for working on their continuing research. Some calculus will be used but previous students without calculus have been able to cope by memorizing the results of applying calculus.
The Standard Model of Particle Physics
There will be a couple of hands-on labs, but this semester course is mostly lecture and simulation based. It will focus on the development of the “Standard Model” from roughly the late 19th century to present. The following topics will be addressed: unification of electrical and magnetic forces into electromagnetic theory; discovery and characterization of cosmic rays, neutrons, neutrinos and mesons; discovery of the strong nuclear force; particle accelerators – designs, detection and measurement of results; categorizing particles and predicting their interactions – hadrons, mesons, baryons, leptons, bosons, fermions, quarks, etc; and weaknesses in the standard model, with a look at where we might theoretically go next (supersymmetry? N-dimensional strings?) Long periods will be devoted to doing a class project on cosmic rays, with students who are continuing research projects allowed to opt out of the class project and use long periods for working on their continuing research. Some calculus will be used but previous students without calculus have been able to cope by memorizing the results of applying calculus.
Relativity and Nuclear Physics
This lab-based semester course will focus on the development of relativity theory, beginning in the late 19th century, and with ideas and concepts of nuclear physics. Both special relativity and general relativity will be addressed. The special relativity emphasis will be both conceptual and computational, and you will learn to calculate time dilation, length contraction, mass increase, and other surprising results of special relativity; only algebra and geometry are needed for special relativity calculations. The general relativity emphasis will be on concepts and on examining the evidence of experiments designed to test the theory; Gravity Probe B, a new ex, and with ideas and concepts of nuclear physics. Both special relativity and general relativity will be addressed. The special relativity (SR) emphasis will be both conceptual and computational, and you will learn to calculate time dilation, length contraction, mass increase, mass-energy conversion, and other surprising results of SR; only algebra and geometry are needed for SR calculations. The general relativity (GR) emphasis will be on concepts and on examining the evidence of experiments designed to test the theory; Gravity Probe B, a new experiment to test GR has just been completed and results from that experiment are predicted to be published in April 2007, so I hope to include a discussion of the Gravity Probe B results. Nuclear physics will include: nuclear reactions and the use of the chart of the nuclides to predict reactions; radioactivity; calculations involving decay constants and/or half-life, binding energy, and reactant and product masses; nuclear fission reactors; nuclear fusion in tokomaks and stars; nuclear weapon design and effects; and “cold fusion.” Long periods will be devoted to doing a class project on “cold fusion”, with students who are continuing research projects allowed to opt out of the class project and use long periods for working on their continuing research. Only algebra and geometry are required but, as in all the rest of life, more math skills and knowledge are better than less.
Cosmology
This course emphasizes lecture, simulations, and the use of internet-available data bases. Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. It involves astronomical structures, both understood and not understood – stars, galaxies, galaxy clusters, dark matter, and dark energy. Because our current understanding of cosmology concepts is intimately related to both the Standard Model of particle physics, and General Relativity, both of these will be presented, but they will be presented as thinking tools rather than as ideas to be studied in depth as in the Standard Model semester and the Relativity semester. That means there won't be any emphasis on studying the experimental results that support these two theories; rather, their general usefulness will be assumed. Long periods will be devoted to doing a class project on cosmology using one or more of the on-line data bases; students who are continuing research projects are allowed to opt out of the class project and use long periods for working on their continuing research. Only algebra and geometry are required but, as in all the rest of life, more math skills and knowledge are better than less.
Modern Physics is offered every other year, alternating with Astronomy.
ELECTRONICS: INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
The course will begin with analog circuitry, R-C filters, oscillators, L-C resonant circuits and operational amplifiers. We will then move into simple digital circuitry and logic. Time permitting we will approach the programming of simple microprocessors at the end of the course. The course will be based upon a series of labs and challenges designed to improve the electronic and measurement skills of the student. (F)
Prerequisites: Physics, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry.
ASTRONOMY
Astronomy is the study of celestial phenomena – stars, planets, moons, asteroids, meteors, nebulae, galaxies, black holes, white dwarves, objects we have yet to imagine, and their interactions and evolution in time and space. This astronomy course will not be a survey of all possible astronomical phenomena because that will be impossible to do in the time available. Rather, the focus will be on categories of phenomena, and how we can learn about them by analyzing light from those objects. You will see lots of pretty pictures, but you will also investigate some of those phenomena rather deeply. As with all science courses taught at OES, this one will be inquiry (how do we know what we know) and experiment based. All students are required to do a poster of photographs they take using on-line real-time telescopes based in New Mexico and/or Australia. A term paper on an astronomical subject is also required; those students who are continuing a research project can substitute their research project work for the required term paper. (Prerequisite: Physics; Chemistry is recommended. This course is offered every other year, alternating with Modern Physics.)
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
This semester-long elective course introduces seniors to the science of geology as it relates to human activities on the planet. The course will examine how geologic processes and hazards influence human activities. Environmental issues relating to pollution, waste water, and geologic resources will be examined. Laboratory and field trip activities are included in the course. (Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry, Biology) (F)
MARINE ECOLOGY
A one-semester lab- and field-based class will focus on the fundamentals of ecology, invertebrate diversity and physiology, and sustainable practices involving interactions with the marine environment. Seminar-style discussions, student presentations and lecture will be the format, along with field work, computer simulations and labs. Readings from landmark research papers and chosen popular works will provide the text support for the course. An in-depth analysis paper of a related topic is required as part of the course; work on a research project may be substituted. (F)
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
This semester-long course is a laboratory and text-based course
for Seniors interested in the structure and function of major
organism systems, with a focus on humans. Cat dissection will
be included as a major laboratory component of the course, and
will serve as a focus for comparison to the study of human anatomy.
(Prerequisites: physics, chemistry, biology)(S)
ENGINEERING DESIGN ELECTIVE
A project centered introduction to engineering design. The course will consist of approximately 50% project and laboratory experience. The centerpiece of the course will be either a design competition, or a public benefit group design project. Elements of electrical, mechanical and software engineering will examined on a broad conceptual level. The engineering process will be explored with emphasis on designing to requirements, making design trade offs, testing against requirements, reliability, and modularity. (S)
PSYCHOLOGY
Surveys the content and methods of psychology:, the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The course provides an overview of topics such: as how the brain impacts behavior; how humans develop; human personality; human and/or animal group and individual behavior; how humans and animals input and interpret information from the environment, know, learn, and remember; how environment and genes combine to affect behavior; and how psychologists learn about those topics, including the ethics of psychological research. Term paper required; continuing research project can be substituted for the term paper. Physics, chemistry, and biology prerequisite or permission of the instructor. (F)
MICROBIOLOGY
This lab-oriented, inquiry-based course will concentrate on organisms that are below the limits of human sight. It will study the structure, taxonomy, and economic importance (harmful and beneficial) of monerans (both Archaea and Bacteria), viruses, protoctists (including algae), and the smallest fungi. Emphasis will be laid on the culturing of these organisms, testing and evaluating their physiological requirements, and measuring their responses to aspects of their man-made and natural environments. This course will require a term paper, or an equivalent (such as an extended laboratory), or a research project (begun in the Fall semester and completed in the Spring semester). Priority will be given to seniors, but juniors with a credit in any introductory biology class or taking a biology class concurrently are also eligible. (S)
NATURAL HISTORY
Webster defines natural history as “A former branch of knowledge embracing the study, description, and classification of natural objects (as animals, plants, and minerals)….” The central belief of this elective is that increasing urbanization and loss of wildlife make natural history as relevant today as it ever was. The course will study the basic biology, behavior, ecology, and identification of common organisms around the campus and the local area. It is designed to familiarize students with species, native and foreign, from all kingdoms of life that share, often unrecognized, our local environment. This will essentially be an observational course though there will be an experimental element to it. Field trips, some in the evening and at weekends, will be a major aspect of lessons, and students should be prepared and willing to be outside. The course will be open to all those who have taken physics and biology (which could be done concurrently). Assessment will be based on laboratories, tests and quizzes (but no semester exam), a term paper or a research project, and general participation. Priority will be given to seniors. (F)
Further Science Options at OES
The School’s Independent Study program is an option for
students who are able and interested in working on their own in-depth
investigation. Students may work with mentors in local universities
and research centers, in school laboratories, or in the field.
Independent study to pursue a curriculum not offered at OES is
also an option.
Science Research is offered as an Activity Period program and provides time for individual research and preparation of projects to be entered in competition.
