Science

Science Courses

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Dr. Dhingra Gives Time and Talent in Rwanda Hide

Dr. Jagdish Dhingra, father of senior Aditya Mahalingam-Dhingra and surgeon and faculty member at Tufts University School of Medicine, spoke in Hall about something he does in his spare time.

Class VI Trivium Hide

The Class VI Trivium course meets daily and seeks to integrate the disciplines of basic design (art), computer science, and life science. Boys explore design and linear perspective in art, project development and Internet research in computer science, and the scientific method and microscope use in science.

For instance, the topic of Vision and Perception is explored from three perspectives: one group (with their science teacher) exploring eye anatomy, another group (with their art teacher) exploring multi-stability and visual perception, and a third group (with their computer science teacher) exploring computer representation of images. Each group then rotates and studies the same topic with each teacher in turn. At the conclusion of the unit all students gather to discuss the similarities and differences among the three disciplines. Boys learn to research topics, to think critically, and to present information effectively. Then the groups are shuffled and a new topic is explored; boys begin the process again with a new teacher, and this practice is repeated. By approaching a topic from diverse viewpoints, boys’ understanding of that topic is considerably deepened. The course seeks to impart the understanding that knowledge is too large to be contained within one discipline, and that various disciplines offer an enriching variety of related perspectives and perceptions.

Introductory Physical Science Hide

Introductory Physical Science is a required full-year course devoted to the study of matter using the Introductory Physical Science (IPS) text. Each class section acts as a research team. Through an extensive series of laboratory exercises, the class investigates characteristic properties of substances and the atomic model of matter.

The course becomes more project-oriented during the spring with a focus on the connection between chemical processes and the environment. Each boy investigates the sources, properties, uses, and safe disposal methods for a particular chemical element. His research forms the basis of a class presentation and a written report. This project connects our laboratory work with industrial and environmental concerns in the wider world.

Another major project explores the ecology of the Charles River watershed. Municipal water sources, water quality parameters, and wastewater treatment processes are examined. Students tour a local wastewater treatment site. They perform an array of laboratory tests on samples gathered from several locations along the Charles River and present reports on their results. Since the results of the course largely depend on student measurements in the laboratory, boys experience measurement uncertainty, the importance of careful observation and accurate description in notebooks, and the collective nature of the scientific process.

Biology Hide

Biology is a survey course for students without a background in Chemistry. The course is based on Campbell, Biology. The course begins with introductions to chemical and biochemical reactions and biological evolution. Within the context provided by these microperspectives and macroperspectives, the course examines cell structure and function, reproduction and development, Mendelian and chromosomal genetics, and plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Particular attention is given to human anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Frequent laboratory exercises advance and illustrate the conceptual material.

Physics Hide

Students explore the structure and animating forces of the natural world, beginning with an historical survey of time, space, and motion measurements in the heavens and on earth. The course texts are Dower, Inventing Physics and Cutnell and Johnson, Essentials of Physics. Students use simple algebra and geometry to summarize Kepler’s descriptions of planetary motion and Galileo’s description of projectile motion. Students investigate collisions and examine weight, elastic forces, and fluid resistance forces. Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation provide one framework for explaining motion. Another framework is built from the concepts of energy and heat. Vibrations and wave motion are studied and applied to understand sound and light. Students examine the electric and magnetic forces fundamental to the structure of matter. Then they see how Maxwell and Hertz related electric and magnetic fields to light and radio waves. Finally, models of atomic structure are advanced to explain phenomena such as crystal structure, gas behavior, characteristic spectral colors of elements, and radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. These studies are initiated in laboratory exercises and demonstrations and developed in class discussions, lectures, and homework problems. As an underlying theme, the course examines how we know what we know and presents examples of early and current models built to approximate a true description of the world.

Chemistry and Chemistry Advanced Hide

The courses examine patterns of structure and change in the world of matter and energy around us. Texts are Wilbraham, Staley, and Matta, Chemistry (6th edition) for Chemistry and Brown, LeMay, and Bursten, Chemistry, The Central Science (10th edition) for Chemistry Advanced. The courses begin with introductory lab exercises and a thorough study of chemical stoichiometry, gas laws and kinetic theory, qualitative advanced views of electronic structure in atoms and chemical bonds between atoms, colligative properties, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, equilibrium, properties of acids and bases, and some organic chemistry. Chemistry Advanced considers these topics in more depth. Frequent laboratory exercises and classroom demonstrations develop and illustrate the critical connection between theoretical hypotheses and direct observation. In the laboratory, students practice safe techniques of working chemistry, the mechanics of measurement, solution preparation, and safe disposal of chemical wastes.

Biology Advanced Hide

This course culminates a thorough education in the sciences. It is offered to members of Class I who have completed Chemistry or Chemistry Advanced. The course text is Campbell, Biology. Readings and discussions assume a working knowledge of physical science. A solid understanding of the physical basis of biological processes allows the student to appreciate the mechanisms that govern life forms from viruses to homo sapiens. Evolution is the ordering theory of biology that provides the context in which all other topics are developed. Major topics include cytology, reproduction and development, Mendelian and modern genetics, anatomy, and physiology. Molecular mechanisms are emphasized. For all topics, plant and animal systems are examined in the laboratory and in class discussion. Frequent laboratory exercises enhance and illustrate the conceptual material.

Advanced Topics in Physics and Mathematics Hide

Advanced Topics in Physics and Mathematics is offered jointly with the Science Department. Students study topics in physics and mathematics chosen by the instructor after consultation with students. Physics topics examined in past years include Einstein’s special relativity, properties of elementary particles, astrophysics, aerodynamics, electronic circuits, and mechanics and electromagnetism developed with calculus and mathematics. Math topics examined in past years include multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and number theory. Other topics may include general relativity (Einstein’s theory of gravity), symmetry, and group theory. We expect to focus on a few topics so that students may achieve a significant depth of understanding. Calculus is not a prerequisite.