Science Department

The Academy science sequence takes students through physics, chemistry, and University biology. An inquiry-based approach to science allows students at all grade levels to make connections between concepts learned in class and the reality of the world around them. Students are exposed to real-life science through hands-on laboratory work, demonstrations, and discussions that encourage them to become actively involved in their own learning. Students are asked to predict, observe, explore, question, measure, and compare; to test theories and articulate beliefs with their peers and teachers; and to modify their thoughts and draw conclusions based on experience. Academy students may also arrange for research opportunities in University labs in the summer before senior year.

PY25: Physics

This is a laboratory-based course in which students learn physics by the method of inquiry. All students keep an active lab notebook of daily experiments, such as observing collisions of dynamic carts, measuring the acceleration of gravity on falling toys, finding the specific heat of rubbing alcohol, determining the period of a spring, and calculating the charge to mass ratio of the electron. The topics covered include classical Newtonian mechanics, states of matter, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, optics, and modern physics. A knowledge of Algebra I is expected as a prerequisite. All freshmen and new sophomores who have not taken physics in ninth grade enroll in this course. Text used: Conceptual Physics.

CH45: Chemistry

This course is an intensive study of general chemistry. The course experimentally and theoretically investigates both the structure and properties of matter as well as how it changes. Both the historical and societal implications of chemistry are explored. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, reduction-oxidation reactions, and kinetics. All students keep an active lab notebook, write formal lab reports, give presentations on everyday chemical topics, and write a science fiction story. With continued emphasis on the scientific thought process, students are encouraged to test hypotheses through frequent experimentation. Homework problems and laboratory exercises allow students to experience how theories and principles can be used to explain their observations firsthand. Physics is a prerequisite for this course. Text used: Essentials of General Chemistry, Ebbing et al.

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CAS107: Biology I

Academy students enroll in Biology 107 at the University in the fall semester of their junior year. The focus of this course is on the evolution and diversity of life, principles of ecology, and behavioral biology. It requires three hours of lecture and three hours of lab each week. The course is taught by a University professor for University credit.

CAS105: Biology for Health Sciences

Offered during the spring semester, this course provides students with an introduction to the theoretical and factual bases required for careers in the health and paramedical sciences. The focus is on the principles of biology, with emphasis on cellular structure, heredity, reproduction, development, biochemistry, metabolism, and nutrition. It requires three hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week. The course is taught by a University professor for University credit.

Junior Research Seminar: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

In the fall meetings, students will read, review, and present on articles on current topics in science.  In the spring, students will tour various research labs in order to establish a lab in which to work for six weeks in the summer following junior year.  The goal is that this summer research will lead to the basis of the senior thesis. For 11s only.