Learning to ask salient questions is the core of our science program. Open-ended lab work teaches students to devise ways of exploring and testing scientific concepts. Our program provides rare opportunities for field research in fossil prospecting, photochemistry, and field ecology.
9th Grade—Physical Science
An introduction to laboratory methods, measurement and reporting, through the studies of introductory astronomy, mechanics, and chemistry. Extensive astronomical observations and labs using math to analyze data, occur weekly throughout the year, along with some Quint-long projects (eg.,mousetrap cars for Winterfest). Field trips are taken to the UW Planetarium and, when skies are clear, to local celestial observation destinations.
10th Grade—Biology
A laboratory course in the processes of life. Special emphasis is placed on cell biology, human physiology, embryology, sex and reproduction. Evolution is studied intensively in a combined unit with the 10th grade Humanities program. Genetics and ecology close out the year. Expectations are high for independent studying and thinking on the part of all students, including opportunities to design labs and to summarize current research from the professional literature. The art of asking good, researchable questions is central to the course.
11th Grade—Chemistry
The chemistry curriculum focuses on four primary goals: 1) allowing students to be chemically literate in a highly chemical world, giving them tools with which they can tackle issues without intimidation; 2) preparation for any college-level chemistry course they may choose to take; 3) a solid basis in critical thinking and problem solving skills done from a chemistry perspective but useful in all disciplines; 4) giving students the opportunity to learn to function in the laboratory to solve problems and answer questions.
12th Grade
- Advanced Chemistry: The advanced chemistry course is an opportunity to explore topics in chemistry not introduced in the first-year course; for example, electro-chemistry (how do they make that gold-plated jewelry?) and oxidation reduction reactions (why do those ceramic glazes turn colors in the kiln?). We study the energy of reaction extensively, but what does that tell us about how fast the reactions happen (kinetics)? We discuss equilibrium, but what happens when equilibrium is upset by altering the conditions of the reaction? Building upon a year of laboratory skills, the advanced course will involve more student-initiated lab work and some experience with chemical instrumentation. (May not be taken concurrently with Primate Biology, but may be taken concurrently with Physics.)
- Physics: In Physics we will explore the following areas in discovering what makes the world work: motion, forces, energy, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. We will investigate these areas through hands-on activities and lab investigations. We will learn how real physicists work through trial-and-error model building and problem solving. Mathematics is an important part of physics, but the emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding of the ideas of physics.
- Primate Biology: The anatomy, evolution, ecology and behavior of the monkeys, apes and prosimians, with a look at our own relationship to our closest biological relatives. Will include weekly laboratory, visits to the primate collections at Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo in Portland, and the Oregon Regional Primate Center, as well as a trip to the John Day Fossil Beds in Eastern Oregon. (May not be taken concurrently with Advanced Chemistry, but may be taken concurrently with Physics.)
- Lab Assistant: Schedule permitting, the student will attend at least one discussion section and one lab section per week in either the 10th or 11th grade. Other meeting times will be arranged with the supervising faculty to help prepare materials for labs, clean materials used in labs and, occasionally prepare presentations for the classes. In addition, the student will be required to carry out a research project that culminates in a paper. Permission of faculty required.