Science

Science I: Physics and Chemistry

Science I and Science II form a two-year interdisciplinary sequence designed to develop students’ skills in conducting and communicating the scientific process. Students build their expertise in laboratory techniques, critical inquiry, and engineering, and develop their understanding of the nature of scientific study. Students learn to apply mathematical models, construct explanations based on evidence collected through experimentation and research, and write laboratory and engineering reports. Major topics include motion (description and causes), types and conservation of energy, chemical and physical properties of matter, structure of atoms and molecules, and periodic table trends. (Full-year course)

Science II: Chemistry and Biology

Science I and Science II form a two-year interdisciplinary sequence designed to develop students’ skills in conducting and communicating the scientific process. Students build their expertise in laboratory techniques, critical inquiry, and engineering, and develop their understanding of the nature of scientific study. Students learn to apply mathematical models, construct explanations based on evidence collected through experimentation and research, and write laboratory and engineering reports. Major topics include chemical reactions, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and climate change. (Full-year course)

Astronomy A

This course focuses on the solar system and how we know what we know about all the interestingly varied bodies that comprise it. The historical methods of astronomical scientific discovery are discussed and used, leading to an appreciation of how our knowledge of the solar system has blossomed. In recent decades, interplanetary spacecraft have added greatly to our knowledge of the exotic other worlds in our own solar system. The underlying physical principles governing the makeup and operation of the solar system are investigated in activities, reading, and discussion. Extensive use is made of audiovisual resources in presenting the historical, scientific, and aesthetic aspects of the material covered. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall-semester course)

Body Systems

This course engages in the study of structures, processes and interactions of a number of systems in humans. Systems of focus include the integumentary (skin) system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, excretory system and reproductive system. The course addresses the anatomical structure, the physiological function from a cellular to organ system level, and emphasizes the interconnected nature of these body systems. Communication, physiological function of major body processes and the anatomical structure of these systems will be discussed. This course includes dissection of mammalian systems to review major organs anatomical structures and their relationships with each other. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall-semester course)

Energy and Climate Change

Climate change may be the most significant environmental threat facing Earth today, but it is also a fascinating and complex scientific phenomenon. In this class, we will explore the causes and effects of that phenomenon, as well as ways to mitigate its consequences. Students will develop understanding of Earth’s atmospheric systems and how those systems change in response to external stimuli. They will also contextualize those changes by drawing comparisons to climatic conditions on Earth in previous geologic eras. In addition, students will identify activities that cause or contribute to those changes, and explain how to modify those activities to mitigate those impacts. The class will cover a wide variety of topics, including the greenhouse effect, the geologic carbon cycle, tipping points and feedback loops, relationships between climate and weather, orbital mechanics, ocean acidification, America’s energy infrastructure, renewable energy technology, and nuclear power. This is a multidisciplinary science course, and students will be expected to show mastery of relevant concepts drawn from physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, and astronomy. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall- or Spring-semester course)

Evolutionary Biology

The principles of evolution undergird our understanding of biological diversity, adaptations, and the history of life on Earth. Indeed, biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” We will first delve into the evolution of evolutionary thought in human history, including theorists who influenced Darwin and Wallace. We will utilize principles of microevolution to show mathematically that evolution has occurred by analyzing changes in allele frequencies in populations, and we will closely examine the agents of evolutionary change (of which natural selection is just one). We will then scale up these processes to examine long-term macroevolutionary patterns of speciation and extinction, using paleontological data to support our conclusions. Finally, we will explore human evolution, discussing what our species has in common with our extant primate relatives and what makes us unique. The semester will culminate in a laboratory exercise in which we will extract and amplify our own DNA in order to elucidate patterns of human migration. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II.  (Fall-semester course)

Experimental Chemistry

This lab intensive course investigates fundamental chemistry concepts through frequent experimentation. Emphasis is on experimental skills, collaboration, written and mathematical communication, critical inquiry, and problem solving. Topics covered include chemical bonding, reaction stoichiometry, solution chemistry, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and oxidation/reduction. This course is a prerequisite for Honors Inorganic Chemistry. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Geology

This semester-long course focuses on physical geology. We will broadly study the earth and its many landforms, how they have come to be the way they are now, and how geologic processes affect the ways that they continue to change. The theory of plate tectonics provides a useful framework in which to understand the connections between many of these world-wide processes. An appreciation of the expanse of geologic time is formed as we consider the extensive changes wrought by extremely slow processes. The understanding of the variety of landforms and processes is enhanced and extended through lab activities and extensive use of audiovisual material. The interesting and well-exposed geology of the NW provides excellent opportunities for field trips. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring-semester course)

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the study of human mechanics, motion, and the interaction of body systems to create the complex motions that you have seen in everything from sports to day to day walks down the street. In this class, students will investigate and learn about the components of the body structures (cells and tissues) and will focus on the major systems that relate to human motion (skeletal system, and muscle systems, and basic nerve function). Students will identify all the bones and bone features in the human body as well as major muscle group origin, insertion, and actions. Students will learn about major types of motion and practice describing how motions occur in various activities and sports. This class is designed for students with an interest in anatomy and physiology and will involve dissection of mammalian analogs to study biological systems to reinforce content knowledge of structures. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring-semester course)

Neurobiology

How does a single neuron work? How do collections of neurons cooperate with each other? How does an entire nervous system function to sense and interact within an environment? In this class, we will study the molecular and cellular processes that underlie sensation and perception. Then, by exploring the basic structure and function of nervous systems across a wide range of organisms, we will find patterns in how an organism’s sensory and perception abilities are determined by specific features of its nervous system. Finally, we will examine complex behaviors as emergent properties of these neurobiological systems. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring-semester course)

Pathogens and Parasites

What makes the virus responsible for COVID-19 so effective? Why are some bacteria good for us while some are pathogenic? How do our bodies fight infection? This course investigates disease prevention, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. We will learn about pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. We will explore how organisms protect against disease and how they recover from infection. We will then apply these scientific principles to the historical and social impact of global disease epidemiology. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall-semester course)

Physics B: Waves, Sound, and Optics

 After observing actual waves in water in ripple tanks, the principles of waves will be investigated in sound. Human hearing, interference, the Doppler shift, the science of music, and the speed of sound will be investigated through demonstrations and experimentation. Mirrors and lenses will be introduced through geometric ray optics, and the operation of many optical instruments will be investigated. The wave nature of light will be investigated, with interference being used to measure the wavelength of light. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Fall-semester course)

Physics E: Electrical Engineering

In this one semester course we will study many types of electrical circuit components, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, rectifiers, transformers, transistors, and integrated circuits.  We will investigate their use in both analog and digital circuits.  We will use our new-found theoretical understanding to design, breadboard and construct actual circuits.  We will work both with simulated and actual electronic circuits.  Doing simulated circuit construction has the distinct advantages of having all the parts we need, not destroying components if mistakes are made in connecting them up in circuits, and that these circuits function properly far more often.  This course is oriented towards the practical application of physics principles of electricity and magnetism to electrical devices and will provide lots of hands-on experience working with (actual and simulated) electronics components and electric circuits. Prerequisite: Completion of Science I and II. (Spring-semester course)
 

Honors Inorganic Chemistry

This lab intensive course provides an in-depth look at many chemical concepts introduced in previous courses, as well as explorations of new ideas. Emphasis is on experimental skills, collaboration, written and mathematical communication, critical inquiry, and in-depth problem solving. Topics will include those encountered in a typical college general chemistry class including: molecular structures and bonding theories, properties of solutions, aqueous equilibria, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and environmental/energy chemistry. Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor and Experimental Chemistry. (See Appendix for Honors Science Course Criteria.) (Full-year course)

Honors Molecular Biology and Genetics

This course studies biological structures and functions at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. Topics include: the chemical basis of life, structure and function of genes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, genetic editing, and inherited disease. We will frequently read peer-reviewed journal articles and will use these as a vehicle for examining the original data from historically groundbreaking experiments. This course integrates literature research, writing skills, and critical thinking and laboratory work to build experimental design, detailed observation, accurate recording, data interpretation, and analysis skills. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (See Appendix for Honors Science Course Criteria.) (Full-year course)

Honors Physics with Calculus

This course explores further topics in physics using methods of calculus and other specialized and advanced applications of mathematics (which will be presented in class). These topics include kinematics, dynamics, rotation, equilibrium, gravitation, fluids, Gauss’ Law, electric potential, capacitance, Kirchoff’s equations, Ampere’s Law, and Lenz’ Law. The year will wrap up with a consideration of the theory of special relativity. Corequisite: Calculus. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (See Appendix for Honors Science Course Criteria.) (Full-year course)

Honors Science Research 

This course explores science by providing support in the development, implementation and presentation of independent research projects. Students engage in discourse related to the nature of scientific research through extensive review of current primary literature. Students develop a research question to investigate over the year on a topic of interest. Students design and implement experiments to test their questions using a variety of tools and techniques. Data is then analyzed to effectively interpret the material and share that with peers. Students in this course are expected to present their work at the Northwest Science Expo for feedback from scientists. Students then write a journal style paper of their project for submission. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (See Appendix for Honors Science Course Criteria.) (Full-year course)

Science Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistants are vital contributors to our science classes. TAs attend class each day and work directly with students. TAs help check daily homework, help students having difficulty with the material, set up and take down labs, and assist in the lab. As the year progresses, TAs may be involved in planning and teaching the class. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Note: This course does not count towards the science requirement. This course is graded Pass / No Pass (Fall- and/or spring-semester course.)

Abnormal Psychology

This Online Abnormal Psychology Course focuses on a variety of atypical psychiatric disorders, helping students understand symptoms, diagnoses & treatments. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Bioethics

Ethics is the study of what one should do as an individual and as a member of society. Bioethics refers to the subset of this field that focuses on medicine, public health, and the life sciences. In this course, students explore contemporary, pressing issues in bioethics, including the “right to die,” policies around vaccination and organ transplantation, competence to consent to care, human experimentation and animal research, and genetic technologies. Through reading, writing, research, and discussion, students will explore the fundamental concepts and questions in bioethics, deepen their understanding of biological concepts, strengthen their critical-reasoning skills, and learn to engage in respectful dialogue with people whose views may differ from their own. The course culminates with a student-driven exploration into a particular bioethical issue, recognizing the unique role that bioethics plays within the field of ethics. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Developmental Psychology

Over a few short years, most human beings grow from infants who are not even able to hold up their heads to become walking, talking, thinking people who are able to communicate using language, to understand complexities, to solve problems, and to engage in moral reasoning. This course is an introduction to the fascinating study of human growth and development focusing on the significant changes that occur physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially from birth through adolescence. Students consider the big questions of heredity versus environment, stability versus change, and continuity versus discrete stages of change as they investigate language acquisition, sensorimotor development, thinking and learning, and personality and emotions. Through readings, observations, case studies, and application activities, students examine development from the perspectives of major theorists in the field from both Western and non-Western traditions. (Fall- or Spring-semester course)

Global Health 

What makes people sick? What social and political factors lead to the health disparities we see both within our own community and on a global scale? What are the biggest challenges in global health and how might they be met? Using an interdisciplinary approach to address these questions, this course hopes to improve students' health literacy through an examination of the most significant public-health challenges facing today's global population. (Fall-semester course)

Introduction to Psychology

In this Online Psychology Course, students explore three central psychological perspectives: the behavioral, the cognitive & the sociocultural. During the first five units, students gather essential information that they apply during a group project on the unique characteristics of adolescent psychology. Students similarly envision a case study on depression, which enables application of understandings from the first five units. The course concludes with a unit on positive psychology, which features current positive psychology research on living mentally healthy lives. Throughout the course, students collaborate on a variety of activities and assessments, which often enable learning psychology through understanding each other’s unique perspectives while building their research and critical thinking skills in service of comprehending the complex field of psychology.(Fall- or spring-semester course)

Medical Problem Solving I

In this class, students enhance critical thinking skills by collaboratively solving medical mystery cases, similar to the approach used in many medical schools. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Medical Problem Solving II

This course is an extension of the problem-based learning done in Medical Problem Solving I. While collaborative examination of medical case studies will remain the core work of the course, students will tackle more complex cases and explore new topics in medical science. (Fall- or Spring-semester course)

Neuropsychology

This course is an exploration of the neurological basis of behavior. It will cover basic brain anatomy and function as well as cognitive and behavioral disorders from a neurobiological perspective. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Positive Psychology

What is a meaningful, happy, and fulfilling life? In this course, we’ll dive into what positive psychology research tells us about the formula for a meaningful life, the ingredients of fulfilling relationships, and changes that occur in the brain when inspired by music, visual art, physical activity, and more. (Fall- or spring-semester course)

Problem Solving w/ Engineering Design

This course investigates various topics in science, technology, computer programing , engineering, and mathematics using a series of projects and problems that are both meaningful and relevant to the students' lives. (Fall-semester course)

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. (Fall- or spring-semester course)