Upper School Science Curriculum
HRA students take at least three lab science classes during their
high school career to ensure proper preparation for college and
life experiences. Classes within the science department are designed
to instill scientific curiosity for motivated college bound students.
Science classes are kept small to maximize projects and lab situations;
therefore student led hands on activities, beyond teacher demonstrations,
provide a meaningful science experience. In all science classes,
students work in groups to gather data, analyze data, interpret
results, and draw conclusions.
In the Upper School, ninth grade Biology builds on middle school
foundations. Biological theories including animal and plant structure
and physiology, genetics, and ecology are emphasized. After ninth
grade students are allowed to select their courses. They may begin
with Chemistry and progress into AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Marine
Biology, or Anatomy. The focus in General Chemistry is on the principles
of chemistry, including elements, matter, and bonding. The course
is taught with a conceptual approach in contrast to a more problem-solving,
mathematical approach. The optional Honors Chemistry course develops
problem-solving skills and incorporates them in laboratory experiments.
Honors Chemistry students gain a general understanding of the current
chemistry theories involving atomic, molecular, and nuclear interactions.
The General Physics course places a greater emphasis on the development
of concepts while still incorporating mathematics. Honors Physics
also develops concepts, but with a strong emphasis on mathematical
problem solving, and is designed to prepare students for Advanced
Placement (AP) Physics. Each level of physics covers the following
topics: mechanics, electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, optics,
acoustics, and nuclear energy.
Electives in the upper school Science Department include Human
Anatomy and Physiology and Marine Biology. Human Anatomy and Physiology
is a two-semester, introductory course that follows a systematic
approach to the study of the human body and includes cell, tissue,
and organ structure and function. The depth and pace of the course
is suitable for students whose background is nominal but wish to
pursue greater knowledge of advanced biology subjects. Marine Biology
utilizes field work to explore a variety of ecosystems. The focus
of this course is the many ecological principles that operate throughout
the marine environment. Field work is prefaced and supported with
studies of literature and knowledge of flora and fauna that characterize
the ecosystems.
Three AP courses are offered in the Science Department. AP courses
are designed to better prepare students for college academics and
to earn college credit. In AP Chemistry, the curriculum includes
stoichometry, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and
the history of chemistry. AP Physics covers physical concepts in
a fast-paced, mathematically rigorous course that is heavily oriented
toward critical thinking. AP Biology focuses on phylogeny, physiology,
molecular biology, and genetics. It is also a rigorous course that
focuses on biology as a process
The Science Department is dedicated to providing all students with
a meaningful science experience. This goal is accomplished by incorporating
student-led, hands-on activities, as well as teacher demonstrations,
and by encouraging students to gather data, interpret results, analyze
data, and draw conclusions. Finally, the Science Department strives
to implement sequential teaching so that the courses offered in
the Upper School can build on knowledge learned in middle school
courses.
A brief description of the classes offered by HRA are available
in our Course Catalog. You may also view these Course
Descriptions online.
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