The art of problem solving and the development of independent, critical thinkers lie at the heart of the science curriculum. The scientific method is used as the structure for developing logical reasoning, sequential inquiry, and deductive learning. All science courses stress observation, critical analysis, experimental design, the integration of technology and multimedia, and the relationship between scientific concepts and current issues in the real world. Student-centered and inquiry-based learning play a major role in the science curriculum. Students perform extensive laboratory investigations, using a hands-on approach and current technologies. The goal of the Science Department is to provide a challenging, engaging, and innovative curriculum for students of all abilities. For students with special interests, the department offers a diverse selection of advanced courses.
CLASS VIII: PHYSICAL SCIENCE
The physical science curriculum introduces students to the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics and explores the ways in which the physical laws apply to the real world. This laboratory-based course focuses on the nature and interactions of matter, atomic structure and bonding, motion, energy, and electricity. The course is taught in an integrated fashion so that the students’ ability to make connections is enhanced. Current issues in science and the role of technology are stressed. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, projects and multimedia presentations, and readings in current issues in science.
CLASS IX: BIOLOGY
This dynamic, interactive course encourages students to relate biological concepts to their own interests, be they athletics, the arts, or current events. Biology is the study of life, and many of its concepts are experienced in the students’ daily lives. Through the use of the scientific method and laboratory activities, the course emphasizes the classification of organisms, the structure and function of cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. A project-based approach to learning is used to explore numerous topics in this course. Students also study the body’s systems in collaboration with their technology curriculum, by creating multimedia presentations; each group is responsible for a research paper and the animation of a particular body system using Photoshop. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and readings in current topics in biology. Alternate assessments include individual presentations and participation in all-class debates, wherein each student creates a character and argues for or against the use of Genetic Engineering.
CLASS IX: BIOLOGY HONORS
In honors biology, students study the same topics as in the college preparatory biology course but in greater depth and at a faster pace. The course is taught with an emphasis on molecular and biochemical processes. The integration of technology includes animation of a chosen bioprocess and use of electronic sensors for field research in Central Park. Students travel to Cold Spring Harbor Lab’s DNA Learning Center, learn the tools of recombinant-DNA technology, and tour the lab facility. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and readings in current topics in biology. Students contemplating taking Advanced Placement Biology need an honors grade in this course.
CLASS X: CHEMISTRY
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and mathematical applications of chemistry in preparation for an introductory college chemistry course. The material is taught using a problem-solving and analytical approach and is reinforced by laboratory experiences. Topics include matter, atomic structure, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, acid-base chemistry, bonding, and chemical reactions. Students also complete a Flash animation project that demonstrates a gas law. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and readings in current topics in chemistry.
CLASS X: CHEMISTRY HONORS
This course introduces students to general and more advanced concepts of chemistry through an in-depth analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving approach. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course. Topics include matter, atomic structure, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, acid base equilibria, thermodynamics, kinetics, bonding, and chemical reactions. Students also complete a Flash animation project that demonstrates a particular type of chemical reaction. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and readings in current topics in chemistry. Students contemplating taking Advanced Placement Chemistry need an honors grade in this course.
CLASS XI: PHYSICS
This course introduces students to the general concepts of physics to be applied both in and out of the classroom. The main topics are kinematics, two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy and work, momentum, plasma physics, waves, sound, geometric and physical optics, and electricity and magnetism. In this technology-based course, students are exposed to a cooperative learning environment in which they explore the concepts of physics through problem solving, data analysis, multimedia projects, the Internet, and digital media. The curriculum is enhanced by various learning opportunities, including Physics Day in Central Park. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, multimedia presentations, digital video projects, and readings in current topics in physics.
CLASS XI: PHYSICS HONORS
Honors Physics introduces students to advanced concepts and problem-solving approaches in preparation for college-level physics. These concepts are expressed in both theoretical and mathematical form, with laboratory experiences as a means of understanding and discovery. Topics covered include kinematics, two-dimensional motion and rectors, Newton’s Laws of Motion, work and energy, momentum, rotation, waves and oscillation, geometric and physical optics, and electricity and magnetism. Drawing on the students’ mathematical skills, this course encourages the development of creative and logical thought, as well as the reinforcement of skills in problem solving, experimentation, data collection, and analysis. Students also write and produce a short digital video that focuses on physics and social justice. Assignments may include tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, digital video projects, and readings in current topics in physics.
CLASS XII ELECTIVES:
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
This Advanced Placement course is a comprehensive study of the biological sciences, based on the curricula of introductory college courses usually taken by biology majors. The aim of the course is to produce proficiency in three major areas of biological thought and theory: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. Seven themes are emphasized throughout the course to develop a unifying construct in biology: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, the relationship of structure to function, regulation and interdependence in nature, and science and society. Assignments include laboratory reports, tests, quizzes, and research papers.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken in the first year of college. Students attain an in-depth understanding of fundamental chemical principles. All areas of chemistry are studied, including physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. The course begins with an introduction to the structure of matter. States of matter are then introduced, followed by chemical reactions and, finally, by descriptive chemistry. The following laboratory performance skills are essential to this course: physical manipulations, the setting up of processes and procedures, observation and manipulation of data, communication, group collaboration with attention to laboratory records, and laboratory safety. Assignments may include laboratory reports, tests, quizzes, and research papers.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
The Advanced Placement Physics C course forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences and engineering. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The course focuses solely on mechanics and includes the study of kinematics; Newton’s Laws of Motion and their applications; work, energy, and momentum; rotation; gravitation; and solids and oscillations. Laboratory activities are an integral part of the course. Assignments include tests, quizzes, homework sets, laboratory reports, and WebAssign problems. In 2009-10, AP Physics C is piloting the Mobile Computing Initiative, in which the students use iPod Touch mobile computers in their physics work.
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
This college-level course presents the principles of atmospheric science with a focus on weather forecasting and climatology, oceanography, and ecology. Topics include atmospheric structure, radiation and heat imbalances, air pressure, humidity and atmospheric moisture, stability, precipitation and cloud formation, circulation systems, severe weather, ocean currents and oceanic transport, access to water resources, and climate change. Relying on their previous scientific knowledge and using real-time weather data, students develop a deeper understanding of the processes that govern atmospheric motion. Students gain membership in the Marymount Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and participate in the NAIS 20/20 Challenge with an international school. Students also produce weekend weather podcasts and vodcasts for the Marymount school website as well as participate in local and national forecasting contests.
ADVANCED PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS APPLICATIONS
This interdisciplinary course integrates advanced topics in physics with their calculus-based applications. Following the footsteps of the inventor of calculus, Isaac Newton, who also discovered the laws of motion, the course utilizes the topics learned in previous courses as a springboard for studying more advanced topics, including plasma physics, spintronics and relativity, quantum computing, nuclear physics, as well as differentiation and integration and the determination of limits and their applications in the scientific and engineering worlds. Through the use of inquiry-based learning, students utilize probeware, computer simulations, image processing, statistical applications, and data analysis as the basis for their understanding. Assignments include projects, laboratory reports, tests, homework, and other multimedia activities. Students develop and produce a multimedia project for their final assessment.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAM
Authentic scientific research is a necessary skill for all students envisioning a career in the sciences. This program provides Marymount students who have excelled in science with opportunities to conduct external scientific research at Columbia University, Rockefeller University, and the New York Academy of Sciences. Working with their mentors, students learn the content, methods, culture, and ethos of modern scientific research through total immersion in scientific inquiry. Students are expected to submit relevant papers based on their research to the Intel Science Talent Search and the Siemens-Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science, and Technology.