Physical and Life Sciences

This course is designed to help 7^th graders explore the world around them by asking questions and seeking answers. Its goal is to make them successful in the realm of science and discovery. This course uses an integrated science approach divided into three areas – physical sciences, earth sciences and life sciences. Lessons are planned in a fun and highly engaging way. Varied approaches to learning are implemented and include direct instruction, independent work and research, investigations, activities, lab design and experiments, cooperative group work, essays, posters, tests, presentations, videos and projects. In addition to science content, students learn how science affects society, how to research, how to differentiate science and pseudoscience, and how to become competent and confident when designing labs and independent scientific investigations.

In this course, 8^th graders cover units from the three areas of science. They start by acquiring the basic skills needed for writing a lab report, investigating, experimenting, analyzing, and graphing data. In chemistry, they learn all about the atom. In biology, they learn about the human body and genetics. And in physics, they explore Newton's laws of motion. Lessons are planned in a fun and highly engaging manner. A varied approach to learning is implemented including direct instruction, independent work and research, investigations, activities, lab design and experiments, cooperative group work, essays, posters, tests, presentations, videos, and projects.

This course familiarizes students with the major concepts of biology and focuses on scientific skills. After successful completion of this course, students are prepared not only to study more advanced biological concepts but also to begin study in other scientific fields. Students explore the nature of science and inquiry, interpreting data and drawing conclusions. Some of the course topics covered include ecology, environmental science, classification and microorganisms, plant structure and function, as well as cell biology.

Note: Open to 9^th graders

This course is designed to teach core computer programming logic and reasoning skills using a robotics engineering context, enabling students to design, build and program an autonomous robot to do various missions. This is done through the Engineering design process and by using the Mindstorms EV3-g programming language as well as Robot C (C++) coding and advanced programming. The course gives real life applications in Physics, Computer science, Medicine, and Artificial Intelligence. It prepares students for more advanced robotics and the use of a variety of microcontrollers (VEX, Tetrix, Arduino). Students learn new skill sets in teamwork, strategizing, prioritizing, ethics and gracious professionalism.

Note: Open to 9^th graders
Course length: Fall semester only

This course familiarizes students with the major scientific skills needed to explore and investigate the classical laws of physics and its applications by utilizing a hands-on approach. Students are exposed to the following topics: mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism. This course focuses on the qualitative understanding of the laws governing the physical universe rather than a quantitative approach.

Note: Open to 9^th graders

This course teaches the basic core principles of chemistry with a focus on real-world applications. For example, students learn about acids and bases by studying ocean acidification and its effects on coral reefs. They examine types of reactions, such as combustion reactions, by considering the yearly burning cycles of deciduous forests around the world. And they will inquire into intermolecular forces and the structure of molecules by addressing water scarcity in Jordan and other countries. The course also develops students’ skills to design and conduct their own scientific investigations, and to present and debate their findings in a scientific community. This course is not designed to prepare students for Chemistry 701 Advanced Studies in Chemistry, but rather to give them the indispensable tools of scientific literacy, a necessary foundation for understanding the world around us.

Note: Open to 10^th graders only. Students who complete CHM 401 are not eligible to take CHM 701.

This course focuses on fundamental aspects about the universe, how it came to be, and the means by which we observe it. It also examines the night sky and how human understanding of the cosmos has evolved over millennia in various cultures around the world. Utilizing the new school observatory, the course introduces tools and methods to answer questions such as: How far away are stars and galaxies? What are stars made of? What type of planets orbit other stars? What types of galaxies are there? How old is the universe? Is there life beyond Earth? This course is primarily project-based and, in addition to the class day, evening observing classes are held regularly at the observatory.

Prerequisites: Algebra II and at least a year of physical sciences (physics preferred) 

This course builds upon the concepts studied in Introduction to Biology. Topics include animal behavior, cell reproduction, cellular respiration, heredity and genetics, evolution and human organ systems. Concepts are reinforced through laboratory investigations and activities, as well as term projects that provide students with the opportunity to go beyond what the course requires them to learn and to apply what they have learned.

Note: Open to 11^th and 12^th graders

This course explores and investigates the classical laws governing the physical universe. Students examine and seek to explain various physical phenomena based on these fundamental laws. The course exposes students to the following topics: classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, Students in this course should be prepared to take the ACT Physics test upon completion of the course.

Note: Open to 11^th and 12^th graders
Prerequisites: Algebra II

This course provides students with skills needed to enhance their learning of biology, and provide them with knowledge they will be able to use later on in Advanced Studies in Biology. Concepts are covered in depth and at a faster pace. Topics include human organ systems (with an emphasis on diet and health), biochemistry, cell biology, cellular respiration, heredity and genetics. Concepts are reinforced with laboratory experiments that students carry out. Students are also required to review scientific papers and analyze case studies.

Prerequisites: Department consent; open to 11^th and 12^th graders. This course is a prerequisite for BIO 701

Understanding the human body is a major component of Biology. This course is designed to provide students with a fast-paced, challenging learning experience that covers many aspects of human biology in much more depth when compared to an introductory course. Students focus on the structure and physiology of the human body, emphasizing biochemistry, cellular structure and function, energy transformations and body systems. Laboratory work and analysis of scientific review papers comprise a significant portion of the course to provide students with the necessary practical skills and exposure to the scientific process.

Prerequisites: Completion of any 600 level or higher science course and department consent; open to 11^th and 12^th graders.

Students become familiar with the principles of chemistry and scientific inquiry through experimentation. The course traces the developments that led to our modern understanding of atomic theory and its applications to diverse topics from states of matter to kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemical reactions. Students design and conduct their own scientific investigations and present and debate their findings as a scientific community. Students with a strong foundation in proportional and mathematical reasoning are exposed to a fast-paced and rigorous conceptual curriculum that prepares them for an advanced course in chemistry.

Note: Open to 10^th, 11^th and 12^th graders
Prerequisites: A minimum average of A- in an introductory science course (PHY 301 or BIO 301) and completion of or parallel enrollment in Algebra II, as well as departmental consent.

Accelerated Physics strives to make a connection between everyday physics and the natural world, with numerous connections  made through kinesthetic applications and scenario-based learning. This course investigates the topics of Newtonian mechanics: motion, force, energy and momentum conservation; and topics in the physics of electricity, magnetism, waves and optics. Students use both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop understanding of these fundamental concepts, backed by technical and analytical approaches. Laboratory activities are a major component of the course, regular laboratory exercises focus on data collection and analysis in order to make abstract concepts tangible as we investigate phenomena that we see in our everyday life. This course assumes proficiency in basic algebraic skills. Students may take the ACT subject test upon completion of the course.

Note: Open to 11^th and 12^th graders
Prerequisites: Students are eligible for this course only if they have earned an average of A- or higher in CHM 401 or BIO 301. They must also have earned an average of a B+ or higher in Algebra II. Departmental consent is required.  This course is a prerequisite for PHY 701 and PHY 704

This course focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings and the content that supports it. This approach enables students to spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts. It enables them to develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout their study of this course. Students also develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The course covers diverse topics, from the inner workings of a cell in biochemistry and heredity to how organisms have evolved and learned to interact with one another. Laboratory work is an integral component and students are exposed to simple experiments such as diffusion and osmosis to more complex experiments that deal with molecular biology. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP Biology Exam in May.

Prerequisites: BIO 601 and department consent
Note: This course requires students to meet periodically outside class time to complete lab investigations, assessments and other course material. More information is available upon request from the department or the course instructor.

This course is modeled around a comparable college course that aligns with college level standards. The course curriculum has been developed to promote enduring, conceptual understanding by implementing inquiry-based learning. This approach helps students to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout the course and in real life. The course explores major topics in modern inorganic chemistry at the first-year college level. Through extensive laboratory work, independent reading and class discussion, students investigate topics such as atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, bonding, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam in May.

Prerequisites: CHM 601, Algebra II and department consent

This capstone-like course is designed to introduce students to the different engineering disciplines and challenges of Jordan while teaching them engineering design principles through project-based learning. Students work on projects targeting different challenges of Jordan, working closely with the instructor and consultants.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus (or Accelerated Pre-Calculus) and PHY 501 Physics

This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. It is designed to enable students to develop a deep understanding of the content and to focus on applying their knowledge through inquiry labs. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum; work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 Exam in May.

Prerequisites: Algebra II, PHY 601 and department consent 

This course is designed to simulate college-level study for those students who show particular strength in mathematics. It aims to develop students’ ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information. It covers kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power, system of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, and oscillations and gravitation. The course also includes a hands-on laboratory component comparable to an introductory college-level physics course. Calculus is used freely in formulating principles and in solving problems. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP Physics C exam in May.

Prerequisites: PHY 601, Advanced Calculus I and department consent

This upper level science elective investigates the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system. The course covers in depth, each of the five senses so that students develop a scientific understanding of how we perceive the world around us. Additionally, students look at different neurotransmitters in the brain and explore their pathways to determine the significance they have on our actions and behaviors. In the second half of the course, students examine diseases and disorders of the brain, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, drug addiction and mental illness so they can see how neural degeneration impacts our lives and those around us. The course will culminate with group projects that allow for in depth research into a topic of interest and will result in multimedia presentations.

Prerequisites or concurrent course requirement: Department consent and an advanced science course including but not limited to one of the following: BIO 601, BIO 602, BIO 701, CHM 701.