The science curriculum consists of those courses and activities designed to allow the individual student to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world through a process of empirical inquiry. These offerings emphasize the scientific process so that students can discover and interpret scientific knowledge, develop positive attitudes and interests related to science and scientists, and recognize that these behaviors can be applied in making decisions in an age influenced by science and technology. Students are encouraged to develop confidence as well as competence in performing scientific investigations.
To be prepared for this type of world, students need familiarity with a range of natural sciences. Oak Knoll is part of an elite group of schools that require physics in grade 9, chemistry in grade 10, and biology in either grade 11 or 12. At Oak Knoll, these courses are specially designed to coordinate with one another and to reinforce key concepts. In the ninth grade, students focus on the concrete principles of physics, with a particular emphasis on energy and other topics useful in understanding chemistry. The chemistry course takes advantage of students' physics background to build a fuller understanding of chemical processes, while also laying the groundwork for biology. Because students have developed an understanding of physics and chemistry, as well as skills and tools used in scientific investigation, the biology courses are more sophisticated than they would be otherwise. Through this integrated curriculum, Oak Knoll students develop a comprehensive understanding of the natural sciences and are prepared to engaged intelligently in the specific questions facing the 21st century world.
Physics—Grade 9
This course follows a logical, sequential development of the introductory concepts of physics. Techniques include a hands-on approach of exploration, concept development and application. Topics include motion, forces, momentum, energy and work, electricity, and magnetism, light and waves. Real-world applications are emphasized. The laboratory program reinforces the topics discussed and allows students to obtain personal experience of the subject. Students use laptop-based detectors for laboratories and other audio-visual resources. The program also includes work in Excel on laptops in the classroom for data analysis. Students work on several projects that require them to apply their knowledge of various topics throughout the year. Students must have a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator for this course.
Physics Honors—Grade 9
This course aims to provide students with a rigorous study of physics principles and their mathematical foundation. Instruction employs a learning cycle approach of exploration, concept development and application, and problem solving, where a proficiency in Algebra is required. Topics include motion, vectors, forces, energy, work, momentum, impulse, electricity, magnetism, light and waves. Students use laptop-based detectors for laboratories to reinforce the topics discussed and allow students to obtain hands-on experience. The program also includes work in Excel on laptops in the classroom. Students work on several projects that require them to apply their knowledge to various topics throughout the year. Students must have a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator for this course.
Chemistry—Grade 10
Chemistry follows a logical, sequential development of the major principles of chemistry, leveraging the foundation laid in Physics. The framework for this course is the application of chemistry to everyday life, through examples and inquiry. The areas of study include the study of matter and atomic structure, the elements, the periodic table, compound formation, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, acid-based chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. A unit on biological chemistry prepares students for the subsequent course in biology. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving skills. The laboratory portion of this course supports the classroom concepts while students learn chemical safety, techniques of using laboratory equipment and instruments, and recording and reporting scientific data. Students use scientific calculators and laptop computers for homework, laboratory data collection, data reduction, and graphing results.
Chemistry Honors—Grade 10
This course provides additional rigor and depth to chemistry. It follows a logical sequential development of the major principles of chemistry, leveraging the foundation laid in Physics. The framework for this course is the application of chemistry to everyday life, through examples and inquiry.The areas of study include the study of matter and atomic structure, the elements, the periodic table, compound formation, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, acid-based chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. A unit on biological chemistry prepares students for the subsequent course in biology. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving skills. Topics are covered in greater quantitative rigor. The laboratory portion of this course reinforces the classroom concepts while students learn chemical safety, techniques of using laboratory equipment and instruments, and recording and reporting scientific data. Students use scientific calculators and computers for interactive homework, laboratory data collection, data reduction, and graphing.
Biology—Grade 11 or 12
This course endeavors to help students understand the science of living things. By focusing on specific, real-world examples, this class connects students in meaningful ways to molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels of biological study. Topics covered include water, biological macromolecules, diffusion, cellular organization, mitosis, meiosis, DNA synthesis, transcription, translation, anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory activities provide supplemental opportunities to explore the material and to develop a genuine appreciation for the scientific method as it is applied to biological questions.
Biology Honors—Grade 11 or 12
This course takes a rigorous approach to the study of living things that encompasses the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels of organization. These levels are dealt with primarily sequentially moving from the microscale to the macroscale. Topics covered include water, biological macromolecules, diffusion, cellular organization, mitosis, meiosis, DNA synthesis, transcription, translation, molecular biology, genomics, comparative anatomy and physiology, taxonomy, evolution, and both population and community ecology. Laboratory activities complement the coursework and help students cultivate a working understanding of the material. This course will prepare students for the SAT II examination.
Science Electives—Grades 11 and 12
Advanced Placement Biology—Grade 12
Advanced Placement Biology is a first-year college biology course using a college text and prescribed college level laboratory experiments. The course is for those deeply interested in science or science-related fields. The course stresses comprehension of biological principles and concepts. Areas of study include the organization and chemistry of life, energy transfer through different systems, genetics, mechanisms of evolution, evolutionary history of biological diversity, plants: form and function, animals: form and function, and ecology, the interactions of life. Students must apply for acceptance into the course and have a B+ average at the time of petition. Students must take the AP examination.
Advanced Placement Chemistry—Grade 11 or 12
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a first-year college chemistry course using a college textbook and college level laboratory experiments. The course is for those interested in science, math, or science-related careers who want to understand a thorough quantitative development of the major principles of chemistry. Areas of study include measurement systems, periodic table, structure of the atom, compound formation, chemical reactions, kinetic theory, and introduction to organic and nuclear chemistry. The study uses dimensional analysis to cover major concepts of mole, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and solution-equilibrium chemistry. The laboratory experiments support the classroom concepts while students learn chemical safety, analytical techniques, use of laboratory equipment and instruments, and scientific data reporting and recording. Students use scientific calculators and computers for interactive homework, laboratory data collection, data reduction, and graphing. Students must petition for acceptance into the course. Students must take the AP examination. This course is offered in alternate years.
Advanced Placement Physics—Grade 11 or 12
Advanced Placement Physics is a first-year algebra/trigometry-based college physics course using a college textbook and college level laboratory experiments. The course is for students interested in science or science-related careers who want to understand physics principles and concepts. Areas of study include classical mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and introductory modern physics. Laboratory experiments integrate classroom concepts together with data analysis techniques, including graphical analysis through the use of computers. Students must apply for acceptance into the course. Students must take the AP examination. This course is offered in alternate years.
Marine Science Honors—Grade 12
The Marine Science course integrates the biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of the marine environment. Current social and political issues related to marine ecosystems are explored. Both field and laboratory work enhance students’ understanding of and appreciation for the material. This course is offered in the fall term only.
Genetics Honors—Grade 12
The Genetics course explores genetics through model systems including yeast, worm, fly, frog, fish, and mouse. The application of model systems research to human genetics is emphasized. The current states of genomics and genome sequencing, as well as current and future bioethical implications of genetics research, are examined. Laboratory work gives student hands-on experience mining genome data bases and working with model systems. This course is offered in the winter term only.
Comparative Anatomy Honors—Grade 12
The Comparative Anatomy elective is a combination lecture and laboratory course which emphasizes the adaptive changes found in the systems of representative vertebrates and invertebrates. The course consists of an intensive study of the evolution, similarities, and differences in structural organization of various organisms. Consideration is given to the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, and nervous systems. This course would especially suit students interested in pursuing the study of biology, nursing or medical sciences in college. This course is offered in the spring term only.
Engineering Science Honors—Grade 11 or 12
The Engineering Science course combines math, science (mostly Physics) and technology into a hands-on lab-based curriculum. The goal of this digital engineering course is to “fuel a love for engineering and technology.” It emphasizes problem solving and independent exploration through topics such as: music, the Internet, encryption, compression, digital imaging and video. All labs are implemented with LabVIEW software from National Instruments. Examples of some of the labs are: a motion detector, a voice recognition system, “blue screen” video and a digital imaging morphing system. This course would suit students who are interested in pursuing science or math and is an alternative to biological-based science courses.