STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The Science Department offers students a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum with small classes and well-equipped laboratory facilities.  The Academy's 1200 acres of woods and lakeshore provide an exceptional laboratory of course work in the natural sciences.  During evening tutorials, in which students may meet with instructors on an individual basis, an opportunity is provided for extra assistance, independent projects and/or laboratory work.

Objectives:
Acquaintance with the basic principles, concepts, and facts of science through which one can better understand nature, man, and technology.
Development of critical thinking and the ability to draw conclusions from data and observations.
Fostering familiarity with the natural worlds; its inhabitants, phenomena, interrelationships, and beauty.
Preparation for daily living and specialized training for college.

Graduation Requirements
On year of Science is required for graduation.
It is recommended that students elect at least two years of science to round out their knowledge of the science as it relates to their personal lives and society as well as to provide sequences necessary for admission to colleges requiring laboratory experiences.
Courses should be balanced between natural and lab science options. 

DESCRIPTION OF COURSES

BIOLOGY
Full year course
Grades 9-12
.50 credit per semester, meets daily.

This course is offered to any student desiring a science credit.  Individuals are exposed to a variety of interactions which exist among life forms.  Through a deeper understanding of these relationships it is hoped that each student will develop a greater appreciation for the complexity of life and a desire to further explore the nature of living things.  To these ends, the course makes use of a well equipped laboratory and outside study areas.  Topics of study center around genetics, bacteriology, human anatomy and physiology, cellular biology, zoology, botany, and ecology.

Text:
Biggs, Alton & others, Biology

ECOLOGY
Full year course
Grades 9-12
.50 credit per semester

Ecology is a full year field course introducing the student to basic ecological concepts.  While canoeing, hiking and snowshoeing, the class will study the abundant stream, lake, bog, swamp, marsh, field, and forest habitats of the area.  Other course activities range from edible wild plants and bird banding, to animal behavior and wildlife management.  The course is presented as a synthesis of the naturalist's sensitivity and the ecologist's understanding of the natural world. From constant contact with and exposure to nature firsthand it is hoped that an awareness and appreciation of the beauty and interdependence within the natural world is kindled.  The prime goal of the course is the development of an ecological ethic.

Text:
Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
Coe, Eastern Birds: A Guide to Filed Identification of North American Species
Chamberlain, Symbiosis: A Fieldbook and Mini-Text of Ecology
 
CHEMISTRY I
Prerequisite: Algebra II or currently enrolled in Algebra II.
Full year course
grades 9-12
.50 credit per semester, class meets daily

This course offers the student a modern, relevant course in high school level chemistry.  The program combines the theory and concepts of chemistry, practical applications, and problems, into a basic program for high school students.  Unifying concepts are atomic structure, chemical bonding, kinetic theory, and matter/energy relationships of chemical systems. Demonstrations and laboratory activities are an integral part of the course, integrating environmental chemistry with field-work.  Experiences with chemical reactions emphasizing quantitative as well as qualitative relationships form the basis for the lab program. Students are given the opportunity to explore particular topics in chemistry which are of special or personal interest through a variety of research methods.  A strong mathematics background is recommended.

Text:
American Chemistry Society, Chemistry in the Community 5th Edition

CHEMISTRY II
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry I
Full year course
grades 9-12
.50 credit per semester, class meets daily

The second year chemistry course is designed to further delve into topics introduced in first year chemistry.  Topics include thermochemistry, ideal and real gases, intermolecular forces, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and some organic chemistry.  Topics of special interest, like soap making and the chemistry of dyes, may also be explored.  Students wishing to take the AP Chemistry test should consult with the instructor

Text:
Chang, Chemistry 8th Edition

PHYSICS
Prerequisites: Geometry or currently enrolled in Algebra II
Full year course
grades 9-12
.50 credit per semester, class meets daily
TI-86 or TI 83+ calculator required

This is an introductory course covering such topics as classical mechanics, acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.  Students conduct experiments, demonstrations, presentations, and group activities to better understand the physical laws governing our world and in many cases will rediscover those laws. Computers and online work are key features of this course.

Text:
Giancoli, Physics 6th edition