Science Department
Students are required to take a total of 7 credits in science and mathematics in a 4/3 combination of their choice. Most freshmen take Foundations of Science. Freshmen who have had a sufficient background in the physical sciences from their middle school, have been identified by their middle school teacher as being accelerated, are enrolled in Honors Geometry, and have passed a science placement test may be eligible to enter directly into College Preparatory Biology. Sophomores may take College Preparatory Biology or Biology; juniors may take College Preparatory Chemistry, Chemistry, or Environmental Geology. In their senior year, students who wish to take a science class for their required fourth course may choose from any of the courses listed below. All science courses at Burr and Burton are lab-based, academic, and require tests, projects and written assignments. Placement in the proper course is determined by the School and College Counseling Office on the basis of reading ability and level of interest.
The goals of the Science Department include the following:
1. To promote a sense of wonder about the natural world.
2. To promote a sense of stewardship and understanding towards the self and the environment.
3. To show an ability and appreciation for making responsible decisions based on information.
FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE
1 credit Level 2
Freshmen
This first-year, lab-based science course focuses on the conceptual nature of physical science. Mathematics is used to reinforce conceptual understanding and to provide an understanding of the integration of science and math. By focusing on concepts and how they relate to each other and to the everyday world, students come to appreciate and understand the scientific principles that govern the physical world. The course explores topics such as linear motion, Newton’s Laws, energy, waves (sound and light), and electricity. Text: Paul Hewitt: Conceptual Physics (Addison Wesley 2006).
BIOLOGY
1 credit Level 2
Sophomores
A less comprehensive version of College Preparatory Biology, this course is designed for students who need an introduction to major biological concepts. Content focuses on living things; classification; the five kingdoms; structures and functions of animal systems; plants; ways that living beings reproduce, develop, change, and inherit traits; human biology; and the relationships between living and nonliving things in the environment. This is a laboratory course designed to meet college entrance requirements. Text: Biology: An Everyday Experience (Glencoe 1999).
COLLEGE PREPARATORY BIOLOGY
1 credit Level 2
This is a laboratory course designed to meet college entrance requirements, and prepares students for Advanced Placement Biology in senior year. Topics include introductory processes and the cell, heredity and evolution, biodiversity using a systems approach with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory investigations are correlated to the National Science Education Standards and include inquiry-based labs and independent research. Text: Biology: Living Systems.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of B- or better in Foundations of Science or the approval of the instructor.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
1.5 credits Level 1
Seniors
The course is based upon the Advanced Placement curriculum, and designed to meet the objective of introductory laboratory biology courses at the college level. The aim of the course, therefore, is to achieve the following:
1. Knowledge of the facts, principles and processes of biology.
2. Understanding of the means by which biological information is collected, how it is interpreted, and how one formulates hypotheses from available data and makes further predictions.
3. Understanding of the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.
The course is divided into three broad areas:
1. Molecular and Cellular Biology
2. Organismal and Population Biology
3. Heredity and Evolution
Students are required to take the AP Biology examination in May and are responsible for the AP fee of $88. Laboratory fee: $50. Text: Biology (Arms and Camp) or Biology (Campbell).
PREREQUISITES: Grade of B- or better in CP Chemistry and CP Biology and/or permission of the instructor.
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
1 credit Level 3
This course is a hands-on class that emphasizes the real world applications of chemistry. The course presents the structure needed for students to be able to apply chemistry knowledge to everyday situations. There is a broad range of topics, based on household and consumer products. The focus is on practical uses of chemistry, rather than the theoretical approach of a traditional chemistry course. There is a significant laboratory portion of this course.
CHEMISTRY
1 credit Level 2
This course provides a basic understanding of the science of chemistry. Topics covered include the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical formulas, chemical equations, and nuclear chemistry. Less emphasis is placed on the mathematical aspects than in College Preparatory Chemistry. The focus is on understanding basic principles of chemistry and their practical uses. This course includes significant laboratory work and is designed to meet college entrance requirements for most institutions.
PREREQUISITE: A grade of C- or better in Biology or CP Biology and CP Algebra I. Intermediate Algebra or CP Algebra II is suggested.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY CHEMISTRY
1 credit Level 2
This introductory course is designed for college preparatory students. It presents basic, classical chemistry with emphasis on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of the science. Areas covered include atomic structure, bonding principles, the periodic table, chemical formulas, moles and mole theory, equations and stoichiometry, the gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, acid/base theory, and organic and nuclear chemistry. This is a laboratory science. Text: Modern Chemistry (Holt).
PREREQUISITE: CP Algebra I and CP Algebra II recommended and a grade of B- or better in College Preparatory Biology, or the recommendation of the instructor.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (Spring semester only)
1 credit Level 1.5
This introductory, lab-based course is designed for students with a strong interest in the sciences. It presents all basic, classical chemistry with an emphasis on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of the science in a manner similar to College Preparatory Chemistry, though the pace of this class is faster and the amount of independent work is higher. Students who successfully complete this class will be prepared to take the SAT II test in chemistry. Areas covered include atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding principles, chemical formulas, moles and mole theory, equations and stoichiometry, the gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, acid/base theory, oxidation and reduction, electrochemistry, and organic and nuclear chemistry. Text: Modern Chemistry (Holt).
PREREQUISITES: Students should have demonstrated excellent work in previous math and science courses and have a high level of interest in these areas. It is suggested for A level students in CP Biology, with at least a B+ in Honors Geometry, or A level students in CP Algebra I. Any student interested in enrolling in this course must have the recommendation of his/her current math teacher and the head of the Science Department.
CLASSICAL PHYSICS (Formerly called Physics I)
1 credit Level 2
This is one of two algebra-based physics classes offered to junior and seniors. In Classical Physics, students are introduced to the laws that govern matter, energy, space and time and learn how to apply those laws in various types of problems. The topics covered include motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation, momentum, energy, waves, sound, light, and optics. The class includes a laboratory component comparable to other upper level science courses.
PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed Algebra II. It is suggested that students have completed or be enrolled in Pre-Calculus.
ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, AND MODERN PHYSICS (Formerly called Physics II)
1 credit Level 2
This is one of two algebra-based physics classes offered to juniors and seniors. The focus is primarily on modern physics, the surprising discoveries of the past 100 years, and electricity and magnetism. Topics covered include fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, and particle physics. The class includes a laboratory component comparable to other upper level science courses. Successful completion of both Classical Physics and Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics prepares a student for the SAT II test in physics.
PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed Algebra II. It is suggested that students have completed or be enrolled in Pre-Calculus.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
1 credit Level 2
Juniors, Seniors
A college-preparatory science course, the purpose of this class is to study, investigate, and analyze environmental crises at local, state, national and international levels. The issue of environmental preservation versus expenditure is discussed throughout the course. This is a field-oriented laboratory course and students are required to complete a field research project. Test/quizzes, homework, laboratory work and projects are used to assess the progress of students in this class. Text: Environmental Science (Holt, Rinehart, Winston). Additional reading: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology.
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY OF THE FORESTED LANDSCAPE
1 credit Level 2 (Fall semester only)
This outdoor course examines the ecological dynamics of Vermont’s plant communities. We study the impact of topography, substrate, and successional history on community development and composition. Students develop skills needed to “read the landscape.” Basic plant community sampling techniques are introduced as a means to quantify composition and structure. Students should expect to spend most of their class time outside in the woods surrounding campus.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP Biology.
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
1 credit Level 3
Juniors, Seniors
Wildlife Ecology and Management, an introductory course that draws on many disciplines, is intended to provide students with a broad introduction to the art and science of natural resource management. Students are expected to understand the evolution of the profession: who the major players were and are; what laws and treaties are important; what agencies are involved in natural resource management; what policies and attitudes are prevalent in today’s society toward wildlife management; and how cultural, social, and economic factors influence the decision-making process. The course enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are expected to develop an understanding of the ecological basis for management; the underlying principles and concepts of wildlife ecology, population ecology, animal behavior; and how management of habitat components, predators, harvest, and economics are used to manipulate populations. Students are expected to be knowledgeable of concepts in the field of conservation biology and strategies to conserve biological diversity. Fieldwork, critiques, and multiple research projects are required.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
1 credit Level 3
Forensic Science is a one-semester introductory class for students who have completed or are currently taking Chemistry and Biology. This course uses an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on practical real-life connections. Forensic Science is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It involves all areas of science, including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science, with an emphasis on reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, mathematics, social sciences and criminology. There is a required fieldwork component to this course. Tests/quizzes, homework, laboratory work and projects assess the progress of students in this class.
GEOLOGY: NATURAL HAZARDS
1 credit Level 3
This course is a survey of earth sciences through an examination of natural hazards, including causes and effects of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, climate change, and impacts of extraterrestrial objects. Discussion focuses on personal and societal adjustments to these hazards. As the world’s population grows and expands, humans are encountering natural hazards more frequently, and are contributing to a rapid change in the world’s climate. Educated consumers, voters, and decision-makers need to understand the scope and impact of these changes and the limitations that science and technology have in reducing their negative effects. Studying natural hazards provides a valuable perspective for this understanding. Tests/quizzes, homework, laboratory work and
projects are used to assess the progress of students in this class. Text: Keller, Edward A., and Blodgett, Robert H.: Natural Hazards: Earth’s processes as hazards, disasters, and catastrophies (2006).
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology.
EXPLORATIONS IN ENGINEERING
1 credit Level 3
Juniors and Seniors
This course is designed to introduce students to various fields of engineering and engineering design. As they engage in projects, which may range from designing and building bridges to drawing schematics and building electric circuits, students learn the process of engineering design. A goal of the course is also to compete in national science competitions such as the First Robotics Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search.
