2025-26 Course Descriptions - Catalog - Page 19
CHEMISTRY
When you bake bread, various chemical reactions
take place, producing gas to make a 昀氀uffy dough,
new 昀氀avors to create the taste, and a nice crust
for texture. The world around us is full of chemistry,
and this course is designed to help us discover
this through the scienti昀椀c method. Throughout
the year, students will learn about the subatomic
behaviors of atoms and molecules through the lens
of both food science and environmental science.
Some concepts applied through those lenses
include atomic and molecular structure, chemical
reactions, and solutions. There is a strong focus on
lab-based inquiry work, as well as application to
everyday phenomena. Some example projects and
labs may include analyzing unknown food dyes
in Kool-Aid, synthesizing biodiesel, determining
ingredient reaction ratios in baking, as well as a
昀椀nal project in which students analyze solutions
to a health or environmental issue of their choice
using chemistry concepts. Throughout the course,
students develop experimental techniques and
hone their analytical writing skills. Students also
exercise math and problem-solving skills to explore
and discover these chemical concepts.
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra I
Note: Prior completion of Geometry is
recommended, but not required, due to the level of
mathematical reasoning required.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
How do our consumer decisions impact the
planet and our health? How can our research help
determine the most energy ef昀椀cient and sustainable
solutions to the world’s biggest problems? The
current generation of high school students is keenly
aware that climate change and resource depletion
will impact their future and want the tools to develop
real solutions. This multidisciplinary, applied science
course seeks to understand the natural world
through the study of ecology, energy resources and
consumption, and the patterns and trends of local
water quality and global atmospheric pollution. It
draws on concepts from pure and social sciences,
including but not limited to chemistry, biology,
ecology, earth science, public policy, economics,
international health, energy dependence, and
urban planning. Field students practice and
apply scienti昀椀c skills by planning and carrying
out investigations; researching and organizing
both qualitative and quantitative information and
communicating and presenting results. Students
read technical and non-technical sources to
prepare evidence-based arguments that support
the development of sustainable solutions. Partnering
with local organizations, government agencies and
businesses, we apply concepts and skills to address
real-world questions such as how to best design
solar homes, whether a plant-based diet lowers
a personal carbon footprint or what are the most
effective ways individuals can reduce their climate
impact.
Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra I
Curriculum Guide | 19
