Science

In the fall term biology concentrates on the topics of cell biology and human physiology as an introduction to the fundamentals of the subject. All the systems of the body are discussed and explored, including a detailed section on the brain and nervous system. In the winter term, the focus is on genetics, looking into the workings of DNA and genes, and discussing current issues in genetic technology. In the spring, the main topic is evolution, looked at through the lens of the unique organisms that have evolved in island environments, such as the hotspots of the Galapagos, Hawaii, and Indonesia. All three terms involve weekly labs and several research papers. The spring term includes an independent research project as well, the results of which are presented at the Spring Arts Weekend. Buxton’s extensive campus and greenhouse provide excellent opportunities for many of these labs and projects.

This college-preparatory laboratory science is primarily for juniors and seniors. Topics covered include atomic theory, phase changes, origins and significance of the periodic chart, quantum mechanics, chemical reactions, acid-base relationships, oxidation-reduction principles, and an expanded section on organic chemistry. Whenever possible, discussions are geared to helping students gain an understanding of the principles and mechanics of natural phenomena as well as modern technological advances. The laboratory portion of the course has been designed to illustrate chemical principles and to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of the students. This is accomplished by starting with simple questions about chemistry and requiring students to develop the procedure for each laboratory experiment that they perform. As students develop their methods and become familiar with the lab, the questions become progressively more challenging.

This course is designed to prepare students for college-level physics as well as to let them learn and work with the laws of the world around them. The fall term focuses on the fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics, work, pressure and energy. The winter expands the study of motion into centripetal and rotational analysis. The spring term moves on to the properties of waves, including sound, light and optics and concludes with a survey of modern physics: electro-magnetics, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Weekly labs allow students to make direct connections between theory and practice and to develop experimental procedures. Students also complete several independent or joint projects throughout the year with emphasis on exploration and design; the projects may be presented during Spring Arts Weekend. Due to the importance of mathematical descriptions in the course, Algebra II is a prerequisite for physics.

This elective course is made up of two semester-long sections that can be taken either independently or sequentially. Class work includes weekly individual readings of current articles followed by presentations to the rest of the group. This seminar style class requires that everyone be extremely responsible about meeting their individual work expectations. There are several papers assigned throughout the year, usually two in the fall, one in the winter, and two in the spring term. The class will involve some hands-on labs, regular (almost-weekly) evening documentary watching, and then more extensive field work during a trip to Cape Cod in the spring.

FALL: Oceanography-The fall semester will look at the ocean in depth, using all the various fields of science, from the chemistry of ocean water to the physics of waves. We will discuss the coasts, along with tides, waves, and tsunamis. We will talk about the open ocean along with currents and El Nino weather. We’ll delve into the structures of the ocean basins: the geology of the ocean floor, undersea volcanos and deep sea vents, and the edges of the sea. Along the way we will talk about the variety of ecosystems and environments in the ocean: the deep sea, the polar seas, rocky- and sandy- shores, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and the surface of the ocean itself.

WINTER/SPRING: Marine Biology-In January the course will move into a survey of marine organisms, looking particularly at the adaptations that creatures make for life in the oceans. It will start with the very small – the viruses and bacteria present in the seas, and move on through the invertebrates to the marine vertebrates – fish, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. We will focus on animal adaptations and behaviors, and end with a special concentration on the cetaceans (whales and dolphins). Along the way many of the topics will address various environmental issues and discuss human use and development of the ocean’s resources.