Science

How does the human body work? In this course, we will explore the organs, the muscles, and the bones of the body, discovering how they work together to create us. The physiological function of each organ will be explained and the phenomenon of the "fight and flight" response will reveal how the organs work together. We will learn how muscles and bones create movement. We will discuss the errors of organ function that create many disease states. The students will grow in understanding of the machinery and mystery of life.
Prerequisite: Chemistry

How does the human body work? In this course, we will explore the organs, the muscles, and the bones of the body, discovering how they work together to create us. The physiological function of each organ will be explained and the phenomenon of the "fight and flight" response will reveal how the organs work together. We will learn how muscles and bones create movement. We will discuss the errors of organ function that create many disease states. The students will grow in understanding of the machinery and mystery of life. Honors students will complete a detailed case study every two weeks, exploring specific disorders and diseases. Extensive research will be completed towards diagnosing and understanding both the anatomy of the area and possible treatments for various illnesses.

Given the speed with which scientific discoveries and research continuously expand scientific knowledge, many advanced biology curricula are faced with the challenge of balancing the breadth of content coverage with depth of understanding. The revised AP® Biology course addresses this challenge by shifting from a traditional “content coverage” model of instruction to one that focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings and the content that supports them. This approach will enable students to spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-based learning of essential concepts and will help them develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout their study of AP Biology. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through hands-on investigations as they explore topics including evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.  All students are required to take the AP examination, contingent on a pre-examination test in the spring.
Prerequisites: Honors work in Biology and Chemistry
*Department permission required.

AP Chemistry is intended for students who wish to expand their knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry. It is a college ­level course; much of the work is mathematical or theoretical; the pace is fast. This course reviews the introductory concepts of atomic theory and chemical bonding and how these relate to states of matter. Students then study the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical equilibrium. Also studied are electrochemistry, the chemistry of the transition metals, the nontransition metals, and non­metals. Introductions to nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry are included.  All students are required to take the AP examination, contingent on a pre-examination test in the spring.
Prerequisites: Honors work in Chemistry and Algebra 2
*Department permission required.

This full-year course will cover topics including Earth systems, ecology, populations, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. Students, in accordance with the College Board AP Standards, will be expected to "understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them." Students will learn through a variety of methods, including laboratory and field investigations, lectures, and discussions. They may be expected to analyze case studies and do independent research as well. Students will also work from a textbook, Environmental Science for AP, by Friedland and Relyea, in addition to supplemental handouts. Open to juniors and seniors. All students are required to take the AP examination, contingent on a pre-examination test in the spring.
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and currently taking at least Algebra II.

Topics for Astronomy will include the following:  the history and evolution of the science of astronomy, our solar system, the stars, and other galaxies.  Astronomy will consider theories as to the origin, nature, and destination of the universe. This course is descriptive but will use numbers and some algebra to develop an intuition for the sizes involved.

Biology, Biology C, or Biology Honors must be completed by the end of the sophomore year. Older students new to Hamden Hall who have not yet completed a comparable course will also be required to take Biology 9 or Honors Biology.  The course aims to heighten students’ awareness of the natural world around them, to teach students the scientific method through experimentation, to help them acquire factual information about biology today, and to help develop their ability to question and reason critically. They gain an appreciation for both the history and the frontiers of science. Topics usually include ecology, microscopy, cell chemistry, structure and function and cell division, taxonomy and survey of the major kingdoms, and organismal biology.

For Honors Biology the emphasis is less ecological and more molecular in approach than in regular Biology. Principles of biochemistry are woven into the topics of discussion, which are also covered in greater depth and breadth. Honors Biology includes but is not limited to topics of evolutionary biology, population and community ecology, cellular structure, function, metabolism, and heredity.
*Department permission required.

Chemistry is intended for students who have a strong interest and demonstrated ability in science and math. The major concepts of the course are how the atomic theory has evolved to explain the properties of matter, the behavior of elements and compounds, chemical changes, and bonding descriptions. Other topics include the mathematical and theoretical treatments of the gas laws, the mole, stoichiometry solutions, and introduction to acids/bases. These concepts are reinforced by student conducted experiments, instructor led demonstrations, and the use of models to illustrate theoretical concepts. Students are expected to apply vocabulary to theoretical arguments and algebraic relationships. Although challenging, students who are dedicated to their daily responsibilities and meet the prerequisite requirements have success in this course.
Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra I

Honors Chemistry is intended for ambitious students with high interest and ability in science and math. The modern atomic model is presented as an explanation of the periodic behavior of the elements and their bonding in compounds. In addition, students discover through experiment the chemical concepts of stoichiometry, thermochemistry, kinetics, and acids and bases. The pace of learning is quick, and quantitative methods are used extensively. Thus, high achievement in both mathematics and prior science courses are prerequisites for Honors Chemistry, and Honors Chemistry is a prerequisite for AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
*Department permission required.

Ecological Science is the study of how each part of the physical world has a role in a balanced environment. Recently, the decline in biodiversity, and hence the risk to future generations, has had to be added to those studies. This course frames these risks and asks, “What are we going to do about it?” The curriculum includes the following units: Climate, Aquatic Environment, Terrestrial Environment, Adaptation and Natural Selection, Populations, Community Ecology, Biodiversity, and Sustainability. The second semester will include an independent study project, with weekly written progress submissions and regular individual meetings with the teacher. These projects will reflect the student’s grasp of the year’s work as well as give them an opportunity to express their views concerning what needs to be done to maintain a sustainable world.

The goal of this course is to expose students to the application of scientific methods in a high interest and rapidly evolving field. This involves how forensic science is utilized within the justice system. This multidisciplinary subject incorporates Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Philosophy and Civil Law. Major objectives will focus on analysis of scientific data and synthesis of scientific argument. Skills students develop include making observations of a crime scene, collecting evidence, analyzing a wide variety of evidence, and working to develop persuasive arguments. Types of evidence discussed include hair, fibers, fingerprints, DNA, blood, handwriting, toxicology, and skeletal remains. Students will be expected to apply scientific skills discussed within the classroom to laboratory exercises and true crime case studies. 
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Heredity is the science that investigates the transmission of traits from one genera­tion to the next. In this course, we will examine this inheritance on the level of the organism, cell, and molecule. This will include in-­class investigations, case studies, and quantitative data analyses. We will look at practical applications of genetics in the fields of medi­cine and agriculture. We will end with a look at the social, legal and ethical repercussions of DNA biotechnology shaping society today and in the future.  Students recommended for Honors level work in Genetics will be expected to complete additional, higher-level reading, writing, or analysis assignments on a weekly basis.
Prerequisite: Chemistry

Heredity is the science that investigates the transmission of traits from one genera­tion to the next. In this course, we will examine this inheritance on the level of the organism, cell, and molecule. This will include in-­class investigations, case studies, and quantitative data analyses. We will look at practical applications of genetics in the fields of medi­cine and agriculture. We will end with a look at the social, legal and ethical repercussions of DNA biotechnology shaping society today and in the future.  Students recommended for Honors level work in Genetics will be expected to complete additional, higher-level reading, writing, or analysis assignments on a weekly basis.
Prerequisite: Chemistry

Open to grades 10–11.

This semester course may be taken on its own or as a predecessor to Vertebrate Zoology.  Invertebrate Zoology will introduce students to the phylogenetic relationships between and distinctive features of invertebrate phyla, including poriferans, cnidarians, platyhelminthes, nematodes, molluscs, annelids, arthropods, and echinoderms.  Important concepts in invertebrate body plans will be explored, including symmetry, cephalization, body cavity, gut formation, and segmentation. Biological processes of invertebrates including locomotion, body support, reproduction, embryonic development, feeding, digestion, osmoregulation, excretion, circulation, respiration, sensory function, and behavior will be addressed as well. Frequent laboratory exercises, including traditional dissection, studies of development, and behavioral observations, will be integral to the learning experience. Short and long-term projects, laboratory exercises, homework, quizzes, and tests provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of complex biological concepts. 

Meteorology is an interdisciplinary study that recognizes the earth as being a global system made up of the four closely related subsystems of air (atmosphere), earth (geosphere), water (hydrosphere), and life (biosphere). In Meteorology, students study fundamental concepts such as energy transfer and its effects on land, water, and the atmosphere. These topics are used to investigate seasons, weather, climate, and human impact upon these systems.  Students learn to make and analyze weather maps and create accurate forecasts using current weather data while also building and testing their own weather analysis instruments. Explorations are descriptive rather than mathematical. 

This semester course may be taken on its own or following the completion of Invertebrate Zoology.  Students will study the distinctive features of the vertebrate taxa of Phylum Chordata. The course will focus on the discussion of basic life processes of vertebrates, including body support, mechanisms of homeostasis, circulation, gas exchange, reproduction, development, feeding, digestion, osmoregulation, excretion, sensory processes, and behavior. The evolutionary history of vertebrates will be explored, both among the vertebrate taxa as well as between vertebrates and their invertebrate precursors. Form and function of the vertebrate body plan will be explored with regard to selective pressures that have influenced the evolution of a variety of body forms and structures in this important animal group. Dissection of preserved specimens will be carried out frequently, allowing the study of anatomical structures common to and varying between classes of vertebrates. Short and long-term projects, laboratory exercises, homework, quizzes, and tests provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of complex biological concepts.