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Science
 The science curriculum has two main objectives: first, to promote and sustain natural curiosity in the many areas of science to which a student is exposed in his daily life, and second, to develop, in both the classroom and the laboratory, the student's ability to explore, discover, and investigate some of the fundamental truths of nature.
Demonstrations and as much laboratory work as possible provide the foundation of the science courses in the belief that this method of teaching affords the student ample opportunity to formulate questions based on things he has experienced and observed. Further, student interest and motivation are considerably higher when this approach is followed. Expanding on this practice with reading and discussions, students gain a better appreciation of science as well as an awareness of its limitations.
Students with a keen interest and good background in science are encouraged to enroll in biology in the ninth grade, thus allowing them to participate in the Departmental Honors program. The department also offers geology and environmental science for those who wish to study non-mathematical sciences.
The department's aim is to give breadth and strength to a student's background so that he may be better able to choose an area of specialization in college and beyond. If a student concludes his formal study of science at Avon, he will still find himself informed to understand and appreciate the requirements of living in a science-oriented society.
Select a course below for a detailed description....
Physical Science
This is an introductory science course intended for ninth and tenth grade students. This class introduces the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Upon completion of this course, a working knowledge of these concepts is expected as well as the ability to apply concepts in the problem solving process. The course is designed to help the students develop solid problem solving skills that they can use in the more advanced science courses. The course also has a laboratory aspect to help students gain a better understanding of the course concepts. Experiments are performed once a week. The students are required to collect data, analyze the data, and submit a well-organized and written lab report in the form of a Word document. The use of computer programs to aid in the analysis and presentation of the data is explained and encouraged.
Biology
This course introduces students to an intensive study of the living world by examining biological systems. The emphasis is on the structures and functions of the components that comprise a biological system. The students are taught how to approach science in a systematic manner as a way of better understanding the world they live in. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory experiments, both in the classroom and in the field or woodland environment of our school. Every effort is made to teach the students the need of careful observations, experimentation, and comprehensive data analysis using technology.
Biology Honors
This is an intensive study of biology for the scholarly ninth and tenth grade students. It is a more thorough and faster pace treatment of the general biology curriculum emphasizing independent reading and laboratory investigations. Students will acquire a firm foundation in the general principles of biology and can proceed to other honors and advanced placement science classes.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. The goals of this course are for students to develop an understanding of the basic principles of inorganic and organic molecules and their reactions, both physical and chemical, and to acquire an appreciation of science as a process of questions and answers. Factor labeling or dimensional analysis is introduced as the method of choice for problem solving. Laboratory experiments are intended to familiarize students with the scientific method and the use of computer programs in data recording and analysis as well as presentation in reports.
Chemistry Honors
Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. The goals of this course are for students to develop an understanding of the basic principles of inorganic and organic molecules and their reactions, both physical and chemical, and to acquire an appreciation of science as a process of questions and answers. Factor labeling or dimensional analysis is introduced as the method of choice for problem solving. Laboratory experiments are intended to familiarize students with the scientific method and the use of computer programs in data recording and analysis as well as presentation in reports.
Physics
 This course is designed with the premise that the study of physics and its application to everyday life are vital to all students. Concepts involving mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light and sound are developed in a unified and logical sequence. The course shows how physics is related to the other sciences and includes some aspects of the history and philosophy of science. Laboratory exercises are completed about once a week and demonstrate the law and concepts under current investigation. Students are required to collect and analyze date and draw conclusions based upon their findings.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science immerses upperclassmen in the complexity of today’s global environmental issues. Concepts and vocabulary from the natural, physical, and social sciences are integrated in the study of critical systems that support life on the planet and man-made threats to those systems. The course is structured to develop students’ scientific literacy and capacity for critical, informed thinking through an examination of scientific methods and through the assimilation of scientific information. Laboratory exercises are conducted on the Avon Old Farms School property and include an ecological stream study.
Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth: its structure, materials and history. This course is designed for the non-science oriented but inquisitive junior or senior and is focused on the nature and development of the Earth with time. Observation and identification of common minerals, rocks and geologic structures are stressed in lectures, in-class laboratory exercises as well as local field experiments. Scientific reasoning learned in earlier science classes is applied to the investigations of geologic phenomena. The overall goal of this course is to provide students with hands on learning and to experience writing about science, especially their biosphere.
Forensic Science
The Forensic Science course is a junior and senior level elective which provides an overview of frequently used laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and strategies used by forensic scientists when collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Topics will range from crime scene evaluation to collection and analyses of specific types of evidence. This course includes numerous hands on laboratory activities. Although a science course, the nature of this class is multidisciplinary in mature, touching on the study of actual court trials and the legal system while also exploring forensics in fiction and mass media.
Forensic Science Honors
The Honors Forensic Science course is a junior and senior level elective which provides an overview of frequently used laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and strategies used by forensic scientists when collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Students will be expected to perform experiments ranging from traditional in nature to open – ended problem solving to virtual and computer based labs. As an Honors level course, well organized lab reports focusing on analysis and a conclusion based on experimental data will frequently be required. Students will be expected to work more independently, at a faster pace, and to make greater use of technology than is expected in the regular level Forensic Science class. Pre-requisites for the course are biology, chemistry, and physics.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a senior and postgraduate elective and will be a laboratory based course investigating real- world situations related to concepts learned in biology, chemistry and environmental sciences. Detailed overviews and background information including theories and molecular biology techniques will be presented in class lectures; however, the emphasis will be hands- on experiments. Topics explored include molecular and cellular biology, genomics, genetics, immunology and proteomics. Each laboratory will culminate with an organized and well-written lab report or power point class presentation. Prerequisites for this course are biology and chemistry courses [environmental science would be helpful] and the recommendation of the Academic Dean and Science Department Chair.
Advanced Placement Biology
This course outline is equivalent to a college-level course taken by biology majors during their first year of study. It follows the recommendations of the Advanced Placement Board so that students are prepared to take the May Advanced Placement exam. Lectures concentrate on molecular and cellular biology; heredity, genetics and biotechnology; evolution and diversity; and lastly, organisms and populations. Descriptive and experimental exercises are offered so students supplement their learning by observing; comprehend ideas by analyzing data and making conclusions; and more importantly, develop laboratory skills. First-year courses in biology, chemistry and physics as well as the recommendation of the academic dean and science department chair are prerequisites.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
This rigorous course prepares students for the AP Chemistry exam through an exploration of topics covered in a traditional first semester college course. The class meticulously covers the entire AP syllabus as prescribed and assessments mirror the form and content of the AP exam to better prepare students. Extensive lab work is required, and labs serve as an integral part of the topics covered during the course. The topics covered will include matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, descriptive chemistry, equilibrium chemistry, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, and quantum mechanics. Prerequisites include a strong mathematics background (Algebra II Honors or higher), chemistry and biology courses, and recommendation of the Academic Dean and Science Department Chair.
Advanced Placement Physics B
This is a course for students who have excelled in chemistry and have a strong math background. Note this class is non- calculus based. Many of these topics covered are the same as the standard class but are in more detail and at a faster pace. Students will be more involved in the problem-solving process. Students intending to take Advanced Placement Physics C should choose this course instead of standard physics. Prerequisites include a strong mathematics background, chemistry and biology courses, and recommendation of the Academic Dean and Science Department Chair.
Advanced Placement Physics C
This physics course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Physics examination in May. It follows the “C’ syllabus for mechanics published by the College Entrance Examination Board utilizing the textbook “Physics for Scientists and Engineers” by Serway. It is an intensive one-year course requiring the use of calculus. First year courses in biology, chemistry and physics as well as the recommendation of the academic dean and science department chair are prerequisites.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a rigorous course that immerses upperclassmen in the complexity of today’s global environmental issues. Concepts and vocabulary from the natural, physical, and social sciences are integrated in the study of critical systems that support life on the planet and anthropogenic threats to those systems. Preparation for the Advanced Placement exam is the primary intent of the course, but the course also aims to further develop students’ scientific literacy and their capacity for critical, informed thinking. The course moves very quickly through a score of major topics, so students must be capable of learning a significant portion of the material through reading assignments and exercises. Laboratory exercises are conducted on the Avon Old Farms School property and include an ecological stream study. Prerequisites include chemistry and biology courses, and the recommendation of the academic dean and science department chair.
Please Note: The Advanced Placement offerings are dependent upon student interest.
Some Advanced Placement classes may not be offered if the enrollment is not high enough. |
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