Science at Nichols is designed to acquaint and encourage students to emulate the process of science; to examine natural laws, matter, ecology, energy, and the structure of the world around us; to acquire the tools of scientific inquiry; and to consider the relationship between science and society. The use of technology is an important part of the science curriculum. The department sections students by ability in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Grade 9: Physics
As the foundation of all other branches of science, it is our belief that a firm understanding of the natural laws that govern the universe is essential to further study in science. This is a conceptual course that allows students to understand the principles that govern the phenomena they witness in their everyday lives. The process of science is emphasized through laboratory work as each student will develop the tools to use technology for data collection and analysis.
Grade 10: Chemistry
Chemistry is a broad science. An understanding of chemistry is important in understanding other fields of science and touches on virtually every aspect of life. Chemistry is a course that explains basic chemical principles involving the study of matter: states of matter; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction reactions; kinetics and thermodynamics; and organic and biochemistry. This course prepares the student for advanced study in chemistry as well as lays the groundwork for an understanding of chemical principles that are especially applicable to the study of biology, the third course in the science sequence at Nichols. Physics is a prerequisite for Chemistry.
Grade 11: Biology
The main topics covered in Biology are: i) Molecular and Cellular Biology, ii) Genetics, iii) Ecology, and iv) Animal Structure and Function with an emphasis on Human Systems. Laboratory exercises are designed to demonstrate the principles discussed in class. Additionally, labs provide the students with an opportunity to develop laboratory skills and to learn the use/application of scientific instruments. Chemistry is a prerequisite for Biology.
AP Biology
This course follows the AP Biology curriculum. There are three major areas of study. In molecular and cellular biology, students study the chemical basis of biology, cell structure and function, enzymes, and energy transformations. In heredity and evolution, topics include basic heredity, molecular genetics and evolutionary biology. The organisms and populations unit includes species diversity, structure and function of plants and animals, and ecosystem structure and function. Laboratory work is an essential part of the course. The AP exam is a requirement of the course. Chemistry is a prerequisite. Permission of the department is required.
Grade 12: Physics II
This course is a review and continuation of the freshman physics course. It is the goal of this course to insure that students wishing to continue in the sciences, engineering or medicine have a complete and competitive background in physics that will provide them with the background necessary for their success at the college level. Laboratory work reinforces the topics discussed in the lecture. The emphasis will be on topics not covered in the freshman course. This course is open to students with a strong background in math.
AP Physics C
This course involves a rigorous mathematical approach to physics using a comprehensive college-level text. The content of the course follows the AP Physics C syllabus which is a calculus based engineering program consisting of one semester of mechanics and one semester of electricity and magnetism. The AP exam treats each semester separately. Students should feel well prepared for the mechanics exam and may elect to take the E&M exam as well although extra preparation would be required on their part. Concurrent registration in AP Calculus BC is required. The AP exam is a requirement of the course. In rare cases, the department chair may also admit students registered for AP Calculus AB.
AP Chemistry
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed one full year of chemistry and who have demonstrated excellent ability in the area of mathematics. It is the equivalent of a college freshman chemistry course. This course provides preparation for the advanced placement chemistry exam and for further scientific study at the college level. Laboratory work is a vital part of AP Chemistry. The AP exam is a requirement of the course. Permission of the department is required.
Anatomy and Physiology
Complete with clinical case studies and dissections, human anatomy and physiology examines both the structure and function of the human organ systems. The anatomy section of the course is interwoven with the physiology section so that the structure of body parts is related to the function of the body parts. Emphasizing relevance, each organ system is introduced with a clinical case study pertaining to a pathology of the system. Through lecture and laboratory work, the course will explore the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system and the renal system. Completion of the science graduation requirement is a prerequisite for this course.
Environmental Studies
This is an ecologically based course of study, although interdisciplinary topics from economics to ethics are considered. The course objective is to provide the students with a general understanding of how human activities affect the environment. Questions such as: Are we living sustainably? Should we, as a society, being moving towards renewable energy sources? What are the current state of our natural resources?, are considered from a variety of perspectives. Those students who struggle with these questions inevitably gain a heightened sense of awareness both of human nature and of the relationship between people and the environment. Lecture will be supported by laboratory work, student projects, and field studies. Completion of the science graduation requirement is a prerequisite for this course.
Geology
The study of the Earth's processes will offer students the opportunity to apply the principles of science learned in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to our planet. The scientific principles of seismic waves will aid the student in determining the Earth's internal composition, while fossil studies will lead to conclusions about geologic time and past earth environments. Theories on plate tectonics, geomorphology, and geologic hazards are other topics of study. Lecture will be supported by laboratory work, student projects, and field studies. Completion of the science graduation requirement is a prerequisite for this course.