Upper School Curriculum Guide

 

The Science Department promotes an understanding of the methods and significance of science in contemporary society, a broad and basic knowledge of scientific principles, the ability to experiment meaningfully in an unfamiliar situation, and a curiosity toward the wonders of the natural sciences.

In recognition of the fact that the world is our laboratory, fieldwork and field trips are an integral part of many course offerings. Such trips may include Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Rye Nature Center, the Marshlands Conservancy, and trips on Long Island Sound under the guidance of experienced marine biologists.

RCDS science department faculty encourage and help qualified students pursue projects and study outside the classroom. In the past, students have worked and/or done substantive scientific research at such places as the Harvard Astronomical Observatory, the Albert Einstein Hospital in New York City, the biochemistry laboratory at Harvard University, and Yale University. Qualified students have participated in the Columbia University Science Honors Program for high school students and entered the various Science Talent programs and competitions.

Although only three years of science are required—with a minimum of one Physical Science and one Life Science—four years of science are strongly recommended for a solid college preparatory background.

AP Course Offerings & Information

The Science Department offers the following AP Courses:

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics C
• AP Biology with Environmental Data Analysis

Please see the course descriptions for more information on curriculum and content covered in the course to prepare for the relevant AP Exam. Note that students are not required to sit for the AP Exam for the course.

AP Course Workload Expectations: AP Courses are designed to model a college-level equivalent course and students are expected to balance a higher workload. Students in AP courses are expected to spend an average of 30-45 minutes per class meeting on homework and regular study per course. Additional assignments and expectations for AP science courses may include (but are not limited to): laboratory assignments and reports, reading and reviewing scientific articles, and/or research projects and presentations. Such assignments will be given clear deadlines ranging from a couple of class days to several weeks, at the discretion of the instructor.

Departmental Policy Regarding Entry Into Honors/AP Courses

Honors and AP courses in the Science Department have significantly higher expectations of students to independently manage their time to complete their work in a timely manner and adequately prepare for assessments, projects, and/or presentations. Placement into an Honors or AP Course in the Science Department requires approval by the department chair and/or the course instructor. In addition to meeting the pre-requisite requirements for a course, multiple factors are considered before approving initial placement in an Honors or AP course, including (but not limited to): transcript grades, teacher recommendations, and/or placement tests.

Honors, Advanced, and AP Course Placement Guidelines

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cOURSE	PRE-REQUISITE COURSE(S)	placement criteria
Honors Biology	None	Holistic review of 8th-grade academic performance, including (but not limited to): Recommendation from 8th-grade science teacher Standardized test scores (ISEE, SSAT, Regents, etc.) Academic transcripts
Honors Chemistry	Biology or Honors Biology & Algebra 2*	Grade of A in Honors Biology or Biology Grade of A- in Biology or Honors Biology with teacher recommendation
Advanced Physics 1	Advanced Algebra 2*	A- or better in Advanced Algebra 1
Advanced Physics 2	Advanced Physics 1 & Advanced Algebra 2*	B or better in Advanced Physics 1 and recommendation from Advanced Physics 1 teacher
AP Biology	Biology or Honors Biology	Interested 11th/12th graders:  Recommendation from prior science teacher  Departmental approval Interested rising 10th graders:  A in Honors Biology Teacher recommendation
AP Biology with Environmental Data Analysis	Biology or Honors Biology & Chemistry or Honors Chemistry	Interested 11th/12th graders:  A- in Chemistry or B+ in Honors Chemistry Departmental approval Interested rising 10th graders: A in Honors Biology or B+ or better in Honors Chemistry Teacher recommendation
AP Chemistry	Chemistry or Honors Chemistry & Advanced Algebra 2	A- or better in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry Teacher recommendation
AP Environmental Science	Biology or Honors Biology & Chemistry or Honors Chemistry	A- or better in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry A- or better in Biology or Honors Biology Recommendation from previous science teacher
AP Physics 1	Advanced Physics 2 & Advanced Precalculus or  Honors Precalculus*	A in Advanced Physics 1 and 2 with teacher recommendation A- or better in Advanced Precalculus or enrolled in Honors Precalculus Recommendation from previous science teacher
AP Physics C	AP Physics-1 & AP Calculus AB	AP Physics-1 teacher recommendation AP Calculus AB/BC teacher recommendation

*May be taken concurrently

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Biology	Chemistry	Physics 1 and 2 and/or Science Elective(s)**	Physics 1 and 2  and/or Science Elective(s)**
Biology	Chemistry or Honors Chemisty	Advanced Physics 1 and 2 and/or AP Science Course* and/or Science Elective(s)**	AP Science Course* and/or Science Elective(s)**
Honors Biology	Honors Chemistry	AP Science Course(s)* and/or Science Elective(s)**	AP Science Course(s)* and/or Science Elective(s)**

*See full selection of AP courses and placement guidelines under policies.
**Most science elective courses are semester-long and multiple can be taken in one year.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS
Science department courses are offered either as full-year courses (1 unit), or semester-long courses (½ unit) which may be offered in either/both semesters.
Note that all pre-requisite courses must be completed and passed to be eligible to register for a course. Co-requisite courses may be taken concurrently.

BIOLOGY
Biology is the study of living systems and the processes that sustain life. This course introduces the fundamental principles that connect all living organisms, from the molecular level to ecosystems. Topics include atoms and molecules, energy flow in living systems, cell structure and function, genetics and inheritance, reproduction, evolution, the diversity of organisms, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Through scaffolded class discussions, investigations, modeling, and laboratory activities, students develop scientific reasoning skills and learn how scientists gather and interpret evidence about the natural world. This meets the Life Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grade 9; Pre-Requisites: none)

HONORS BIOLOGY
Honors Biology is an in-depth study of all living things. Understanding life and life processes depend upon mastering the unifying principles applicable to life at all levels of organization. This course introduces more advanced topics in Biology, including the following themes: atoms and molecules, energy flow, cell biology and genetics, reproduction, evolution, characteristics and evolutionary relationships of organisms, anatomy, and physiology of the human, and ecology. Laboratory exercises reinforce content wherever applicable. This meets the Life Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grade 9, Pre-requisites: none; department approval required)

AP BIOLOGY
This college-level course is designed to challenge students with a strong interest in the biological sciences. The course prepares students for the AP Biology Exam. Material covered includes cell structure and physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, plant and animal physiology, and similarities and diversities among living organisms. Data analysis and laboratory work will focus on skills that allow students to think and solve problems as biologists. A required pre-course assignment will be given and must be completed before the first class meeting in order to meet syllabus requirements. This meets the Life Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology, department approval required)

AP BIOLOGY with ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS
This college-level course is designed to challenge students with a strong interest in biological and environmental science. The course prepares students for the AP Biology Exam and the AP Environmental Science Exam. Material covered includes cell structure and physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, plant and animal physiology, and similarities and diversities among living organisms. Data analysis and laboratory work will focus on skills that allow students to think and solve problems as biologists and environmental scientists. Conservation, pollution, energy and other contemporary ecological problems will be addressed with a focus on how they impact living systems. In order to complete the syllabus, students will be given an assignment to be completed prior to the first class meeting. This meets the Life Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry,department approval required)

CHEMISTRY
This introductory, laboratory-based chemistry course explores the structure, properties, and behavior of matter through scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning. Students develop problem-solving skills, analyze experimental data, and construct evidence-based explanations to describe chemical phenomena. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, mathematical modeling, and the connection between particle behavior and observable macroscopic changes. Laboratory investigations support the development of skills in experimental design, data analysis, error evaluation, and scientific communication.

Topics include classification of matter, measurement, gases, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, solutions, acids and bases, and kinetics. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grade 10; Pre-requisite: Biology or Honors Biology)

HONORS CHEMISTRY
This course is designed for students with strong reasoning, mathematical, and laboratory skills. Topics studied in depth include thermochemistry, atomic and molecular structure, solutions, states of matter, reaction chemistry, and acid-base chemistry. Students are expected to be self-disciplined, collaborative, and able to analyze complex problems using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Extensive laboratory work will involve observations of phenomena, research into background topics, electronic data collection, and analysis to draw conclusions. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grade 10; Pre-requisite: Biology or Honors Biology, Pre/Co-requisite: Algebra 2,department approval required)

AP CHEMISTRY
AP Chemistry is a college-level course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry, including inquiry-based laboratory investigations utilizing industry-standard laboratory techniques and equipment. Students will be expected to adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and expectations at all times. Topics covered in AP Chemistry include Hess’s Law, Thermodynamics, Gibbs Free Energy, chemical equilibrium of solutions and solubility, acid-base equilibrium and buffer formation, oxidation-reduction, electrochemical cells, kinetic molecular theory, ideal and real gas chemistry, quantum mechanical electron structure, and silicon doping. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, department approval required)

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Organic Chemistry is a college-level course designed to be equivalent to an introductory organic chemistry course. In Organic Chemistry, students will study molecular orbital theory, three-dimensional structure, conformational and structural analysis, nomenclature, reactivity, kinetics, synthesis, and applications of carbon-based compounds. These compounds are fundamental to medicines, plastics, environmental science, food, and biology, among many other applications. Students will need to solve challenging problems using complex pattern-recognition and spatial reasoning, as well as simple computer modeling. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: AP Chemistry, department approval required)

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that includes both social and scientific aspects of human impact on the world. The course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college laboratory course in environmental science. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This class includes a laboratory and fieldwork component and culminates with the AP Exam in the Spring. This meets the Life Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, department approval required) 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1: ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that includes both social and scientific aspects of human impact on the world. This course offers an introduction to ecological concepts, including environmental systems, biodiversity, global climates and biomes, evolution, agricultural practices, populations, and land use. This class includes a laboratory and fieldwork component, including field trips to local parks, farms, and nature centers. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2: GLOBAL CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY
In this course, we will explore human impact on the environment. Students will be provided with the scientific principles required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine solutions. Topics include pollution, waste management, renewable and nonrenewable energy, global climate change, human health risks, and the importance of a sustainable future. This class includes a laboratory and fieldwork component, including a project focused on the sustainability of the Rye Country Day School community. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit (Spring semester); Grades 11, 12;  Pre-requisite: Environmental Science 1)

PHYSICS 1: INTRO TO MECHANICS
This course is an introduction to basic physics concepts in mechanics. Topics include, but are not limited to motion and kinematics, forces and Newton’s Laws, and circular motion. Hands-on activities will be used extensively in this course to deepen students’ understanding of physics theory and expand their laboratory skills with data collection and analysis. Algebra and geometry skills also will be used extensively to qualitatively analyze problems. Students will develop skills to solve problems, make predictions, and use technical language to explain physical phenomena. Students will apply what they learn in class and through text to solve problems and make predictions. This counts towards the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit (Fall semester); Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Algebra 1)

PHYSICS 2: ENERGY, MOMENTUM AND FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
This course is an introduction to basic physics concepts in Energy, Momentum and Fundamental forces: Universal law of Gravity and Coulomb’s Law. Hands-on activities will be used extensively in this course to deepen students’ understanding of physics theory and expand their laboratory skills with data collection and analysis. Algebra and geometry skills also will be used extensively to qualitatively analyze problems. Students will develop skills to solve problems, make predictions, and use technical language to explain physical phenomena. This counts towards the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit (Spring semester); Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Algebra 1, Physics 1)

ADVANCED PHYSICS 1: INTRO TO MECHANICS
This course is an introduction to physics concepts in mechanics. Topics include, but are not limited to, motion and kinematics, Newton’s Laws, and circular motion. Hands-on activities, textual descriptions, and mathematical reasoning will be used to deepen students’ understanding of physics theory and expand their laboratory skills. Algebra 2 and trigonometry skills will be used extensively through quantitatively analyzing problems and deriving formulas. Students will continue to develop skills to solve problems, make predictions, and use technical language to explain physical phenomena. This counts towards the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre/Co-requisite: Advanced Algebra 2, department approval required)

ADVANCED PHYSICS 2: ENERGY, MOMENTUM, AND FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
This course is a continuation of Advanced Physics 1 and builds on skills learned in the First Semester. Topics include Momentum, Energy and fundamental forces: The Universal law of Gravity and Coulomb’s law. Hands-on activities, textual descriptions, and mathematical reasoning will be used to deepen students’ understanding of physics theory and expand their laboratory skills. Algebra 2 and trigonometry skills also will be used extensively through quantitatively analyzing problems and deriving formulas. Students will continue to develop skills to solve problems, make predictions, and use technical language to explain physical phenomena. Students who do well in Advanced Physics 1 and 2 will be prepared to take AP Physics 1 or an equivalent physics course in college. This counts towards the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit (Spring semester); Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Advanced Physics 1, Pre/Co-requisite: Advanced Algebra 2, department approval required)

AP PHYSICS 1
This is a broad, introductory-level course in physics for students who are ready to begin quantitative problem-solving in preparation for the algebra-based AP Physics-1 exam. The AP exam includes only mechanics and basic circuits, but this course will cover additional sub-topics of physics. Successful students will develop the ability to recall and use the laws and principles of physics to solve physical science problems at the algebraic level. A rigorous lab program makes use of modern laboratory equipment, allowing students to investigate physical phenomena, error analysis, and the preparation of formal lab reports. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Advanced Physics 2, Advanced Precalculus or Co-requisite: Honors Precalculus, department approval required)

AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM
This is an in-depth, second-year course in mechanics and electrodynamics. Students will continue to develop quantitative problem-solving skills in preparation for the AP-C Mechanics and AP-C Electricity and Magnetism Examinations. The course assumes familiarity with the concepts of Mechanics and E&M and focuses on advanced calculus-based problem solving and the further development of lab skills, including investigation of physical concepts, error analysis, laboratory design, and the preparation of formal lab reports. This meets the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1 unit;  Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: AP Physics-1, Pre/Co-requisite: AP Calculus AB, department approval required)

SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Science electives are offered on the basis of faculty availability and student interest.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
This semester-long course will examine the how and why questions of animal behavior. Classical behavioral experiments will be studied. Students will replicate some of these experiments in addition to generating hypotheses and designing their own experiments. Students will learn the basic techniques of behavioral scientists. These techniques will help students understand the underlying basis, evolution, and adaptive responses of behavior patterns. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Biology or Honors Biology)

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
This course will provide a foundation in learning about the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the human body using a variety of resources including but certainly not limited to the text, the internet, videos, and peers, all under the guidance of the instructor. This course is designed for the highly motivated student who is willing to learn complex processes in detail. There will be a heavy emphasis on how and why our bodies work doing everyday activities, sports, dance, and nothing at all…is it ever doing nothing at all? (1/2 unit - Fall semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Biology or Honors Biology)

ASTRONOMY
This semester-long course is designed to take an in-depth look at the universe and its processes. Astronomical techniques, the solar system, stars, and the distant universe will be described. The physical concepts underlying these phenomena are also presented. Students will discover through hands-on exploration by recreating astronomical experiments of the past and infusing it with data from our night sky. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: none)

BIG HISTORY
This college-level elective is designed for students with a keen interest in exploring the interconnectedness of our universe, planet, life, and human society. Big History provides an interdisciplinary framework that synthesizes knowledge from diverse fields—natural, physical, and social science and history—to address profound questions about our existence. Using the concept of complexity thresholds, students will trace the origins and development of the universe, life, and human societies from the Big Bang to the present and beyond. Students will engage in a variety of inquiry-based activities to foster critical thinking, including data analysis, laboratory work, evidence-based reconstruction, research projects, and analytical writing, always asking what do we know and how do we know it? Student understanding will be assessed via scientific and social scientific writing (e.g., technical lab report, evidence-based argumentation), quizzes, and the iterative creation of models of complexity thresholds. Additionally, a year-long research project will focus on tracing the progression of an object or idea from its cosmic origins to the present. Students will gain an appreciation of the complexity and interconnectedness of all things as well as an informed perspective on the future of humanity within the larger context of the cosmos. (1 unit - either Humanities or Science; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: none, but a strong interest in interdisciplinary learning is recommended, department approval required)

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
Have you ever wondered how biologists were able to sequence the human genome, create accurate models of the brain, or model biological systems? Would you love to better understand how biologists use big data and programming to solve human problems? Then, this introductory computer science course is for you! Students will be taught the power of pairing computational thinking with answering biological questions. Students will learn to use bioinformatic databases and the programming language Python to implement algorithms for solving simple biological problems. For example, students will use programming and bioinformatic databases to analyze and compare segments of DNA and biodiversity at Rye Nature Center. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: none)

ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
This course is for students interested in asking and exploring biological questions using computational thinking and computer programming. Students will use the programming language Python to implement, test, and debug algorithms for solving simple problems. For example, students will use programming to analyze and compare DNA sequences from different species and discover genome variability. Students will be able to conduct an individual computational biology research project during the semester. This course will provide appropriate challenges for experienced programmers. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Computer Science course)

ENGINEERING & DESIGN
Engineering & Design is a semester-long course that introduces students to fundamental engineering and design principles through a studio-style learning environment. Collaborative projects span a wide range of challenges, from scenic design and practical lighting to purpose-driven engineering and beyond. Students will learn to apply the Design Thinking process to solve real-world problems, moving between empathy, ideation, prototyping, and critique as they work with Fusion 360, 3D printing, Adobe Illustrator, and laser cutting. The course progresses through modules, ranging from foundational concepts to a capstone design challenge, where students engage in human-centered design principles, conducting interviews and needs-based problem framing to ensure their work serves a clear purpose or audience. Through sustained iteration driven by feedback, constructive criticism, and revision, students create expressive, functional prototypes that balance form and function while developing their voice as designers and creative makers. Projects are presented to peers for critique, with design decisions justified through written reflection in engineering journals, transforming engineered objects into reflective artifacts of purpose and self-authorship. By the end of the semester, students will have developed both the technical capabilities and creative confidence to approach complex problems with empathy, innovation, and intentionality. (1/2 unit (Fall or Spring semester); Grades 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: none)

ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
This course will introduce students to the process of designing, constructing and programming robots. Students will learn principles of electrical and mechanical engineering, including building and programming sensors and motors. Students will have hands-on experience constructing their own robot either individually and in teams. Throughout the course students will compete in robotics challenges. Students in this course may attend the VEX Robotics Competitions with the Robotics Club. (1/2 unit - Spring semester; Grades 10, 11, 12;  Pre-requisites: none)

FORENSIC SCIENCE
In today's world, Forensic Science has become a familiar household science being showcased in the news, films, and television shows, such as C.S.I., Forensic Files, and The New Detectives. Forensic Science consists of the application of different scientific techniques in collecting and analyzing physical evidence for use in court and solving crimes. This course offers the students a real opportunity to see and put these skills into practice. The students study the basic principles of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Geology, which are useful for determining the value of crime scene and related evidence. Trace evidence, such as hair, fiber, blood, ink, paint, soil, and glass samples will be examined in the laboratory. Individual identifying techniques, such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, jigsaw matches, and impressions analysis will be studied. Throughout the semester, famous cases, such as the O.J. Simpson Case, John Wayne Gacy, Jack the Ripper, Son of Sam, and many others will be covered. Students will put their gained knowledge to use by attempting to solve "mock crime scenes." Towards the end of the semester, the students will prepare presentations on specific crime cases. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: none)

FRONTIERS IN STEM
In the lifetime of your parents, the fields of science, engineering and technology have advanced more than all the previous history of humankind. New discoveries are made on a daily basis allowing new frontiers in science to be explored. In this class, students will be guided by their instructor to explore and discuss recent scientific and technological advancements. Topics covered in the course are guided by their instructor in their area(s) of expertise and may include: genetic engineering, nanotechnology, stem-cell research, astronomy, neuroscience, material science, etc. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry)

GEOLOGY
This semester-long course is designed to be a thorough study of the Earth and its processes. These include but are not limited to geologic history, rock and mineral identification and classification, volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, weathering, and erosion. Students will also be briefly exposed to the topics of meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy as they relate to geology. This is a conceptual course, so homework and unit tests will be based around specific readings; however, there are some algebraic relationships we will explore. This is not a laboratory intensive class, but a few laboratory experiments will be conducted. This counts towards the Physical Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 11, 12: Pre-requisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry)

MARINE ECOLOGY
This course is an introduction to organisms and habitats within marine environments, with a particular emphasis on the Long Island Sound estuary. Through classroom, laboratory, and field experiences, we will develop an understanding of major marine ecosystems and examine specific interactions and relationships between marine organisms that exist in those environments. Fieldwork will include excursions to different Long Island Sound environments as well as visits to local aquariums. Scientists conducting research in marine ecology/biology will be invited to share their experiences with the class, and woven into our work will be an examination of the impact of humans on the health of marine ecosystems. Students will also have the opportunity to explore an aspect of marine ecology that is of personal interest. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology or Honors Biology)

THE SCIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY OF FOOD
This course investigates the science and sustainability of food through readings, cooking labs, conversations with farmers and other food producers, work in our campus gardens, and field trips to local farms. Students will investigate how we can act as citizens to support a healthier food system. Topics include farm ecology and foraging, food access and social justice, urban agriculture, genetic modification, food and cultural identity, the science of junk food, and food preservation. The course culminates with a final project in which students will share what they’ve learned with the RCDS community. This counts towards the Life Science graduation requirement. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisites: Biology and Honors Biology)

SCIENCE RESEARCH
The Science Research program is a three-year initiative open to students in grades 10-12. This program aims to introduce students to the principles and practices of scientific research through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on experiments, one-to-one mentorship, and independent study. Participants will acquire the crucial skills necessary to plan, execute, and present a scientific research project. As the program unfolds, students will develop their research project, carefully selecting a topic of personal interest and relevance, with guidance from an external STEM professional. The culmination of their efforts will be the opportunity to showcase their research findings at local science fairs, including the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF), Somers Science Fair, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) or Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Students are accepted to the program based on committee evaluation of their application, recommendations, and current grades in STEM subjects. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 10, 11, 12; Pre-requisite: Approval of Application)

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS - YPT
This course is for students involved in The Young Physicists Tournament. Students explore both theory and experiment including a detailed analysis of experimental uncertainty and error. Student tasks include development of theory, whether original or from publications, data collection including image and video analysis, and data and theory analysis in Excel and/or Matlab. In the spring semester, the team explores new problems and all students currently taking physics or planning to take a physics course in the fall are welcome in this course. The fall semester is by application, with places on the team determined by students' experience with research, their demonstrated productivity in their past science courses, and the availability of time in their schedule. The grade for this course is Pass/Fail. (1/2 unit - Fall or Spring semester; Grades 11, 12: Pre/Co-requisite: Any Physics course, Application Approval)