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 Science
This semester course delves into the study of life and all living things, and offers students grounding in understanding basic life systems and how they function. We explore cells, the classification system, characteristics of the five kingdoms, evolution, and an in-depth exploration of human systems. In addition, students develop skills in using the scientific method, developing controlled experiments, and using a microscope. This course is a combination of lecture presentations with labs, experiential activities, and assignments to support the lecture material. Due to the focus on experiential learning, students should be prepared to be outside in inclement weather as part of this class. Students are expected to take ownership of this class as active learners and through an independent research project. The class also designs a term-long project creating a campus-wide worm composting system.
Students learn the structures and functions of our cells and organ systems, and how our bodies are related, through evolution, to those of ancient sea creatures and modern nonhuman animals. Topics that develop with increasing depth during the course include genetics, emergent properties - outcomes that cannot be predicted directly from the characteristics of their parts or their causes - kluge, and natural selection.
In this semester course we study the relationship between our daily use of natural resources and its impact on larger ecosystems. Our emphasis will be on water, waste management, and energy issues. We will visit water treatment plants, a landfill, and possibly an alternative technology site.
In the first semester, we delve into the mysteries of motion, forces, energy, machines and matter. Critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies are emphasized. Students acquire a better understanding of their natural world and why things work the way they do. Assessment is based on students’ demonstrated understanding of facts, vocabulary and concepts through three written tests, daily readings or problems sets, and a research project. Texts used are Conceptual Physics by Paul Hewitt and The Way Things Work by David Macauly. In the second semester we explore more forces (electricity and magnetism), waves (light and sound) and the insides of atoms. Critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies continue to be emphasized.
In the first semester, we incorporate soil chemistry and other aspects of chemistry important to our farm to explore how elements combine and react to form the compounds we use every day. We delve deep into the atom, explore atomic structure and discover how the periodic table developed. We investigate both ionic and covalent bonding to figure out how and why elements combine to form compounds. We balance chemical equations and determine how much of what substances are needed to produce a new compound. In the second semester, we begin by focusing on the differences between solid, liquid and gas phases of substances and how matter is able to transform from one phase to another. The class decides together which of several topics to explore after that. Possibilities include: acid/base reactions and pH, including how acid rain is formed and how it affects us; nuclear chemistry, radioactivity and nuclear power; organic chemistry and how it relates to our current oil crisis. Prerequisite: Algebra I
Farm Science is a one-semester study of the science of farming from the standpoint of a small diversified farm. We investigate soils, and learn about soil conservation and improvement. We look at plant and animal genetics and how genetics plays a role in how organisms need to be cared for. We learn how combinations of plants and animals affect fertility, nutrient cycling and pollution. We also compare different composting methods and cover crop strategies and see how they fit in to our lives at The Meeting School. We also look at the farm from the standpoint of an organism and how soil, plants and animals (including humans) are all part of a holistic, interdependent being. We hope to participate in birthing of some farm animals, in addition to seeding, transplanting and planting out food crops. The class has interactive discussions and practices scientific observational skills.
We explore the solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy and the edges of the universe from Rindge, New Hampshire. In this one semester course, we use a Meade EXT telescope to study the surface of the moon, Saturn's rings, distant galaxies, and more. We identify winter and spring constellations. Class topics include the life of stars, Hubble's constant, the orbits of planets and moons, Dark Matter, and how far is far away. Discussions include a number of theories regarding the origin of the universe. Students who want additional challenge can complete the challenge section of assignments and take on the responsibility of preparing for and teaching a class topic. | ||||||||||
