Science

NEAT offers regular and honors-level courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Biology I

• Introduces students to the Cell Theory, mitosis, classical and molecular genetics, and modern taxonomy as the basis for studying living systems
• Starting with simple, prokaryotic life forms, students examine the morphology, habitat, biochemistry or life processes, life cycles and reproduction, ecology and interaction with humans, of representative phyla or organisms, working their way through the six kingdoms of life forms toward the animal kingdom
• Study combines text, lecture, laboratory work, model, dissection, and video resources

Biology II

• Focuses on the morphology, habitat, biochemistry, life cycles and reproduction, ecology, and interaction with humans of animals
• Study combines text, lecture, laboratory work, model, dissection, and video resources

Chemistry I

• This study of the composition of matter and chemical reactions starts with the Scientific Method, scientific notation and significant figures, the metric system and strategies of problem-solving
• Basic understanding of the atomic structure, chemical names and formulas, calculating chemical quantities, stoichiometry, and chemical reactions
• Laboratory work augments lectures

Chemistry II

• States of matter, thermochemistry, behavior of gases and solutions, electron configuration, introduction to quantum physics from a chemistry perspective
• Increased investigation of chemical periodicity, ionic and covalent bonds, the special properties of water, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction reactions
• Laboratory work augments lectures

Physics

• Throughout the year, this course covers all areas of high-school physics, encouraging students to question much of what they take for granted in both science and regular experiences
• Student-friendly laboratories fully engage students in hands-on, understandable experimentation
• Introduces students to the long history of classical physics, from the ancient Greeks through today
• Compares atomic versus continuous theories of matter
• Newtonian physics (classical mechanics), thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, wave phenomena, the electromagnetic spectrum, introduction to quantum mechanics, and modern theories of particle physics

Science Foundations

• Through student learning, engagement, and dialogue and with basic textbooks reflecting an integrated approach to science, this course gives students a foundation in science knowledge, laboratory techniques, and current developments
• Students sample scientific disciplines including Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
• Each student learns simple graphing and science calculations, basic laboratory procedures and Smartboard use and keeps her own Science Journal

Biochemistry

• Senior-level Honors class by invitation only, based on demonstrated excellence in Honors Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Combines lectures in biochemical pathways and physiology; lab work including dialysis, chromatography and gel electrophoresis; weekly seminars reviewing cutting-edge research from scientific journals, and analyzing science articles in mainstream media
• Each student completes an independent research project