This introductory biology course explores traditional biological concepts with a real-world conceptual approach. From the role energy plays in the ecosystem to the way our cells process atomic fuel, this course is built around investigative, open-ended lab activities that allow students the opportunity to develop predictive conceptual models. By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate their understanding of biological concepts and evaluate data and information to create well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments. Students in this course will be expected to contribute to the daily discourse in class to expand upon their understanding in a supportive and cooperative environment.
This introductory biology course explores traditional biological concepts with a real-world conceptual approach. From the role energy plays in the ecosystem to the way our cells process atomic fuel, this course is built around investigative, open-ended lab activities that allow students the opportunity to develop predictive conceptual models. By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate their understanding of biological concepts and evaluate data and information to create well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments. Students in this course will be expected to contribute to the daily discourse in class to expand upon their understanding in a supportive and cooperative environment.
Applied biological concepts are at the core of this course. As such this course allows students the opportunity to ask their own questions within the topic areas of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology. Using case studies and current research, students will begin the year by making connections between the microbial world and human health and end the year using CRISPR technology in the lab while diving into the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Students will leave this class able to communicate their understanding of biological systems, independently complete investigative and exploratory lab work, analyze data to make evidence-based scientific arguments and describe the reciprocal relationships between biology and society. Students in this class will be expected to engage fully in the learning process, work independently and collaboratively to gain a deeper understanding of biological systems and contribute to the discourse in an effort to further the learning of oneself and others. You will work in an environment that values collaboration and communication and one in which the classroom exists as a safe space that tolerates errors and promotes revision.
Applied biological concepts are at the core of this course. As such this course allows students the opportunity to ask their own questions within the topic areas of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology. Using case studies and current research, students will begin the year by making connections between the microbial world and human health and end the year using CRISPR technology in the lab while diving into the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Students will leave this class able to communicate their understanding of biological systems, independently complete investigative and exploratory lab work, analyze data to make evidence-based scientific arguments and describe the reciprocal relationships between biology and society. Students in this class will be expected to engage fully in the learning process, work independently and collaboratively to gain a deeper understanding of biological systems and contribute to the discourse in an effort to further the learning of oneself and others. You will work in an environment that values collaboration and communication and one in which the classroom exists as a safe space that tolerates errors and promotes revision.
The intensive introductory biology course presents an in-depth curriculum based on a series of interconnected essential questions exploring living organisms and their respective systems. These essential questions are centered on themes exploring how scientists process information, energy systems, macromolecules in living systems, protein synthesis, and the evolutionary impact on genetic inheritance. Within each unit, students are called upon to participate in guided or student-directed experimentation. By the end of this course, students will be able to employ various strategies to communicate their understanding and independently evaluate data and information to draw conclusions. Students enrolled in the intensive biology course are expected to engage in classroom discussions and lab-based data analysis that will allow for an accelerated learning environment in the classroom and to explore STEM-related research projects within each semester. In this intensive science course, students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding.
The intensive introductory biology course presents an in-depth curriculum based on a series of interconnected essential questions exploring living organisms and their respective systems. These essential questions are centered on themes exploring how scientists process information, energy systems, macromolecules in living systems, protein synthesis, and the evolutionary impact on genetic inheritance. Within each unit, students are called upon to participate in guided or student-directed experimentation. By the end of this course, students will be able to employ various strategies to communicate their understanding and independently evaluate data and information to draw conclusions. Students enrolled in the intensive biology course are expected to engage in classroom discussions and lab-based data analysis that will allow for an accelerated learning environment in the classroom and to explore STEM-related research projects within each semester. In this intensive science course, students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding.
This course is designed to foster deductive reasoning, creativity, and cooperative learning, through a laboratory-based study of chemical properties. Topics of investigation include atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, electron configuration, chemical reactions, gas laws. This course requires proficiency in basic algebraic skills which are used to analyze data gathered in hands-on labs.
This course is designed to foster deductive reasoning, creativity, and cooperative learning, through a laboratory-based study of chemical properties. Topics of investigation include atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, electron configuration, chemical reactions, gas laws. This course requires proficiency in basic algebraic skills which are used to analyze data gathered in hands-on labs.
This AT course begins with a review of the properties of water and the introduction of basic laboratory skills, such as preparing solutions and dilution series. It moves on to cover the topics of thermodynamics, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, and equilibrium. The fundamental chemical reactions of acid-base and reduction-oxidation will provide the basis for the study of electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The two-semester course concludes with the introduction of key biochemical molecules and reactions. Independent and regular laboratory work is an integral part of this course.The Advanced Topics (AT) chemistry course is a continuation of the preceding (intensive) chemistry course. Students gain eligibility for the course by recommendation of the department and through high achievement in their science courses.
This AT course begins with a review of the properties of water and the introduction of basic laboratory skills, such as preparing solutions and dilution series. It moves on to cover the topics of thermodynamics, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, and equilibrium. The fundamental chemical reactions of acid-base and reduction-oxidation will provide the basis for the study of electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The two-semester course concludes with the introduction of key biochemical molecules and reactions. Independent and regular laboratory work is an integral part of this course.The Advanced Topics (AT) chemistry course is a continuation of the preceding (intensive) chemistry course. Students gain eligibility for the course by recommendation of the department and through high achievement in their science courses.
This intensive-level science course is based on the foundation of frequent and in-depth lab investigations, meant to foster deductive reasoning, creativity, and cooperative learning. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds, ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding, solution chemistry, stoichiometry, and gas laws. Strong mathematical reasoning is required to analyze and interpret data collected during labs, and to model our understanding of chemical properties. The course culminates in an independent project addressing a specific aspect of modern change in the biochemical world. In this intensive science course students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding.
This intensive-level science course is based on the foundation of frequent and in-depth lab investigations, meant to foster deductive reasoning, creativity, and cooperative learning. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds, ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding, solution chemistry, stoichiometry, and gas laws. Strong mathematical reasoning is required to analyze and interpret data collected during labs, and to model our understanding of chemical properties. The course culminates in an independent project addressing a specific aspect of modern change in the biochemical world. In this intensive science course students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding.
During the first quarter of our course, we cover earth system science, the basic vocabulary of ecology, and biogeochemical cycles. In the second quarter, students select case studies in environmental science to explore in depth. We study water safety, conservation, air pollution, and environmental justice regularly, and use the student's interest in current events to drive our curriculum. Students engage in a study design process that uses cognitive and social sciences to better understand how humans respond to environmental variables, in partnership with NYU’s Mindhive program. We conclude with a look at what scientists view as the top solutions to protecting biodiversity, the climate, and our food system. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
During the first quarter of our course, we cover earth system science, the basic vocabulary of ecology, and biogeochemical cycles. In the second quarter, students select case studies in environmental science to explore in depth. We study water safety, conservation, air pollution, and environmental justice regularly, and use the student's interest in current events to drive our curriculum. Students engage in a study design process that uses cognitive and social sciences to better understand how humans respond to environmental variables, in partnership with NYU Mindhive program. We conclude with a look at what scientists view as the top solutions to protecting biodiversity, the climate, and our food system. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
In this course, we explore the micro and macro mechanisms of evolution in order to better understand the history of the human species. We begin with a study of DNA and taxonomy while we explore the primate order as a whole. Next, we examine the history of hominin species from early pre-australopiths to modern homo sapiens, learning how we can connect changes in ecosystems to evolutionary change in our ancestors. Students also examine some of the controversies in human anthropology and the impacts of our species on our ecological communities. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
In this course, we explore the micro and macro mechanisms of evolution in order to better understand the history of the human species. We begin with a study of DNA and taxonomy while we explore the primate order as a whole. Next, we examine the history of hominin species from early pre-australopiths to modern homo sapiens, learning how we can connect changes in ecosystems to evolutionary change in our ancestors. Students also examine some of the controversies in human anthropology and the impacts of our species on our ecological communities. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
This course investigates the topics of kinematics (how things move) and mechanics (what causes things to move). Data-driven lab activities are a major component of the course, to not only demonstrate these physical phenomena, but to also generate these principles as a class. Hands-on projects include designing cannons for projectile motion, to modeling the ground/airspeeds of real-time flights. This course assumes proficiency in basic algebraic skills. Co-requisite for 11th grade: Algebra II or higher.Prerequisite for 12th grade: Algebra II or higher.
This course investigates the topics of kinematics (how things move) and mechanics (what causes things to move). Data-driven lab activities are a major component of the course, to not only demonstrate these physical phenomena, but to also generate these principles as a class. Hands-on projects include designing cannons for projectile motion, to modeling the ground/airspeeds of real-time flights. This course assumes proficiency in basic algebraic skills. Co-requisite for 11th grade: Algebra II or higher. Prerequisite for 12th grade: Algebra II or higher.
This course builds on first year physics taken in junior year. Topics include Fluid Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamic processes, Electric Fields and Forces, Electric Potential, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, RC Circuits, Modern and Atomic Physics, Wave-particle duality and the birth of Quantum Mechanics, and Special Relativity. Prerequisite: Intensive Physics, or Physics with departmental approval. Co-requisite: Calculus, or Precalculus with departmental approval. Students are eligible for this course by recommendation of the department.
This course builds on first year physics taken in junior year. Topics include Fluid Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamic processes, Electric Fields and Forces, Electric Potential, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, RC Circuits, Modern and Atomic Physics, Wave-particle duality and the birth of Quantum Mechanics, and Special Relativity. Prerequisite: Intensive Physics, or Physics with departmental approval. Co-requisite: Calculus, or Precalculus with departmental approval. Students are eligible for this course by recommendation of the department.
This course investigates the topics of Newtonian mechanics: motion, force, energy, momentum, and additionally, rotational motion. Students use both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop understanding of these fundamental concepts, which are studied in depth and at a higher level of analytical and mathematical detail and elaboration than in regular physics. Laboratory activities are a major component of the course. Many of the laboratory activities include Vernier software probes, interface units, and online simulations. Students use their Macbooks to record data and interpret graphs in association with the lab activities. In this intensive science course students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding. In addition, this course requires proficiency in advanced algebra and trigonometry. Co-requisite for 11th and 12th grades: Pre-Calculus or higher.
This course investigates the topics of Newtonian mechanics: motion, force, energy, momentum, and additionally, rotational motion. Students use both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop understanding of these fundamental concepts, which are studied in depth and at a higher level of analytical and mathematical detail and elaboration than in regular physics. Laboratory activities are a major component of the course. Many of the laboratory activities include Vernier software probes, interface units, and online simulations. Students use their Macbooks to record data and interpret graphs in association with the lab activities. In this intensive science course students will be expected to independently engage in learning as a process, regularly looking for opportunities to improve their understanding. In addition, this course requires proficiency in advanced algebra and trigonometry. Co-requisite for 11th and 12th grades: Pre-Calculus or higher.
In this course, students will be introduced to software tools and applications of bioinformatics – a relatively new, interdisciplinary field that utilizes computers to collect and analyze biological data, such as genetic codes. Students will also perform several hands-on experiments using the cutting-edge methodology of DNA barcoding, which is helping scientists all over the world identify and study biodiversity. DNA barcoding can be applied to explore and answer questions in many fields of science: Does the leather used to make this purse, belt, or wallet come from an endangered, illegally harvested species? Does the bug I found in my room cause health problems? Are the plants growing in my backyard native or invasive species? Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
In this course, students will be introduced to software tools and applications of bioinformatics—a relatively new, interdisciplinary field that utilizes computers to collect and analyze biological data, such as genetic codes. Students will also perform several hands-on experiments using the cutting-edge methodology of DNA barcoding, which is helping scientists all over the world identify and study biodiversity. DNA barcoding can be applied to explore and answer questions in many fields of science: Does the leather used to make this purse, belt, or wallet come from an endangered, illegally harvested species? Does the bug I found in my room cause health problems? Are the plants growing in my backyard native or invasive species? Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors.
In this course, students will build on the physical science and life science concepts learned in previous science courses and apply that knowledge to the exploration of the living and nonliving elements of our bays and oceans. We will explore ocean chemistry, plate tectonics, ocean and atmospheric circulation, waves, tides, and the ocean ecosystems. Students will explore the living organisms of the oceans and the adaptation of these organisms to their ocean environment, ranging from coral reefs to the Arctic Circle! Ethical and social issues related to the marine environment and anthropogenic-induced climate change will be addressed. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors
In this course, students will build on the physical science and life science concepts learned in previous science courses and apply that knowledge to the exploration of the living and nonliving elements of our bays and oceans. We will explore ocean chemistry, plate tectonics, ocean and atmospheric circulation, waves, tides, and the ocean ecosystems. Students will explore the living organisms of the oceans and the adaptation of these organisms to their ocean environment, ranging from coral reefs to the Arctic Circle! Ethical and social issues related to the marine environment and anthropogenic-induced climate change will be addressed. Departmental approval is required to take this semester-long major course. Priority is given to seniors
Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 800 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.
