Grades 11-12 Science Cycle

Compass juniors and seniors continue to study science in an inquiry-based way, emphasizing science content critical to success in college and becoming scientifically literate citizens. Grades 11 and 12 cycle through a two year curriculum which includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, ecology and evolution. Students also choose science electives which have included options such as ornithology, GIS mapping, zoology, field ecology, design engineering, and advanced topics in chemistry.

Every spring juniors and seniors choose a course which is team-taught by a science teacher and a humanities teacher, integrating these perspectives. Themes have included Film Making, Oceans, Fast Food, and Future Studies. Students are also required to complete an independent science investigation at the end of junior year.

Green Year

Ecology

This course is an in-depth look at forest ecology, with the larger goal of gaining a better understanding of the complexity and relationships of life on earth. Our laboratory for this study is a local forest ecosystem in Westminster, Vermont. In 2006 students mapped and conducted an ecological survey of this piece of land, proposing a trail system and a land use plan to the town of Westminster. Through this work they developed field skills as well as an understanding of general ecological theory.

Sample assignments:

·        Ecosystems Dynamics Poster

·        Tree ID Quiz, Ecological Theory Test

·        Field journal

·        Forest site survey

·        GIS trail map

·        Original page in a tree ID guide

·        Powerpoint presentation on town forest

Advanced topics in Physical Chemistry

After a review of Lab Safety and Methods, atomic structure, elements and the periodic table, reactions, equations, and kinetics, students engage in more advanced chemistry topics such as

orbital concepts and notation, quantum theory, stoichiometry, and precision laboratory methods.

Students conduct a self-designed experimental investigation, and connect their work to current topics in science in society.

Psychology  

This science elective consists of a survey of topics in psychology, including brain and endocrine anatomy and physiology, learning theory, perception, memory, personality, theories of consciousness, and a survey of famous psychologist and their theories of human development. 

Sample assignments:

• Presentation— introductory topic
• Presentation— famous psychologist
• Original perception experiment and report
• Personality testing investigation 
• Final paper— students are challenged to describe their personal psychological world view and to relate that to the theories, ideas, and schools of thought we had examined in the class

Physics: Mechanics 

This course covers mechanics and kinematics, including velocity, acceleration, force, friction, inertia, momentum, kinetic energy, and projectile and rotational physics. Students carry out a variety of hand-on explorations culminating with a design engineering challenge which applies the physics concepts we studied.

Blue Year

Organic Chemistry

This course introduces basic concepts of organic chemistry and puts the topic into a real world context. We start with a survey of organic molecules in our lives, and then students learn the basics of organic chemistry nomenclature. After instruction, guided practice, and model building, students demonstrate mastery on a practical exam.  Each student then completes a research paper and gives a presentation on a real-world topic related to organic molecules.

Advanced topics in Life Science: Zoology

Inspired by the work of great scientists like E.O. Wilson and Jane Goodall, this Zoology course explores a general Zoology overview including the history of Classification, taxonomy, speciation, natural selection, evolution, co-evolution, and adaptations, an exploration of endangered species including the natural history of specific species, conservation and research efforts and the role of zoos in our culture and how that has changed over the years.

Sample Assignments:

• Individual and group projects and presentations
• Formal lecture-type presentations
• Research
• Film/radio essay reviews

Electricity and Magnetism

During the first half of the course students work in the Conceptual Physics text and engage in hands-on exercises and lecture/discussion to learn the fundamentals of electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. The second half of the course is spent on a problem solving design challenge in which students create originally wired electric devices ranging from generators to motors to Tesla coils. In addition to the device itself, each student produces a design journal, an annotated explanatory diagram, a written performance evaluation, and a short research paper on the applications of this technology.

Sample Assignments:

• Written exam covering fundamentals of electricity and magnestism
• Deriving information from text
• Lab reports
• Annotated explanatory diagrams
• Originally designing and building an electronic device
• Full mechanical performance evaluation and documentation

Forensic Science

Forensic science explores various types of science and technology. It covers nearly every science realm including biology, chemistry, physics and biotechnology. By applying these sciences, forensic investigators can depict the crime scene and figure out what really happened and then use that knowledge in a court of law. However, being a good scientist is not enough! Skills in detective work, analysis and problem solving helps with locating clues that lead to evidence and convictions. This class explores the science, technology and critical thinking and problem solving it takes to do good forensic work.

Sample Assignments:

• Weekly investigative reports/Lab Write-Ups on forensic topics (fingerprints, skeletal remains, hair, and fiber)
• Forensic science readings
• Book Assignment and Evidence Box Final Project
• Mock At-home Crime Scene with Photographs
• Final Crime Scene Analysis

Fast Food : Grade 11/12 Humanities/Science Integrated Elective

Food is central to our lives as humans wherever we live in the world. Much more than just a physical necessity, our relationship to food in many ways shapes our daily lives and our culture. After sleeping, food preparation and consumption is probably the greatest focus of our time in our lives. The more we investigate the topic of food, the more interesting the issues it raises. In this elective, we delve far and wide in studying topics related to food, the food industry, food production, and the many ways food impacts life in the US and around the world. A fundamental text for this study is the bestselling book Fast Food Nation. In the Humanities part of this class, we apply the lenses of Economics and Political Science (as well as some sociology and psychology and environmental science) to deepen our understanding about the world around us. In the science portion we study the chemistry of nutrition and analyze our diets and the relationship to physiology and health. We also look at the biology and ecology of farming and food production.

Visions of the Future: Grade 11/12 Humanities/Science Integrated Elective

We look at look at our present and the past in order to imagine and predict the future.  More specifically, we concern ourselves with ethical questions around modern technology from computers to cloning to cure-all drugs, and ponder the question: with all the advances and capabilities we have today, are things improving or getting worse? We read the book Future Shock, and the course culminates with a formal debate around our essential question.