Biology

Ninth Grade Biology introduces students to a wide range of complex topics at an introductory level through student-centric, project-based, interdisciplinary learning experiences. Inquiry-based opportunities include in-depth laboratory work, debates, Harkness discussions, group work, student presentations, and ongoing relationships with outside experts. Additionally, experimental design provides opportunities to test hypotheses and support conclusions with data collection and analysis. Relationships with local partners such as SoundWaters and the Cold Spring Harbor Genetics Laboratory, connections to alumni and parent expertise, and taking advantage of our multiple campuses allow for authentic learning and application of newly acquired skills and content. Projects are a vehicle through which students explore personal interests within a broader topic, are introduced to research and communication skills that will be a thread throughout their Upper School science experience, and relate biological concepts to topics covered in other courses, such as investigating surface area to volume ratios in tandem with Geometry or exploring bioethics in relation to a grade-level interdisciplinary thread “Is all progress beneficial?” Through these course-defining modalities and experiences, students examine the organization, characteristics, and processes common to all living things, from both molecular and evolutionary perspectives. In addition to studying the interrelationships between organisms and their environment, ninth-graders will also consider how this relates to their identity as an individual and a member of their community.

Prerequisite: None Credit: SCI Period: Full Year REQUIRED Grade 9 Course

Honors Biology 

Honors Biology students will extend their learning beyond the required course of study to independently complete projects that enhance not only their own exploration of biological concepts, but also the entire class experience. Students who are recommended by the Department to pursue Honors can expect two such projects each semester. One will include teaching the class about a topic that builds on an existing unit of study, and a second will push students to dive deeper into a class experience to extend their learning. In addition to these concretely assigned extensions, students will also be expected to demonstrate leadership and curiosity and show deeper content mastery and synthesis on assessments.

Prerequisite: None Credit: SCI Period: Full Year

*Biology is a heterogenous course, including students enrolled in both the core Biology curriculum and Honors Biology. In consultation with their advisor and the course faculty, students can take Biology at the Honors Level. 9th Grade students will engage in the Honors placement process at the Semester I Interim. Students will not be able to register for Honors following that deadline.  They may drop the Honors designation at any time. However, previously graded work will not be reassessed.

Honors Chemistry

Tenth-grade Honors Chemistry at GCDS is an engaging and rigorously project-based learning experience that explores the physical and chemical nature of matter and the processes and changes that matter undergoes. Interdisciplinary learning will be facilitated through a co-teaching environment, where students explore environmental science, math, humanities, art and design, and languages as they relate to chemistry. Through the investigation of real-world challenges, students will uncover and apply chemistry principles while developing a globally interconnected lens. Students recommended by the Department to pursue Honors will continually develop critical, creative, analytic thinking by doing in-depth laboratories and fieldwork. Hands-on and digital applications, mathematical problem-solving, and data analysis will be essential components of the course. Honors students will be expected to pursue the content of the course at both a deeper and broader level, while also doing so with greater independence. This will be demonstrated on assignments, assessments, projects, and lab reports that incorporate more complex content and skills. Possible topics include but are not limited to: the atomic nature of matter, bonding and periodicity, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, and energy.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology Credit: SCI Period: Full Year

*Chemistry is a heterogenous course, including students enrolled in both the core Chemistry curriculum and Honors Chemistry. The Science Department faculty will determine students' 10th Grade Honors placements in May of the 9th Grade year. Students will not be able to register for Honors following the course change deadline for Semester I.  They may drop the Honors designation at any time. However, previously graded work will not be reassessed.

Introduction to Scientific Research 

This semester course will give students a glimpse into the world of scientific and engineering research and prepare them for the Advanced Research & Design course if they wish to take it the following year. Students will learn about various kinds of research, both through in-class lessons and from experts in various STEM fields. Students will then explore topics related to their interests while working to develop a theoretical research plan. Those who go on to take Advanced Research the following year will be able to execute this plan if they so choose. Other major components of this course include learning to read and cite peer-reviewed scientific articles, scientific writing, and scientific discourse. 

Prerequisite: None, Preference for 10th Graders Credit: SCI Period: Semester

*Introduction to Scientific Research is a one-semester elective course for 9th and 10th Graders. It does not replace the required 9th and 10th Grade Science program (Biology and Chemistry). 

Physics

Expand your understanding of how the universe works in this full year physics class. Students will engage in investigations of classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and sound, and optics. Cooperative lab design and interactive experiments will allow students to develop an understanding of the physical world. Just as knowing the details of a particular sport makes it more enjoyable, an increased understanding of the way things work can lead to an enriching engagement with the world around us. This course utilizes math as part of the language of physics.

Prerequisite: Algebra II, Chemistry      Credit: SCI Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Engineering

Environmental Science

In this course, students explore the interconnected systems in the world around them and their place in these systems. We will explore the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere of our campus, the French Farm, and other sites in the New York City metro area. Students will measure the physical, chemical, and biological variables that describe these ecosystems. They will build models of these systems and tackle problems related to biodiversity, soil health, water quality, food production, climate change, natural resource management, and energy conversion. They will build skills in understanding policies that affect and regulate these systems. Students will develop laboratory skills in water and soil chemistry, build alternative energy electricity stations and create ecosystem models. Students will learn how their choices can make a meaningful impact on the Earth. Students will collaborate on projects to enhance the sustainability of the GCDS community.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry Credit: SCI Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Sustainability

Introduction to Neuroscience 

Neuroscience is a diverse and dynamic field that draws on a variety of disciplines such as biochemistry, biology, physiology, anatomy and psychology. This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience including cellular neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and cognitive neuroscience. Students will begin by learning the structure and function of nerve cells and continue on to complex neural circuits. From there, students will begin to understand key concepts of modern neuroscience and human brain function. These topics could include sensory systems, control of movement, perception, learning, memory and diseases of the nervous system.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry Credit: SCI Period: Year Long

Honors Introduction to Neuroscience 

Neuroscience is a diverse and dynamic field that draws on a variety of disciplines such as biochemistry, biology, physiology, anatomy and psychology. This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience including cellular neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and cognitive neuroscience. Honors students will take on leadership roles in project and lab design. Students will begin by learning the structure and function of nerve cells and continue on to complex neural circuits. From there, Honors students will be challenged with significant independent research and study as they develop an understanding of key concepts of modern neuroscience and human brain function. These topics could include sensory systems, control of movement, perception, learning, memory and diseases of the nervous system.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and/or Honors Chemistry, Faculty Approval Credit: SCI Period: Year Long   

*Introduction to Neuroscience is a heterogenous course, including students enrolled in both the core Neuroscience curriculum and Honors Neuroscience. Students have until the Semester I Add/Drop deadline to enroll in Honors status for a course. They may drop that status at any time. However, previously graded work will not be reassessed.

Fundamentals of Engineering: Design & Analysis

In this semester-long course, students will build several  fundamental engineering skills:

• technical drawing and communication,

• experimental measurement and data analysis,

• reverse engineering, and

• collaboration.

Students will build these skills through the lens of several core engineering disciplines as multiple unit-long projects; these engineering disciplines will include, among others, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science & engineering, and civil engineering. We will discuss the historical context of these engineering disciplines and their role in modern society. This course will give students fundamental  skills in pursuit of a GCDS Engineering Diploma and allow them to explore various engineering disciplines as they consider their future course interests.

Prerequisite: Algebra II, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission) Credit: SCI Period: Semester 

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Animal Behavior 

In this class, students will gain an understanding for why animals (and humans) do what they do. Why do animals build elaborate nests? Why are some animals colonial? Why are humans so competitive? The course will begin by introducing the study of behavior - what is ethology? How do we measure actions?  Then we’ll move into the ultimate drivers of behavior, namely evolution and selection. From there we will move through the proximate causes or physiology of behavior, learning about the processes in the nervous and endocrine systems that enable learning, hiding, and hunting among others. Once students understand the drivers and mechanisms of behaviors, they will learn about specific behaviors such as communicating, foraging, avoiding predators, and selecting mates. Finally, we will wrap up by drawing parallels to human behaviors. Throughout the course, students will participate in project-based learning to understand how to set up a behavioral experiment, gather data, and develop conclusions based on that data. Student projects may include monitoring fish and insects  in the classroom, birds and squirrels in the woods behind GCDS, fellow classmates in the school, and local streams. There also exists the potential for experiments in the Long Island Sound. Projects could lead up to, be part of, or build on a completed junior thesis. Ultimately, this course will give students the tools to think critically in planning and executing behavioral experiments, analyzing results, and presenting oral and written reports. 

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission) Credit: SCI Period: Semester     

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Archeology I: Introduction and Methods

This course serves as an introduction to the field of archeology. The course reviews the sub-disciplines of archeology and discusses both traditional and modern methods of excavation. It is broad in both time and space. We study sites from homo sapiens origins (200,000 BCE) to colonial period shipwrecks (1700CE) and from Indiana to Indonesia. Students learn about human prehistory and history through material culture and see how humans have evolved biologically and socially through time. An emphasis on questioning theories and explanations of the past is always at the core of new discoveries and something students are encouraged to do as they learn the basics of archeology. 

Prerequisite: Biology, History 10 Credit: SCI or HIST/SOC Period: Semester 

Diploma Credit: Classics, Sustainability

*This course is cross-listed between the Sciences and Social Sciences programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Archeology II: Research and Practice

This class will vary from year to year. It will focus on specific time periods and the changes cultures make through time. Reviewing material culture, typology over time, historical data, and more students will understand how archeologists recreate what life may have been like in certain time periods and cultures. This course is designed to culminate in some sort of field study, whether an actual archeological dig or a study of artifacts from a specific collection or lab work from a specific site.  Students will leave this course having actually experienced archeological work.

Prerequisite: Archeology I Credit: SCI or HIST/SOC Period: Semester

Diploma Credit: Classics, Sustainability

*This course is cross-listed between the Sciences and Social Sciences programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Marine Science I

Marine science will incorporate physical, chemical, and biological principles to confer a full understanding of how ocean systems operate and how humans interact with oceanic systems. Students will be introduced to the marine ecosystems of the temperate zone with a focus on Long Island Sound. Students will also be introduced to other world ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and kelp forests. Students will build knowledge of the organisms living in these systems and the challenges they face living close to urban areas. They will learn to quantify the chemical and physical variables of these ecosystems. They will build skills in explaining interactions between the biological world and the human world, including policies designed to preserve or ameliorate habitats. The course will include field experiences on and around Long Island Sound where students will be introduced to scientific data collection and interpretation. Students will help design and carry out investigations to better understand problems in ocean systems. An intersession trip to the Florida Keys or other potential locations such as California will be optional extensions to the course, where students with high interest could collect data for their Grade 11 Theses and/or Grade 12 internships.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission) Credit: SCI Period: Semester         

Diploma Credit: Sustainability

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Marine Science II

Marine Science II builds upon the material in Marine Science I by expanding upon biology and focusing on ecology. Students will learn more about coastal ecosystems like marshes, estuaries, and rocky intertidal zones, as well as deep sea and open ocean food webs. The course will then focus on how human activities affect marine ecosystems. Finally, the course will shift toward scientific experimentation in the Long Island Sound and in the lab. Students will work to collect data for the Greenwich Shellfish Commission, the Billion Oyster Project, or their own independent project. This work could form the basis for a Junior Thesis or Senior Internship. Students also taking the Advanced Research course can use class time to supplement their research. Students may take this course without having taken Marine Science I, but Marine Science II will not divert a large amount of time to recap Marine Science I.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission), Marine Science I suggested Credit: SCI

Period: Semester Diploma Credit: Sustainability

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Botany: Plants, People, and Places

A study of the botanical world through plant anatomy, history, cultural consumption, agriculture, and conservation.  The course will begin with a broad anatomical study of the structure and function of numerous species of plants across the globe. Through hands-on labs, trips to botanical gardens, and lectures students will grasp the great variety of adaptive structures (as seen through the diversity in roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds) within the Plantae Kingdom. Through both anthropological and historical lenses, students will also research and discover the many uses plants have across both time and space. Students will then take a deep dive into modern human consumption of plants (for food, medicine, landscaping, and various consumer products) and be exposed to perspectives on the use and need for plant diversity.  The course will conclude with student research and solutions for ways to conserve and propagate the broad diversity of plants for generations to come.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry Credit: SCI Period: Semester Diploma Credit: Sustainability

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Introduction to Agriscience & Agribusiness 

The Agriscience and Agribusiness course brings together the topics of hydroponic farming, local small farming, and corporate farming while considering topics such as mono-crops vs biodiversity, plant health, propagation, animal husbandry, and entrepreneurship. In this course, students will learn the processes, the scientific theory, and the systems involved in agriculture. Students will then study the environmental, social, and economic impacts of agriculture. This is a hands-on project-based course using the Hydrofarm, French Farm, local businesses and farms.

Prerequisite: Biology Credit: SCI Period: Semester Diploma Credit: Sustainability

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Mechatronics

This course is an introduction to the design of mechatronic systems with a focus on the integration of mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering systems. In this semester-long course, students will build several core engineering skills:

• Confidence using common makerspace tools

• Electric circuit theory and analysis

• Mechanical gear train theory

• Coding through Arduino and robotics based platforms

• Electronics prototyping with sensors and acutators

We will think creatively and develop problem-solving and technical skills to develop robotics, control systems, and electro-mechanical systems.  This course will give students fundamental skills in pursuit of an Engineering Diploma and allow them to explore additional engineering disciplines as they consider their future course interests. 

Prerequisite: Algebra II, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission) Credit: SCI Period: Semester         

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

The Physics of Music

What is the difference between sound and music? This one-semester course is an integration of physics and music. We will start with the mathematical structure of music, including scales, harmonies, and chords. Students will investigate the wave characteristics of a variety of musical instruments and design experiments to measure the speed of sound. Additional experiments in resonance and harmonics will increase student understanding of music instrument groups. Additional topics will include venue acoustics, the physiology of hearing, and the measurement of sound intensity. Short musical performances on student-designed instruments will surely be a highlight.  

Prerequisite: Physics (Co-Requisite) Credit: SCI Period: Semester         

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

Introduction to Paleobiology 

Starting with the formation of the earth about 4.6 billion years ago and working through the geologic time scale this course will look at the theories and evidence surrounding the beginnings of life to the emergence of our human ancestors approximately 4 million years ago.  Learning about large-scale geologic processes, the introduction of single-celled organisms, the development of the five Kingdoms of living organisms, and the evolution and extinction of species during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic will be the main backbone of the course.

By learning about atmospheric shifts through ice core evidence, fossil evidence, and geologic evidence students will understand the delicate balance and nature of our world while also realizing the strength and amazing adaptability that life itself has in continuing to repopulate and inhabit every corner of this planet. Learning about ancient plants, extinct animals, and changing landforms will provide students with an understanding of how our world and the life we see all around us may thrive or perish due to the current changing global temperatures, atmospheric patterns, and sea levels.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (Co-requisite with faculty permission) Credit: SCI Semester: Semester         

Diploma Credit: Sustainability

*Semester Science courses do not include an Honors Option.

AAS: Scientific Research & Design 

This full-year course will nurture STEM-interested students as they explore topics in science that they find exciting. The backbone of this class will be developing and executing a scientific experiment or engineering project that will be submitted to the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (or similar conference/fair). To meet this goal, students will learn experimental design and the importance of replication so that they can plan out their project in a written research proposal. The students will then begin their experimentation while also learning some basic statistical analysis and scientific presentation skills. In addition to this central experiment, students will also participate in and lead journal club discussions about current and historic scientific articles to strengthen their communication skills and understanding of the elements of well-designed experiments. Finally, students will also have prospectus forum discussions around special topics including scientific debate, ethics in genetics, case studies in psychology, and the importance of pioneering discoveries. 

This course can lay the groundwork for a Junior Thesis (10th Graders), strengthen a current thesis (11th Graders), or build upon the work of a completed thesis (12th Graders). Of course, the project can also be entirely independent of the junior thesis.

Prerequisite: Department Approval, Introduction to Scientific Research Credit: SCI Period: Full Year

*Intro to Scientific Research may, in certain cases, not be required. Please consult with the Science Program Lead.

AAS: Advanced Biology

Building upon the foundation laid in general biology, students in this course will take a deeper dive into the phenomena that biologists engage with, and the challenges that citizens face in their daily lives. Students will examine the interconnectedness of all living things and the characteristics common to all organisms through a thematic, project-based approach. The themes that will recur throughout this course include science as a process, relationship of structure and function, evolution, regulation, energy transfer, continuity and change, interdependence in nature, and science/technology and society. We will venture outside to learn more advanced techniques for quantifying biodiversity on the GCDS campus. Students will use more advanced laboratory equipment to quantify rates of metabolic reactions. Students will collaborate on genetics and heredity projects. We will do advanced work on animal organ systems and form groups to model individual systems. Students will have continual opportunities to implement and refine key science practices including a quantitative approach to data collection, analysis, and interpretation, like a professional scientist would in their exploration of the natural world.

Prerequisite: Department Approval Credit: SCI Period: Full Year

AAS: Advanced Chemistry

Advanced Chemistry at GCDS is an engaging and rigorous learning experience that continues to explore the physical and chemical nature of matter and the processes and changes that matter undergoes. Through complex and authentic challenges, students will uncover and apply higher-level chemistry principles while continuing to evolve their globally interconnected lens. Students will continually develop critical, creative, analytic thinking by doing rigorous laboratories and field work. Hands-on and digital applications, complex mathematical problem-solving, and data analysis will be core competencies as they synthesize their learning into analytical writing and presentation. Topics covered but not limited to are: atomic theory,  organic chemistry, solutions, kinetics, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, and equilibrium acid base. This course will contribute to the development of each student’s ability to think critically and to express his/her ideas in both oral and written fashion with clarity and logic.

Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Department Approval Credit: SCI

Period: Full Year

AAS: Ecological Engineering

In this course, students will build on their general science and engineering knowledge, completing projects on the GCDS US campus which increase biodiversity. We will begin by exploring ecological restoration sites in Greenwich and surrounding areas. We will examine these sites and restoration plans in terms of biodiversity and land use, using the engineering design cycle. Students will then mimic this process on the GCDS US campus. They will map the GCDS campus, delineating physical and biological variables, using ArcGIS. 

Students will learn the needs of native plants in terms of soil and micro-climate. They will learn the needs of the animals at different times of the year and in different life stages,  learning to collect and analyze data on different organisms. Students will then assess the biodiversity of the GCDS US campus. Students will harness this new knowledge to define a biodiversity problem then design and carry out projects that will improve the campus. Students will use the engineering design process, determining constraints and criteria for success. Student projects may involve building water features,  animal shelters, animal feeders, or gardens. Individual students may learn techniques in plant propagation, apiary science, wetland science, climate change mitigation, hydroponics, container gardens, vertical gardens, mindfulness gardens, pond or riparian restoration. Students will build prototypes of the projects in the Makerspace and test them against their success criteria. Students will use the results of their tests to improve their final design. They will then build and install their final project. Projects could lead up to, or be part of the junior thesis.

Prerequisite: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Environmental Science and Department Approval Credit: SCI

Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Engineering; Sustainability

AAS: Advanced Physics & Engineering

Advanced Physics and Engineering is a calculus-connected course in which students investigate the physical world from an engineering design approach. The investigation of forces will involve destructive testing followed by the construction of cantilevered trusses. The study of motion will analyze student designed vehicles to determine if they have constant velocity, constant acceleration, or varying acceleration. Attempting to safely bungee jump an egg on a non-linear elastic cord allows a nuanced understanding of the conservation will energy as well as practice in integrating polynomial functions. Additional projects will include student centered choices into electric circuits, magnetism, optics, or robotics. All topics will be approached from a project based perspective allowing students to become comfortable with an engineering design approach to problem solving.

Prerequisite: Honors Physics, Calculus (Co-requisite), Department Approval Credit: SCI Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Engineering

AAS: Advanced Applied Math & Physics with Computer Science (CSX)

This course is an interdisciplinary offering from the computer science, physics, and math faculty. Student assignments will reflect concepts from all three disciplines including: projectile motion, orbitals, strings, particles, matrices, and area below a curve (Riemann). Simple graphics will be included as part of the course. Significant time outside of the classroom is expected. This course includes competitions in the American Computer Science League as well university-led competitions.

Prerequisite: Computer Science I and II, Precalculus, Physics, Department Approval Credit: SCI, CAT, or MATH

Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Math, Science, and the Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.