Natural Science

An examination of major environmental concepts. Students will investigate the ethical, human, and environmental implications of ecological practices.

Historical background, concepts, and classification systems of vascular plants. Selected groups of the local summer flora will be included. Students will build their own herbarium collections by identifying and properly curating specimens that they collect.

A survey of the theory, history, and principals of evolutionary biology. Both macro-evolutionary and micro-evolutionary topics are covered, as well as the importance of the principals of evolution in biology curricula. Readings will be taken from a wide variety of texts, including primary literature.

A study of the functions of the basic human organ systems. Physiological processes will be related to organ structures and integrated with the functioning of the whole organism.

This course is a survey of the foundations of human genetics, with an emphasis on understanding the latest discoveries on genes and human genome. This course Is an overview of the principles of inheritance, and the role DNA and chromosomes play in inheritance. Effect of multiple genes and the environment that influence traits will be discussed both from transmission genetics and at the molecular level. The laboratory projects will introduce the students to research and investigation in science.

Eight course sessions answer essential questions about evolution and teaching evolution. The sessions cover: key content about evolution; methodologies for teaching evolution in high school classrooms; and strategies for dealing with controversy that may arise in teaching evolution.

This course is designed to provide secondary science teachers with the content and pedagogical information they need to teach AP Environmental Sciences. The teachers will become familiar with the major topics and laboratories In the AP Environmental Science curriculum. The major themes will be reviewed and ideas to convey the content to students will be discussed. Student-centered strategies will be emphasized, including inquiry, hands-on activities, and projects. In addition to performing the laboratories, tips on how to successfully set-up, conduct, and evaluate the laboratories will be included. Finally, the structure of the AP Environmental Science Exam will be discussed, as well as preparation strategies.

The structure and reaction of atoms and molecules. This course is designed to emphasize concepts in chemistry for secondary science teachers.

A course that seeks to help students understand some of the chemistry that affects them individually and as members of society.

A study of some of the chemical principles important to geology, ecology, and biochemistry. The major emphasis will be the chemical aspects of earth science.

This course includes basic principles of mechanisms and structure which are directly related to the processes and molecular structure in living organisms.

A survey of some of the electronic instruments used in chemical analysis. Topics will include but not be restricted to pH and other ion-selective electrodes, visible and ultraviolet gas chromatography spectrophotometers, and electrochemical apparatus.

This course is designed to provide secondary science teachers with the content and pedagogical information they need to teach AP physics. The teachers will become familiar with the major topics and laboratories in the AP Physics curriculum. The major concepts will be reviewed and ideas for how to convey the content to students will be discussed. Student-centered strategies will be emphasized, including Inquiry, hands-on activities, and projects.

A study of motion and energy for both particles and waves emphasizing those concepts which are most applicable to secondary school science.

A study of electricity, magnetism, and modern physics emphasizing those concepts which are most applicable to secondary school science.

A study of descriptive astronomy emphasizing the main concepts involved.

A course in descriptive mineralogy and geology. The identification of some common minerals and rocks will be stressed. Geological processes and formations will be studied as time permits.

A study of the physical state and processes of the earth’s atmosphere and oceans, including their relationships with weather and climate.

Each offering covers a special topic in science. See semester schedule for specific topics.