Engineering Archives - Beaver Country Day School

Matrices and Linear Algebra

Interests: Business, Economics, Engineering, Financial Literacy, Math, Politics, Sports

This course focuses on the theory and techniques of linear algebra. Topics include vectors in n-dimensional space, matrix theory, systems of linear equations, vector space theory, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and optimization. This course includes economics and computer science applications.

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level

Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 or Algebra 1

9th

Science

Physics Applications – Engineering

Interests: Design, Engineering, Required Course

This course is the second term of 9th-grade science following the Physics Foundations course. It offers students an opportunity to further their understanding of physics principles through engineering. Throughout this course, students delve into the practical application of physics, specifically focusing on engineering principles such as design, fabrication, and iteration. Students engage in hands-on exploration and experimentation, applying data analysis and feedback to inform their engineering designs. Topics covered include forces, electricity, and circuitry, providing a foundation for understanding how these concepts drive engineering innovation. Prerequisites: Physics Foundations. Honors level offered only with departmental permission.

10th

11th

12th

Science

Physics Applications – Sustainable Energy

Interests: Design, Engineering, Environment, Health

This course explores the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, with a focus on understanding climate change and its implications for sustainable energy solutions. This interdisciplinary course delves into the intricate relationship between energy, environment, and society. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students analyze Earth's energy budget and the mechanisms driving climate change, evaluating the scientific evidence behind global warming and its consequences. They delve into various sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy, investigating the physics principles underlying each source and assessing their environmental impact and scalability. By examining real-world case studies, students gain insights into the practical applications of sustainable energy systems and the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Through collaborative projects and presentations, students develop critical thinking skills and propose innovative solutions to enhance energy sustainability and address the impacts of climate change on a local and global scale.

11th

12th

Mathematics

Probability and Combinatorics

Interests: Business, Engineering, Math, Politics, Sports

How likely is an event likely to happen? This is an essential question that is asked by professionals in a host of different fields. Probability helps to quantify a response, often relying on algorithms of combinatorics to count the number of favorable outcomes in a given scenario. Maybe you want to understand the efficacy of a revolutionary cancer treatment better, or think more critically about the P-values that deem a trial successful or unsuccessful. Maybe you are curious about the decision-making of professional poker players, or are interested to explore how meteorologists use this same theoretical math in their daily forecast of the weather. Maybe you see probability in sports, or combinatorics in computer science. Whatever the application is that interests you, here you will develop the advanced algorithms for counting which provide the groundwork for probability theory. In this course, you will develop an understanding of the mathematics that helps to inform the decisions we make every day. Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level Prerequisites: Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and Geometry

10th

11th

12th

Visual Arts

Installation Art

Interests: Architecture, Design, Engineering, Environment, Hands On, Psychology

How does place affect and define our sense of being? How can we intentionally and artistically alter these places? This course pulls from a history of artists changing our surroundings indoors/outdoors and in physical community space and virtual spaces. You’ll work collaboratively to create these installations/interventions and collaborate with the participants/audience. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art History will provide context for our work. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, with an emphasis on both process and product. Prerequisites: Sculpture or by the recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head.

10th

11th

12th

9th

BVR-X

English

Global History & Social Sciences

Mathematics

Modern Languages

Performing Arts

Science

Student-Directed Projects

Visual Arts

Student Directed Project – SDP

Interests: Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Film, Hands On, Health, Law, Literature, Politics, Psychology, Research, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Sports

A Student-Directed Project empowers students to do an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest throughout the term. The student designs, plans, and leads their research project in collaboration and with the guidance and support of a coach (faculty advisor). It allows students to delve deeper into their passion and to be the designer of their own learning. There is a wide range of Student-Directed Projects; they are multi-disciplinary, non-linear, and most importantly, student-created and led. That’s what makes them so interesting. Here are some examples of past projects:

Creating an architectural model using 3D architectural software
Through their eyes: Photo and interview series of veterans
Robosub electromagnetic linear accelerator
Acoustic pinger for Robosub
Virtual Reality game for visually-impaired persons
Creating a concept album
Dispute: Landlord-tenant board game
Multimedia journalism: Producing a podcast series
Perplex: English and Theater Study
Sensors and fiber optics: Building a fiber optic dress
Haptic technologies: Force-Feedback Virtual Reality
Applications of integrals to analytical continuation of functions

11th

12th

Performing Arts

Advanced Design & Tech (Honors)

Interests: Architecture, Art, Coding, Design, Engineering, Film, Hands On, Programming, Storytelling, Theater

Advanced Design & Tech is a one-term, process-to-production course designed to prepare students for 2 public performances at Beaver. The course begins by focusing on script analysis and design, and then students work as theater technicians and designers to bring the play to fruition with the Advanced Theater Acting and Advanced Costume Design classes. Technical theater roles encompass areas such as stage management, set, light, and sound design as well as technical direction and engineering. Students entering this class should be highly motivated and interested in an intense and exciting experience that requires a great deal of commitment. This course involves two weeks of rehearsal outside of the regular school day at the end of the process so that the play can be performed in its entirety while adding technical elements and costumes. Recent productions include She Kills Monsters and Humpty Dumpty. One Term Course: Winter Term Prerequisites: Design & Tech Studio or permission of the instructor.

10th

11th

12th

Science

Engineering Applications – Robotics

Interests: Design, Engineering

Robots are all around us, in the deepest oceans, tallest volcanoes, and beyond into outer space. This dynamic course delves into the practical and transformative applications of robotics, and is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, technical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of how robotics integrates different engineering fields. Students explore the intersection of engineering and robotics, uncovering the innovative ways in which robotic technologies are applied across different industries. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical demonstrations, and project-based learning, participants gain the expertise necessary to leverage robotics in solving complex engineering challenges. Do not take this course if you plan to attend NuVu. Prerequisites: Physics Applications: Engineering or departmental permission.

9th

Mathematics

Foundations for Algebraic Reasoning

Interests: Business, Engineering, Health

This course is designed for students who have not completed Algebra 1 through quadratics in middle school. Students will build a strong foundation in algebraic reasoning and grapple with real-world applications. Work will focus on solving linear equations and systems and the exploration of exponential and quadratic relationships.

Not offered at the Honors level.

11th

12th

Science

Advanced Engineering Design – Project Studio (Honors)

Interests: Architecture, Design, Engineering, Research

This course is intended to give students a more challenging and demanding environment to apply the skills they learned in either Engineering Applications: Robotics (formerly Engineering Design Foundations) or at NuVu and allow them to continue to wrestle and build on solutions to real problems. This course is largely project-based, and students areexpected to use class time to research and design solutions to engineering design challenges. All projects are teacher guided but student led, with the goal of learning and using the tools and approaches of the engineering mindset. Prerequisites: Engineering Applications: Robotics or NuVu. Departmental permission required. Offered at the Honors level only.

10th

11th

12th

Performing Arts

Design & Tech Studio

Interests: Architecture, Art, Coding, Design, Engineering, Film, Hands On, Programming, Storytelling, Theater

Design & Tech Studio is a course for students interested in Technical Theater and/or Theatrical Design. Drawing from many disciplines and utilizing a variety of skills and technology, students will learn to research and communicate their ideas through a series of student-driven individual projects and mainstage shows, allowing them to learn and utilize design and production tools as well as carpentry, scenic painting, props, lighting, and sound. Students will explore how theater artists use these tools for creative problem solving and to communicate with audience members. The successful student would gain an understanding of shop and theater safe working practices, basic construction skills, knowledge of lighting and sound instrumentation and rigging, as well as how communication, planning, and collaboration are central to the health of a theater production. This course can be taken more than once and at the Honors level with permission from the instructor. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Three Term Course No Prerequisites.

10th

9th

Mathematics

Integrated Math 2: Algebra, Geometry, and Data Science

Interests: Business, Engineering, Health, Law, Politics, Required Course

Integrated Math 2 students expand their algebraic reasoning and understanding of mathematical models including quadratic equations and exponential functions. Students also explore probability and build upon their knowledge of transformations, congruence, and similarity while developing logic skills through conjecture, argument, and proof. Investigations in this course build connections between all topics covered. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 1, Algebra 1, or Foundations for Algebraic Reasoning. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.