Health Archives - Beaver Country Day School

Madness to Mental Health

Interests: Debate, Health, Psychology, Reading, Wellness, Writing

Who you callin’ crazy? How do we respond to those whose mental states diverge from the norm, and how do we tell stories about them? Starting with Greek tragedy, working our way through Shakespeare, and ending with student-chosen modern texts, we’ll explore the history of mental illness in Western literature. We’ll examine the language used to talk about mental health, how it has evolved, and how depictions differ across time and culture. Projects will involve options ranging from creative writing to psychology research, giving students opportunities to explore topics of interest to them within mental health narratives.

This class will have a particular focus on the skills of reading, analytical writing, and creative writing.

11th

12th

Science

Advanced Biology – Molecular Research Techniques (Honors)

Interests: Health, Research

This course provides students with an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology and their applications in biotechnology. Students delve deeply into advanced topics such as genetic engineering and synthetic biology, with a specific focus on the use of CRISPR technology and the ways in which they can leverage it to explore real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, and more. Students travel each week to the BioBuilder learning lab at Ginkgo Bioworks for an immersive experience in which students learn the skills and tools of molecular research through an ongoing research project. Prerequisites: any Chemistry or Biology Applications course at the Honors level and with departmental permission (Biology Applications: DNA & Genetics highly recommended). Offered at the Honors level only.

11th

12th

English

Literature of Food

Interests: Debate, Food, Health, Literature, Reading, Social Justice, Writing

For millennia, humans have had a unique and ever-shifting relationship with their food. From growing vegetables in the soiled ground to buying a Big Mac at the drive-through, we all relate to and connect with food and tastes in varied ways. Additionally, from Fatima Ali to Rebecca May Johnson to Will Guidara, chefs and authors have explored what we eat, how we eat, and how our relationship with food matters. In this class, we will read, write, cook, and eat. Using a range of narratives, we’ll examine the politics of food, food insecurity, and how our relationship to what we eat and how we eat informs, nourishes, and shapes our lives. This class will have a particular focus on the skills of creative writing and project design.

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

Science

Chemistry Applications – Physical Chemistry

Interests: Health

This interdisciplinary course explores the physical and chemical properties of matter. Students learn about the challenging fields of thermodynamics, thermal and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and buffers. In this course, students gain a thorough understanding of how chemical systems behave and respond to external stress through hands-on laboratory experiences and problem sets. Throughout the course, lab skills and writing are emphasized in order to practice effective scientific communication and inquiry-based design challenges. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.

11th

12th

Science

Chemistry Applications – Biochemistry

Interests: Health

Biochemistry explores the fascinating intersections of chemistry and biology This course delves into the molecular processes and reactions necessary for life. Students first review the foundations of chemistry while focusing on the importance of carbon as an element on Earth and its role in living things. In this course, students explore a selection of topics ranging from carbon dating, electrolytes and human health, the structure and function of carbohydrates and proteins, and food science, nutrition, and metabolism. Students get the chance to do an independent research project to learn about a personal interest. Honors has an expectation to do deeper level content, more autonomous work and self-learning, and application of mathematics to solve problem sets. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.

10th

11th

12th

BVR-X

Social Psychology: To be is to be perceived!

Interests: Education, Health, Identity, Psychology, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Wellness

How is our behavior influenced by our social environment? How does our perception of others affect what we do and our sense of identity? Whether we want it or not, people (others) influence how we act or behave (how we dress, what we say or don’t say, what we feel). In this social psychology course, we will aim to get a deep understanding of human behavior, especially interpersonal relationships. We will look at theories and findings in psychology and social psychology, will learn about key ideas, and explore some recent research and unanswered questions. This course will be driven by student interests, and will also include topics such as biases, attitudes, obedience, mental health, social identity, and prejudice, among others. We will try to understand how others affect who we are and how we behave, and if indeed “hell is other people.” Honors and standard levels

11th

12th

Science

Biology Applications – Neuroscience

Interests: Health, Psychology

The most basic function of the brain is to keep you alive. Your 100 billion neurons regulate breathing, heart rate, hunger and sleep cycle. But perhaps what fascinates us the most about the human brain is how it goes beyond these basic functions and generates emotions, perceptions, and thoughts that guide behavior. In this course, we take a deep dive into brain science, exploring everything from the biochemistry of a neuron, to the latest research on psychological disorders such as depression and addiction. Topics in this course include neural anatomy and physiology, synaptic transmission and action potential, neurochemistry, and the impact of substances on the brain. Students have the opportunity to attend the Harvard MEDscience program to participate in the Nervous System patient simulation as part of this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.

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

Biology Applications – DNA and Genetics

Interests: Health

DNA is often referred to as the “code of life.” This course seeks to explore what we know about how our bodies interpret and utilize our genetic code and how our understanding has changed in recent years. Included in this course are discussions of the evolving concept of what a gene is, DNA structure, function, and replication, and how DNA is used to shed light on evolutionary relationships among organisms. In addition, students are introduced to the laboratory techniques that have driven our understanding of these topics, including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and bacterial transformation. Emphasis on effective communication of experimental design and findings through primary source research, formal reports, and presentations are an integral part of this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.

10th

11th

12th

Science

Biology Foundations – The Structure & Function of Human Life

Interests: Health, Required Course

From the use of antibiotics to the evolution of skin color, this survey course applies the concepts of biology to the real and changing world around us. This course gives students the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of life, from the evolution of homo sapiens down to the microscopic viruses that invade us. This course focuses on a deeper understanding of the biological concepts of biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, and evolution while further developing lab skills, data analysis, inferences and reasoning, scientific writing, and presentation skills. Collaborative and independent research projects have students incorporate strategies to process and more deeply understand complex biological concepts and how they play out over time. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations. Honors section with departmental permission.

11th

12th

Science

Chemistry Applications – Quantitative Analysis

Interests: Health, Research

In Quantitative Analysis, students build on the basic chemical concepts and skills learned in the foundations course. The concept of a mole is explored and students learn to predict the products of chemical reactions. In this lab-based course, students conduct a variety of experiments and use stoichiometry to quantitatively analyze their findings and the efficiency of their experimentation. Finally, students explore molarity and solution chemistry, including acids and bases, through both conceptual and quantitative lenses. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.