Statistics

This course includes the gathering of data and a variety of sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, frequency distribution, normal distribution, correlation, linear regression, theoretical distributions, and inferential statistics. This course asks students to consider questions such as these: How is data summarized so that it is intelligible? How should statistical data be interpreted? How can we measure the inherent uncertainty built into statistical data? Students will be asked to collect, analyze and interpret real data to answer real questions in their areas of interest. Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and Geometry

Advanced Biology – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)

In this medical simulation-based course, we explore the integrated systems that make up the incredible human body and learn about how the structures of the body perform the functions necessary to maintain the balance of life (homeostasis). Students investigate the relationship between structure and function through dissections, projects, and discussions. We look into the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders that compromise the functioning of our body systems and visit the Harvard MEDscience program once a week to apply this content to hands-on medical simulations. Students should note that this class deals with medical content and skills that  include simulated blood, the use of needles and scalpels, and animal dissections. Students should be prepared for patient simulations which, while fun, are also realistic and intense in nature. Prerequisites: Students should take one Chemistry Applications AND one Biology Applications course to be eligible to take this class, and at least one of those application courses should be taken at the Honors level and with departmental permission. Offered at the Honors level only. ***Open ONLY to students who have NOT attended the Harvard MEDscience Clinical summer program. Please note: seniors who take this course in the spring are still required to attend Harvard MEDScience visits on Fridays throughout their senior experience.

PreCalculus – Functions

In this course, students will take a deeper look at various families of functions: rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and polynomial. Students will learn about the ways in which domain, range, continuity, inverses, composition and transformation apply to those functions. Students will also have opportunities to analyze real-world data and generate predictive models. Topics from data science are often included in this course, as well. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 and Integrated Math 3. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.

Forensic Science – CSI BVR

Forensics is the application of science to solve crimes using evidence that is admissible in a court of law. A multidisciplinary approach that encourages analytical thinking and problem solving in biology, chemistry, and physics is used. Students may cover the following topics: deductive reasoning, fingerprinting, qualitative analysis of substances such as fingerprints, blood, DNA, document analysis, and ballistics. Along with lab work, students may do research projects, look at the legal aspects of forensic science, take field trips, and solve mock crimes. This class typically culminates in a whole-group project where students apply what they learn to create a crime scene for middle school students to solve. Note: this class touches upon sensitive matters of crimes and violence and deals with medical content and skills which includes simulated blood, needles and sharp objects. Prerequisites: Biology Foundations

Advanced Chemistry – Organic Chemistry (Honors)

Organic molecules are the building blocks of all life on Earth, and the carbon atom is central to the formation of this class of molecules. The course focuses on the importance of chemistry in biological systems. Students investigate the chemistry of key functional groups, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines and ethers, and their role in the behavior of three primary macromolecules: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory work, and students engage in experiments including the oxidation of Vitamin C, organic extraction of Caffeine from tea, and the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. Prerequisites: Any Chemistry or Biology Applications course at the Honors level. Departmental permission required. Offered at the Honors level only.

Integrated Math 3: Algebra, Geometry, and Data Science

Integrated Math 3 students continue to expand their algebraic reasoning and understanding of mathematical models including complex numbers, exponential equations, and polynomials. Students also explore sampling and build upon their knowledge of solid geometry and circle theorems while building connections between all topics covered. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.

Spanish Intermediate

In Intermediate Spanish, students continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. At this level, students have greater independence with the language and are encouraged to use it creatively and authentically. Vocabulary is acquired in a thematic and communicative way, and the grammatical topics that are practiced include: preterite and imperfect, familiar, formal and nosotros commands, future and conditional, present subjunctive. Students also study the culture of the Spanish-speaking world in the form of authentic literature, historical and literary figures, customs, celebrations, and music. Audio and video materials, Skype conferences, computer software, games, projects, and presentations foster student interaction and participation. Course topics are briefly outlined below. Prerequisites: Demonstration of mastery of Foundations of Spanish skills and Departmental Recommendation Required. Art and Society: In this course, students will explore art through various modes such as music and visual art produced by Spanish-speaking artists. The class will discuss the context in which these works were created and their impact on society. Students will work closely with these works and use them to develop their own artistic voice.  Great Films: In this course, students will nominate and vote for a Spanish language film to watch and discuss throughout the trimester. In addition to building greater comfort with narration in the present and past, students will learn to predict future events and discuss what they would do in a given situation. Class activities will consist of discussions, oral and written responses, debates, and creative writing. Storytelling: In this course, students will explore aspects of storytelling including short stories, journalism, poetry, and oral histories and the art of the interview. Urban Life: In this course, students will explore various aspects of life in the city. Students will examine how topics such as pollution, accessibility, and migration shape urban settings. Students will also reflect on the causes and consequences of gentrification around the world and in our local communities.

Spanish Foundations

In this course, students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Vocabulary is practiced in a thematic and communicative way. The grammatical topics discussed include: the present progressive tense, direct and indirect object pronouns, estar + adjectives, reflexive verbs, verbs like gustar, comparatives and superlatives, the imperfect tense and the preterite tense. Students will study the culture of the Spanish-speaking world in the form of language use, customs, celebrations, art, historical figures, and current contributors to Latin American and Spanish society.  Prerequisites: Spanish 1 or equivalent and Departmental Recommendation Required.  Cuisine & Culture: Students will learn vocabulary related to groceries, ingredients and the kitchen. They will learn different expressions as well as units of measurement used in Spanish-speaking countries. They will also learn about the typical gastronomy of different countries. Customs and Celebrations: In this course, students will explore different traditions and celebrations practiced in Spanish-speaking countries. They will also learn to talk about their own customs in their families and from their childhood. This course will deep dive into a particular tradition and/or celebration from the Spanish-speaking world celebrated during or around the time of the trimester and will be paired with a language learner novel to help students connect more deeply with the experiences and values of others. Human Interactions: Students will study vocabulary related to how people interact. Beginning with discussing their own family, friends and social life, students will build their communication skills as they tell stories and practice more in-depth conversations about their backgrounds and interests. They will then be able to discuss interactions in the Spanish-Speaking world and the difficulties that can arise in different cultures and contexts. The Spanish-Speaking World: In this course, students will be exposed to the many identities, traditions, and cultures of the Spanish-Speaking World. Through a multicultural lens, discussions and resources will cover topics such as: race, religion, dialects, geography, and cultural practices.