Upper School Science Course Planning Grid

Williams offers a laboratory-based curriculum grounded in the scientific method where students form conclusions about scientific phenomena supported by observable events. Students are introduced to the historical experiments that support current scientific understanding and theory, and engage in hands-on experiences to gain a solid appreciation for the experimental process.

In the Middle School, seventh graders study life science, and eighth graders are introduced to the physical sciences. In the Upper School, the science program leads from Biology to Chemistry to Physics with options available in the AP sciences and science electives. The minimum science requirement for all students to graduate from The Williams School is two credits—one credit of Biology, and one credit of a laboratory Physical Science that may be fulfilled by taking either Chemistry/Honors Chemistry or Physics/Honors Physics. Regardless of year of entry or previous preparation, each student must take at least one credit of science at The Williams School before graduating. However, the Science Department strongly encourages every upper school student to complete at least one course in each: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Most colleges either require or strongly recommend that their applicants have had experience in all three subject areas in order to provide a solid foundation from which students may pursue a variety of academic majors. Astronomy (grades 9 and 10) and Environmental Science (grades 11 and 12) are elective options. Elective courses do not fulfill the Biology or Physical Science requirements for graduation. AP Science courses—AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics—are extremely rigorous and should be selected only by students who have the background, time, and determination to meet the course expectations. Informational meetings for students interested in taking AP science courses will be held in the spring to provide additional information and to assist students in making appropriate choices.

Life Science (Grade 7)
This is a laboratory-based program designed to acquaint students with the scientific method. This course begins with a unit on ecology that explores interactions between populations and their environment. The evolution of life is introduced with a study of cell anatomy and physiology, followed by a comparative study of the five kingdoms. Study skills, note taking, and laboratory techniques are emphasized throughout the year

Physical Science (Grade 8)
In Eighth Grade Physical Science students explore the basic principles of general chemistry and Newtonian physics through hands-on investigations. The course continues to emphasize the use of the scientific method while incorporating quantitative data analysis and problem solving skills. The fall semester includes a study of the physical properties of matter and the history of atomic theory. In the spring, students investigate their physical world through experiments in force, energy, and motion.

Biology (Grades 9–10)
In Biology, students explore ecological, evolutionary, genetic, and physiological relationships between organisms. Laboratory experiments emphasize the use of the scientific method during investigation of the chemical and physical principles governing biological processes. Completion of Biology is a requirement for graduation.

Chemistry (Grades 10–12)
Chemistry focuses on the fundamental concepts that underlie the physical and chemical behavior of matter. Regular laboratory experiments integrate or complement the abstract concepts presented in class as the students develop scientific lab technique and apply the scientific method. Topics covered are atomic theory, chemical bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, kinetics, thermochemistry, acid-base chemistry, equilibrium systems, and electrochemistry. Additional topics may include nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, material science, and chemical engineering. Prerequisite: Algebra IB or higher.

Honors Chemistry (Grades 10–12)
Honors Chemistry is available to students who are interested in a more rigorous course of study in chemistry, or who plan to continue their study of chemistry into the AP level. In addition, this course prepares students for the SAT II Chemistry College Board examination. Honors Chemistry covers the same topics as Chemistry, but moves at a faster pace and develops the quantitative aspect of each concept in greater depth. Departmental placement is required for students to be enrolled in Honors Chemistry. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II or Algebra IB with department approval.

Physics (Grades 11–12)
Physics focuses on the fundamental concepts behind physics through problem solving at a basic level and investigative laboratory experiments. This course endeavors to provide students as many opportunities as possible to have hands-on experience and do physics. Topics covered are classical mechanics, fluids, heat, sound, light, relativity, and electricity and magnetism. Concepts are applied to physics-related developments in technology. This course provides a firm foundation for further study of physics at the college level in the field of humanities, business, or liberal arts. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II and Geometry.

Honors Physics (Grades 11–12)
Honors Physics is available to students who plan to continue their study of physics into the AP level and further at the college level in fields of science, medicine, engineering, or technology. This course prepares students for the SAT II Physics College Board Exam. It is a comprehensive course of study that covers classical and modern physics with in-depth problem solving and a combination of traditional and guided inquiry laboratory investigations. Topics covered are Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves, optics, relativity, and electricity and magnetism. If time permits, atomic and nuclear physics will also be introduced. Department placement is required for students to be enrolled in Honors Physics. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II and Geometry. Concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus is highly recommended.

AP Biology (Grades 11–12)
AP Biology is the equivalent of a one-year college introductory biology course. The course covers the conceptual areas of molecular and cellular biology, heredity and evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. The textbook and laboratory experiments emphasize conceptual understanding of the processes of scientific inquiry and application of biological knowledge to real-world applications. All students are expected to take the AP examination in the spring. Students planning to take this course and AP Chemistry are advised to take AP Chemistry first. Department approval is required for students to be enrolled in AP Biology. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Chemistry.

UConn BIOL 1107/1108 Principles of Biology I & II
Students enrolling in AP Biology may choose to enroll concurrently in the UConn Early College Experience (E.C.E.) program, and earn college credit for two semesters of biology. BIOL 1107/1108 is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced courses in Biology and related sciences. Topics covered include molecular and cell biology, animal anatomy and physiology (BIOL 1107); ecology, evolution, genetics, and plant biology (BIOL 1108). Students must apply to this program separately from enrollment in AP Biology. Nominal tuition fees apply.

AP Chemistry (Grades 11–12)
AP Chemistry is a second–year course equivalent to a college level introductory chemistry course and may lead to advanced college credit or placement. This rigorous and challenging course of study follows the national curriculum integrating many of the topics introduced in Honors Chemistry to allow problem solving at an even higher level. A significant amount of independent learning is expected and class time is used to complete extensive lab applications and address higher order problems. The completion of a summer assignment and participation in the AP Exam are course requirements. Honors Chemistry is the best preparation for AP Chemistry; highly successful students from Chemistry who receive department approval may enroll, but will be assigned additional summer work. Department approval is required for students to be enrolled in AP Chemistry. Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Chemistry and Algebra II.

AP-B Physics (Grade 12)
AP Physics is a second-year course equivalent to a college level algebra-trigonometry based introductory physics course and may lead to a year of advanced college credit. This is a survey course with an aggressively paced in-depth coverage of Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism and limited coverage of atomic and nuclear physics. AP Physics focuses heavily on advanced problem solving with a laboratory component that is a combination of traditional labs, inquiry based labs, and open-ended student-designed labs. A summer assignment and participation in the AP exam are course requirements. Honors Physics provides the most advantageous preparation for this course. However, highly successful students from Physics who receive department approval may enroll in AP Physics. They will be required to complete a more comprehensive summer assignment than those coming from Honors Physics in preparation for the heightened level of problem-solving they will encounter. Department approval is required for students to be enrolled in AP-B Physics. Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry, Precalculus, and Honors Physics.

Science Electives

Astronomy (Grades 9–10)
Astronomy is an elective course open to students in grades 9 or 10, emphasizing the meaning of everyday observations of the sky and the underlying physical principles in scientific models of astronomy. This course seeks to further develop students’ analytical and quantitative problem solving skills, as well as their fluidity and clarity in scientific writing. Students will learn about the Earth and the Earth’s place in the universe, the Solar System, properties of light and how astronomers interpret the light received from distant celestial objects, how stars work and how they change with time. Investigative laboratory activities, observations, and Internet-based research projects complement the concepts studied in class. No prerequisites are required.

Environmental Science (Grades 11–12)
Environmental Science is an elective course open to students in grades 11 or 12. Students learn fundamental principles of sustainability and biodiversity and apply them to the analysis of current environmental issues such as resource use and conservation, pollution, global climate change, energy, and the environmental effects of food systems. The course emphasizes field studies, laboratory investigation, analysis of data, and critical evaluation of seminal literature. We are also involved in several long-term projects involving habitat assessment, investigating local biodiversity, and operating the school composting program and garden. Prerequisite: Students must be in grades 11 or 12 and have completed Biology.

Science Faculty

Gaines Tyler, PhD
Chair

Galina Frisby

Fred Oliver, PhD

Rachel Thomas-Shapiro