Sandia Prep - Curriculum Guide: 2016-2017

SCIENCE
Science is not learned; it is discovered.
At Prep, science is active. We don’t
observe science. We do science. Our
middle school students plant and
harvest a garden. The ninth graders
learn geology in the rich landscape
of New Mexico. The Astronomy
class sleeps under the stars in Chaco
Canyon. The Anatomy class dissects
earthworms, pigs, and sharks. The
Biology class manipulates DNA. The
Environmental class treks to the river
for water samples.
Our science students go where the
data lies, to study it, and learn what it
tells us about our world. They acquire
the vision of a scientist, seeing deeply
by looking through a microscope at
the smallest particles of existence,
but also broadly as they encounter
environmental issues or planetary
discoveries.
We want our science students to
wonder, to ask, to probe, to uncover,
and to use the skills and facts we teach
to make a difference in the world.
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Science 6 - General Science
Beginning scientists are introduced to
topics in life science, earth science,
and physical science. Students begin
learning to think like a scientist and to use
scientific methods with close observation,
clear communication, classification,
inference, hypothesis, interpretation, and
collaborative investigation. They practice
proper lab technique, explore and record
in their Lewis and Clark journals, collect
specimens for further study, learn the
skills of research in the LEAP (Learning
of Ecosystems of Albuquerque Project),
and experience multi-dimensional study
with technology. At the end of this sixthgrade
class, our students have the strong
foundational skills to build on as they
pursue advanced science courses in upper
school.
Science 7 - Life Science
Students learn about and develop an
appreciation for the natural world through
field observations, research, projects,
and interactions with the community.
The course emphasizes units in botany,
genetics, ecology, evolution, human
biology, and health and wellness. Seventh
graders also oversee the school garden
and learn many of their scientific lessons
there, among the plants. Each fall, Prep
celebrates a Harvest Day, feasting on what
our students have grown and tended.
Science 8 - Physical Science
Students are introduced to chemistry and
physics as they study atoms, the periodic
table, chemical bonding and reactions,
radioactivity, mechanical forces, energy,
sound, and light. This course involves
lab work and the further development
of problem solving skills. At the end of
the year, students have familiarity with
skills and topics necessary for success
in our challenging upper school science
curriculum.
Geology
Grade 9
It would be unforgivable not to teach
Geology in New Mexico. Our climatic
conditions act to both expose and preserve
fine examples of the forces and materials
which have formed not only our state,
but our planet. Our students, as do many
scientists from around the world, visit and
investigate volcanoes at the Rio Grande
Rift (the third largest rift in the world), and
the Ojito Wilderness. They travel through
geologic time, studying sediment and rock
formations, and investigate the world of
paleontology. Knowledge of minerals,
fuels, and natural resources allow students
to understand the delicate relationship
between humans and the earth, the causes
and consequences of catastrophic geologic
events, and the history of humanity.
Advanced Geology
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a grade of
“B-” or better and/or permission of the
instructor, Algebra 2.
In Advanced Geology, students study New
Mexico geology using the Rio Grande rift
as a field study area to learn about local
rock formations, history of environments of
deposition, and the structural history of this
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area. This leads to interpretive studies and
problem solving in structural geology and
stratigraphy. These areas will be correlated
with laboratory work using satellite
imagery, topographic maps, and geologic
maps. Field investigations include mapping
of various structures and rock types. During
the second semester, students take an
in-depth look at various research topics
including historical geology; paleontology
– the study of fossils in the geologic
record; and geologic resources and their
environmental, global, and economic
impact.
Molecular Biology
Grade 10
Prep’s Biology courses emphasis hands-on
laboratory work, such as enzyme reactions
on hydrogen peroxide, cell respiration
and fermentation, cell mitosis, and the
difference in electrical conductivity
between organic and inorganic
compounds. Students learn the basics
of biology, while concentrating on the
biochemical perspective such as molecular
structure, microscopy, cellular structures
and processes, and heredity.
Ecological Biology
Grade 10
Through close study of ecological systems,
this course leads students to an expanded
vision of the earth, its inhabitants, and
survival. Using scientific methods of data
gathering and interpretation, students
consider not only current systems of
diverse life forms, but they also look
ahead to anticipate the consequences of
environmental changes and decisions.