Science

SCI 201: Biology
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
Biology is the study of life.  In the first part of this laboratory course, students will learn about how chemistry is associated with life and the topic of cells. This includes learning about the criteria for the most basic living organisms, how cells form more complex organisms, and how normal cells become cancerous. The second major topic of this course focuses on genetic traits; specifically, students will learn how traits are inherited and the probability of inheriting particular traits. The last major topic focuses on evolution and ecology. In this unit, students will learn about the amazing diversity of species and how we distinguish species, how species change over time, how species impact each other and their environment.

SCI 211: Honors Biology
Full-year course (1 credit)
Honors
Biology is the study of life. In this laboratory course Honors Biology students will learn the same concepts but in greater depth and intensity. In the first part of this laboratory course, students will learn about how chemistry is associated with life and the topic of cells. This includes learning about the criteria for the most basic living organisms, how cells form more complex organisms, and how normal cells become cancerous. The second major topic of this course focuses on genetic traits; specifically, students will learn how traits are inherited and the probability of inheriting particular traits. The last major topic focuses on evolution and ecology. In this unit, students will learn about the amazing diversity of species and how we distinguish species, how species change over time, how species impact each other and their environment.

SCI 301: Chemistry
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry. Students will learn about the scientific process, the development of the atomic structure, properties of elements, chemical bonding, reactions, thermodynamics, and properties of gasses. Experience in the laboratory is an important part of this course, and experiments are chosen to help students reinforce the course topics and learn good basic laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

SCI 311: Honors Chemistry
Full-year course (1 credit)
Honors
This laboratory course covers topics that will enable a student to enter a first-year college chemistry course. These include phases of matter, the scientific process, the development of atomic structure leading to the present quantum mechanical model, the properties of elements, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, reactions, and thermodynamics. Experience in the laboratory is an important part of this course, and experiments are chosen to help students reinforce the course topics and learn good basic laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

SCI 321: Physics
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course will explore the nature of the physical world and associated laws that apply to these phenomena. Students will be exposed to content associated with physics and engineering as they move through units focused on mechanics (velocity, acceleration, force, etc) and electricity. Each unit will involve regular demonstrations, laboratory work, and design projects that will have students building products based on physics concepts. These design projects will include both design challenges and principles of engineering. Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra 2 (may be taken concurrently).

SCI 331: Astrophysics
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course is all about exploring the universe. Students will learn and apply conceptual physics while learning about what we know so far about space and what modern astrophysicists are curious about and concerned with. We will start by focusing on our solar system and learning about the objects that comprise our immediate surroundings. We will then focus on stars. Students will learn about stellar characteristics and evolution. Our study of the universe will broaden as students learn about an expanding universe in terms of Hubble’s law and red-shifting. The course will wrap up by exploring dark energy, dark matter, and black holes. Prerequisite: Geometry (which may be taken concurrently).

SCI 341: Maine Field Studies
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
The first part of this course, Ecology of Maine, is a place-based environmental studies course that focuses on understanding the interactions between living and nonliving parts of ecosystems in Maine. In this part of the course, students will explore ecology while building research skills and developing a sense of place. There will be field research through three ecological surveys on forest communities, soil, and invasive species. Skills taught in this topic include data collection, spreadsheets, tree identification, field methods (pacing, sampling transect/quadrat, soil texture analysis, invasive species survey methods), and science communication (informal presentations, formal writing.). The second part of this course focuses on sustainability which is the study of how humans can build new relationships with the natural world that stop further environmental degradation and regenerate damaged ecosystems. Emphasis will be on developing a land ethic as a basis for decision making, understanding systems of power and influence, and identifying opportunities to be an agent of change for sustainability. After exploring various land ethics, the focus will shift to understanding the limits of Earth systems in sustaining life on Earth. The course will culminate in a habitat restoration project, offering students the opportunity to practice local solutions to global problems.

SCI 351: Robotics
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
Robotics is based on a curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy and uses both the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and the VEX IQ platforms through the year. The course focuses on robotics technologies, math and science concepts including fundamentals in physics, mechanical design, circuit design, engineering and construction techniques, and programming skills. Students will learn how to construct robots and program them using various software and will complete challenges related to various sensors and coding functions. Students will also be introduced to other aspects of Engineering to include CAD design and 3D printing. Prerequisites: Algebra 1.

SCI 361: Environmental Research and Design
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
In this interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and Art class, students will reimagine a sustainable world through nature-inspired design. The course will explore Maine's ecosystems from the forest to the sea and local institutions that focus on sustainability to understand the complex relationships between natural and cultural systems. In our maker's studio, students will develop skills in designing, creating, and making through the exploration of natural materials, forms, and systems in nature to inspire sustainable design processes. We will apply lessons learned from natural systems while focusing on how science and design can positively impact society and the environment. Over the course of the year, students will lead the way in determining why, how, and what sustainable project we choose to design and implement in the spring. Much of this course will take place outdoors, venturing on and off-campus to engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities. Additional course fees apply for makers lab. Prerequisites: Freshmen Arts Seminar.

SCI 401: Biochemistry of Nutrition
Semester course (1/2 credit): Fall 2020
College Prep
In Biochemistry of Nutrition, students will develop an understanding of the human gastrointestinal system, how nutrition facts are calculated, and how diet impacts health. This class will emphasize the importance of food for energy and maintaining homeostasis within our bodies. In addition to dietary requirements, students will also learn about common dietary allergies, restrictions, and diseases. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

SCI 411: Global Public Health
Semester course (1/2 credit): Spring 2021
College Prep
Global Public Health will investigate real public health challenges facing the twenty-first-century world. Examples include infectious diseases, malnutrition, and pollution. The class will develop statistical analysis and complex system-thinking skills to research these issues and use scientific reasoning to explore their governmental, cultural, and geographical aspects. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify current public health problems, develop plans to address the problems, and present their proposals to classmates and other members of the Kents Hill community. Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 2.

SCI 421: GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment)
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
GLOBE is an applied environmental studies course that focuses on field-based research to understand Earth systems. In this year-long course, students will follow protocols from GLOBE science, a global collaboration between NASA, NOAA, the NSF, and the US Department of State. Students will explore basic principles of scientific inquiry and communication while learning about properties of the pedosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. The course will place a strong emphasis on designing and conduction authentic research, culminating in a student-driven research project. This course is best suited for students eager to transfer knowledge and skills from prior science courses into an applied context.

SCI 501: AP Biology
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
AP Biology is aligned with the College Board standards. Students will be expected to be familiar with fundamental content from their previous biology class. A greater emphasis is placed on laboratory procedures and reports. Students will dive deeper to learn how cells communicate with each other to maintain homeostasis in complex organisms, how cytoplasmic determinants help control development, the impact of single versus frameshift mutations, how genes are activated or deactivated, how enzymes regulate metabolism, impacts of selection on species evolution, how interspecific and intraspecific competitions affect species survival, and the complex connections between organisms with each other and their environments. Broad Topics that will be covered are: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Cycle and Communication, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. Prerequisites: Honors Biology and Chemistry, recommended concurrent enrollment with Statistics

SCI 511: AP Environmental Studies
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
The goals of this interdisciplinary science course are to provide students with the skills and knowledge to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to understand and analyze both natural and human-made environmental issues. This course integrates the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and physical sciences as they apply to understanding the interconnectedness of the natural world. Classes will consist of lectures and discussions as well as extended laboratory and field investigations. Topics will include the following concerns from a local and global perspective: interdependence of earth’s systems, population dynamics, resource use, environmental quality, global changes, and the interactions of the environment and society. Students can expect a variety of written assessments plus a cumulative portfolio of their classroom, laboratory, and field work. Students are required to take the AP Exam and pay the accompanying fee.

SCI 521: AP Chemistry
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students are required to take the AP Exam and pay the accompanying fee. Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry or Chemistry with a teacher recommendation.

SCI 601: Anatomy and Physiology
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
A solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology is the foundation of every health-related career. Designed in collaboration with the University of Maine at Augusta, this Dual-Enrollment course offers students the opportunity to establish that foundation. After reviewing the basics of Biology and Chemistry, students will use labs, activities, and a variety of case studies to explore both traditional and contemporary topics, including such timely issues as medical ethics and the recent explosion of healthcare-related jobs. Students will also make use of local healthcare facilities to better understand the ways in which our course material is applied in the real world. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

SCI 611: College Physics 1
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
This course is an introduction to the content, methods, and philosophy of science with an emphasis on the principles of physics and their application to topics in research and current issues in science. The course will focus on Mechanics (with specific attention to motion, the forces that cause that motion and conservation principles in energy and momentum) and principles of Thermodynamics. This allows more in-depth study of the topics. Prerequisites: Precalculus (may be enrolled concurrently), instructor permission. Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit. Additional course fees apply.

SCI 621: College Physics 2
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
This course is a second-year physics class with an emphasis on the principles of physics and their application to topics in research and current issues in science. As an advanced course, the focus areas will include Wave Fundamentals (to include Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, and Modern Physics (Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear Physics.) This will allow more in-depth study of the topics. Prerequisites: Successful completion of College Physics 1 or an Advanced Placement Physics Course, instructor permission. Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit. Additional course fees apply.