"If you've had the experience of binding a book, knitting a sock, playing a recorder, then you feel that you can build a rocket ship-or learn a software program you've never touched. It's not bravado, just a quiet confidence. There is nothing you can't do.”
--Peter Nitze, Waldorf and Harvard graduate
CEO and Executive Vice President of Martek Biosciences Corporation
SCIENCE
Science in the high school is hands-on, interdisciplinary, and relevant.
Scientific concepts are experienced, not simply memorized from a textbook page. Through field studies, weeklong trips, and block lessons in the laboratory, the curriculum emphasizes in-depth and direct encounters with observable phenomena.
Our students learn to ask big questions, design and implement experiments, make critical observations, and build upon their prior knowledge. Through this process they discover the scientific principles inherent in the phenomena they are exploring, and come to a deep and lasting understanding of these concepts.
This approach gives our students the confidence and skills to think with innovation and creativity as they imagine new applications, inventions, and discoveries.
GEOLOGY
9th Grade Main Lesson
Geology is a fascinating field of science, which stems from observations of the world around us. It attempts to discover the processes that shaped our planet and our landscape. In our three-week investigation of Geology, we will investigate the broad concepts that are central to a general understanding. We will start with the history of geology including relatively recent developments in the field. Then we will move into plate tectonics and the rock cycle focusing on constructive and destructive forces. Our third week will be an intensive investigation of the geology of the Pacific Northwest. We will specifically focus on volcanism and the forces that continue to shape that part of the world. After this main lesson, it is my hope that you will be able to describe the geologic processes that contributed to the landscapes you encounter.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
9th Grade Main Lesson
In this course, students study the properties of carbohydrates and their constituent elements in living systems and the environment. This is done primarily through student laboratory experiments and discussions. Laboratory safety and the proper use of equipment are covered thoroughly. Students create a block book containing write-ups and laboratory reports.
THERMODYNAMICS
9th Grade Main Lesson
Students study the behavior and properties of materials subjected to various thermal conditions so as to develop concepts for temperature, heating, and cooling that relate to phase changes, energy conservation, and gas laws. The phenomena we observe lead us to develop simple mathematical relationships or laws to further an understanding of thermal properties.
ANATOMY
9th Grade Main Lesson
This block will present a view of the human body as a total organism that integrates the various systems into a marvelously constructed whole. Specifically, the block will include a general overview of the digestive system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the nervous system, and the reproductive system. Following this overview, the emphasis will shift to a focused discussion on how the health of each of these body systems can be maintained.
MECHANICS
10th Grade Main Lesson
Thermodynamics (Morning Lesson) Students study the behavior and properties of materials subjected to various thermal conditions so as to develop concepts for temperature, heating, and cooling that relate to phase changes, energy conservation, and gas laws. The phenomena we observe lead us to develop simple mathematical relationships or laws to further an understanding of thermal properties.
PHYSIOLOGY
10th Grade Main Lesson
The class focuses on how the human body is organized. We investigate the ten body systems: integumentary, endocrine, lymphatic, urinary, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, circulatory, nervous, and musculoskeletal. We carry out laboratory activities on body measurements, touch receptivity, fingerprints, lung capacity, blood pressure, and blood typing
CLIMATOLOGY
10th Grade Main Lesson
Climatology covers the varied mysteries associated with atmospheric phenomena. Students will be actively engaged in taking up the fine art of cloud watching, and relating their myriad changes in appearance to meteorological wisdom. Beyond the immediate recognition and identification of cloud types, students will study frontal systems, wind patterns, high and low pressure areas, and extreme weather events. Trends within weather will likewise be considered from a historical perspective and related to current changes within our earth’s atmosphere, and the ensuing climatic concerns which are becoming standard areas for concern today.
ACIDS & BASES
10th Grade Main Lesson
The concept of an atom is followed from ancient times through the use of atomic number, atomic weights, stoichometry, and moles. Students also study the chemistry of gases, solutions, acids and bases. Labs both qualitative and quantitative are conducted.
ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM
11th Grade Main Lesson
The mysteries of matter are explored by working through the phenomena associated with electricity and magnetism. After working with so-called static electricity and current electrical effects, we develop the concept of the “field.” This is explored further in magnetic effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
11th Grade Main Lesson
This course explores the challenges of sustainability in the context of our culture, community and classroom environments. Using a historical and scientific perspective, we promote the opportunity to implement practical aspects of stewardship in energy and resource management and conservation.
ATOMIC THEORY
coming soon...
BOTANY
11th Grade Main Lesson
We study cell structure and function, then plant biology and taxonomy through field, lab, and classroom activities. Students observe and draw plants in the field, noting how overall form relates to environment, how leaf shapes metamorphose, and what inflorescence styles and other features are used in plant taxonomy. Students examine the anatomy, organs, tissue types, leaf structure, and seed structure of a higher (flowering) plant. The findings of Mendel and the basic principles of Mendelian genetics are discussed. A survey is made of the plant kingdoms and classification system.
ZOOLOGY
12th Grade Main Lesson
In zoology, we will explore the diversity of the animal world through exploration of the different phyla in the animal kingdom. We will observe the physical relationships between phyla and discuss some of the genetic relationships that have been hypothesized by scientists in the field. Much of this block will take place on Hermit Island in Maine where we will be making field observations and learning alongside other Waldorf Schools.
BIOCHEMISTRY
12th Grade Main Lesson
Maintaining homeostasis in a living organism is dependent upon biochemical processes. In this three week block class students study the physical and structural properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, with an emphasis on the unique characteristics which make each building block ideal for its function in biochemical processes. The students journey from cell signaling to protein synthesis and touch on some aspects of cellular metabolism. The concept of pressure gradients across the cell membrane are also be examined when we study the principles of osmosis in a laboratory demonstration.
OPTICS
12th Grade Main Lesson
Students cover the history of light from ancient times to the electromagnetic spectrum and relativity. Laws of reflection, refraction and other optical properties are discovered through laboratory demonstrations and experiments.
