Science Courses at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Use this page to see what students are learning in science classes between grades 5 and 12 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. All students enroll in a science class each year in the Middle School (Grades 5-8), then take three years of required science courses in the Upper School (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Students can apply to and enroll in an honors equivalent for chemistry and physics; however, all students take the same biology course their freshman year. Prerequisites for these honors courses and the other elective options are listed below each class if applicable with the general rule being that elective courses with honors or AP designation require an application to enroll (including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, and AP Psychology). Course summaries for each class are listed below.
Students can also elect to enroll into one or multiple of the 17 elective courses in the science department within the Upper School. Based on faculty availability and course rotations, 10 of the 17 courses will be offered in the 2024/2025 academic year.
Our curriculum is divided among five content areas: Scientific Skills, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Sciences, and Physics. Over the years, students build upon each of these content areas by scaffolding more difficult content and expanding on objectives within each discipline.
Middle School Courses
5th Grade Science
Ms. Simone Weatherspoon
The fifth-grade science class offers a skills-based approach to building science, technology, engineering, and mathematical knowledge in an inquiry-based and student-centered environment. The overarching goals in this course are to develop both creative and critical thinking skills, to learn how to collaborate with others, and to effectively share research and findings with an audience. Students take part in labs where they record and analyze data, summarize findings, and conduct research, and engage in engineering challenges. Topics include the scientific method, the metric system, properties of matter, chemical interactions, characteristics of living things, variables, and controlled experimentation.
6th Grade Science
Mrs. Tracy Oglesby
Sixth-grade students continue to develop an understanding of the processes involved in the scientific method as a way of exploring and learning about our world as well as developing their critical thinking skills. This course also integrates math and the metric system which is reinforced during labs associated with our topics: the reasons for the seasons, the phases of the moon and tides, the solar system, chemistry, microscopy, and cells & heredity. These topics also include labs involving various hands-on activities to strengthen observational skills, reinforce key terms, and develop an understanding of higher-level concepts that connect to upper level courses.
7th Grade Science
Mr. Perry Goldsbury
Based primarily in the life sciences, this course takes students a step further in critical thinking to the application of the scientific concepts introduced. In seventh-grade science, students practice the scientific methods of inquiry and research as we examine the nature of science. We determine how variables affect experimental design and use that knowledge as we review how to design effective experiments. We use critical thinking skills as we examine biological processes as they relate to the chemical basis of life, cell structure/function/reproduction, diversity, ecology, human body systems, evolution, and climate change.
8th Grade Science
Dr. Karyn Kunzelman
Students in eighth-grade science explore the nature of our physical world in a conceptual and hands-on course by learning “how to live well together on a small planet” through an exploration of our place on our planet, in our solar system, in our galaxy, and in our universe. We study Newton’s laws, energy, light, and chemistry to understand the physical world. Our conceptual and problem-solving work is complemented by our building and programming of robots. This work not only ignites the students’ interest, but also allows students to work at various paces, with students delving deeply into programming and design challenges.
Upper School Courses
Biology
Mr. Marks McWhorter
This course is designed to introduce students to the exciting world of biology by continuing to develop an understanding of how the scientific method works while also discussing the major disciplines within biology, including cell structure and function, genetics, organismal biology and taxonomy, ecology, evolution, and climate change.
After a successful completion oft this course, students will be able to understand the current theories of the origin and evolution of life, contrast cell structure and function between plant and animal cells, identify key processes through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, describe the structures of DNA & RNA and how that translates into genetic inheritance, discuss the diversity , classification, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals, and understand all aspects of sexual health and review the fundamentals of reproductive biology. In addition, our hope is that students ultimately develop an understanding with respect to how climate change affects our state, region, and ecosystems globally.
Honors Chemistry
Dr. Claudia Bhagat
Chemistry
Prerequisite: Biology
This course is designed to educate students by reinforcing the fundamental concepts of chemistry through an inquiry-based method; students will gain an appreciation for and understanding of chemical interactions occurring in our everyday lives. Topics include matter, atomic structure, analysis of the periodic table and patterns that exist, bonding types, chemical naming and formula creation, composition and reaction stoichiometry, states of matter, acids and bases, gases and gas laws, and nuclear chemistry. This course contains a laboratory component in which students learn through direct interaction and observation in the lab, measuring, planning and reinforcing principles of the scientific method. A great emphasis lies on learning to work independently in small groups and on learning responsible behavior in the laboratory.
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to use appropriate terminology relating to physical chemistry, compare and contrast elements and chemical bonds through analysis of the periodic table, discuss the fundamentals of chemistry (e.g., stoichiometry, gas laws, Lewis structures, electronic configuration, and chemical reactions), and understand how to properly read chemical labels on food and medical labels.
Prerequisite: Biology, Co-requisite: Algebra II,
Requires Application and Approval for Entry
Honors Chemistry is a fast-paced course which covers fundamental concepts of general chemistry, such as make-up of matter including electron structure, the different types of chemical bonds and the resulting types of compounds, chemical reactions, compositional and reaction stoichiometry, and intermolecular forces. Further topics are gases and their behavior, solution chemistry, basic kinetics and equilibria, acids and bases, basics of redox reactions, as well as nuclear and organic chemistry.
Laboratory exercises will introduce students to equipment and procedures and will enable them to handle the laboratory work needed for deeper investigations of the concepts taught. In the first semester the focus is on the analysis of complex data using spreadsheets. In the second semester this focus shifts to strategies for mastering standardized science tests.
Students must be able to use and apply higher level mathematical, analytical, and logical problem-solving strategies for this course.
Physics
Honors Physics
Mrs. Kelly Hicks
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry; Co-requisite: Algebra II
Requires Application & Approval for Entry. PSAT scores are viewed with a particular focus on the math sub-score. The science department does not use a specific number as a cutoff for entry; however, these scores weigh in-part with the larger application in the decision of the department.
Honors Physics includes a broad range of topics similar to the standard St. Andrew’s physics course but goes deeper and at a faster pace giving more opportunity for tying in mathematical concepts and laboratory experimentation.
After completion of this course, the students will be well prepared to enter their selected first year course in college physics.
Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry
Physics is a survey of a broad range of topics. The main concepts include Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves & optics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. Hands-on experiments are incorporated to enhance these concepts. Students have the option of taking AP Physics 1 as a follow-up course the next year.
After a successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the scientific method and how engineers utilize this method to develop ideas. Students will have a better understanding of the world around them including ideas such as gravity, sound, color and light, and basic electricity. More importantly, students who take physics have a deeper understanding of problem solving that extends well beyond the realm of science.
Electives
AP Biology
Ms. Gracie Bellnap
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, & Algebra II
Requires Application and Approval for Entry
Year-long Course
AP Biology matches a year-long college-level survey course and covers a broad range of biological topics including evolution, cellular biology, genetics, and ecology. Through active learning approaches such as problem-solving, collecting and analyzing data, and discussing and synthesizing ideas, this course emphasizes understanding and connecting major biological concepts, rather than memorizing. Students will design and execute inquiry labs, apply appropriate mathematical tools to analyze data, and will practice writing in the style required for the AP Biology exam. Students are required to take the AP exam given in May.
Upon successful completion of this course the student should understand how mathematical tools are used in science and be able to defend claims using scientific data.
AP Chemistry
Dr. Claudia Bhagat
Prerequisites: Biology, Honors Chemistry, & Algebra II. Students who have completed chemistry may take this course but will need extensive preparation on their own during summer break.
Requires Application and Approval for Entry
Year-long Course
AP Chemistry course matches a yearlong college-level survey course. It is assumed that entering students will have a strong understanding of chemistry at the level of Honors Chemistry. Some AP Chemistry topics have been already covered in Honors Chemistry and are therefore only briefly revisited. However, this AP chemistry course will include advanced laboratory activities to deepen their understanding. New topics addressed include thermodynamics, advanced kinetics and equilibria, redox reactions and electrochemistry, as well as advanced laboratory procedures.
Following each laboratory experiment, students will be expected to write a lab report modeled after a formal scientific paper. Students must be independent learners and be able to pay attention to small details. The lecture/discussion portion of the course will consist of lecture series that will cover in greater depth those topics which the AP course extends beyond an Honors Chemistry course. The level of problem-solving difficulty is high, and strong demands will be placed on the individual student to incorporate mathematical skills with the concepts presented in the course. The AP Chemistry exam, given in May, is required.
AP Physics C
Mrs. Kelly Hicks
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Physics; Pre/co-requisite: AP Calculus AB
Requires Application and Approval for Entry
AP Physics C Mechanics is a calculus-based college-level physics course that demands high-level mathematical and problem solving abilities. Students will take the AP Physics C Mechanics exam in May.
After completion of this course the student will be well prepared to enter their selected calculus-based college physics course.
AP Psychology
Mrs. Emily Philpott
Prerequisites: Biology
Requires Application and Approval for Entry. Preference given to seniors.
Year-long Course
AP Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with topics such as the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students are actively involved in experiments and activities, employ psychological research methods, discuss ethical considerations, and evaluate claims and evidence.
The material covered in AP Psychology is equivalent to that of an introductory level psychology course at a college or university, and upon completion of this course, students will not only be prepared to take the AP exam but should be better able to understand, explain, and predict human behavior.
Semester Electives
Anatomy & Physiology I
Mrs. Gracie Bellnap
Prerequisites: Biology
Semester-long Course: Fall Semester
The anatomy (structure) and the physiology (function) of the following organ systems are studied: integumentary, nervous (including sense organs), endocrine, immune, digestive, and reproductive. Labs include measuring selected physiological factors related to the systems studied.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of anatomical structures, physiological processes, and human diseases.
Anatomy & Physiology II
Mrs. Gracie Bellnap
Prerequisites: Biology
Semester-long Course: Spring Semester
The anatomy (structure) and the physiology (function) of the following organ-systems are studied: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory. Labs include measuring selected physiological factors related to the systems studied with particular emphasis on how exercise may affect each system.
Upon successful completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of anatomical structures, physiological processes, and human diseases.
Astronomy
Instructor TBA
Semester-long Course: Spring Semester
In the first quarter, students cover the introductory topics of astronomy and the solar system. Special emphasis is placed on the objects visible within the solar system for that particular quarter. The second quarter of Astronomy covers stellar evolution, galaxies, and Big Bang Theory. Again, special emphasis is placed upon the deep space objects visible for that particular quarter. Astronomy meets three times per week in the classroom and three times at night at the Speer-Lyell Observatory.
After taking this course the students will be well prepared to enter their selected first-year college astronomy course.
Ethics In Science
Ms. Gracie Bellnap
Semester-long Course: Fall Semester
Ethics in Science is a course designed to apprise students of the impact of scientific inquiry on society throughout history. Through an ethics lens, students will examine topics across several disciplines of the life and physical sciences such as the authorship of publications and peer review, treatment of animal and human subjects in research, conflicts of interest, public health hazards and disasters, and scientific literacy. This course will be offered to rising juniors and seniors in the fall semester of each academic year and will coordinate with current courses that meet ethics requirements to ensure an equitable standard across curricula.
Zoology
Mr. Marks McWhorter & Ms. Gracie Bellnap
Prerequisites: Biology
Semester-long Course: Spring Semester
Zoology provides students with an introduction into the animal kingdom by building upon key concepts in biological sciences, and focusing on the natural history, taxonomy, and conservation of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Students will cover a myriad of topics, including understanding scientific taxonomy, comparing and contrasting morphological and physiological differences across the animal kingdom, and analyzing native animal phyla in an interactive manner.
Available to juniors and seniors, this elective would be available as a single-semester course offered in the spring of each year. In addition to field excursions and lab-based activities throughout the semester, students will each have a dedicated project relating to understanding and appreciating native animals. This would provide students not only with an understanding of the animal clades found within the southeastern United States, but also better prepare students for future undergraduate courses in postsecondary educational institutions.
Independent Science Courses
Bower INSTAR Scholars Program
Mr. Marks McWhorter & Ms. Gracie Bellnap
Prerequisites: Biology
Requires Application, Interview, and Approval for Entry
Year-long Course. Note that this program does not meet during the school day. Also note that this course counts as honors credit because of the significant amount of time and independent work.
The Dr. John D. Bower INSTAR Scholars program is designed for students interested in gaining experience in scientific research. Standing for Investigating Novel Solutions Through Applied Research (INSTAR), is an independent program where students begin with creating their own novel research idea, then use the year to create an experiment and complete their research. Upon completion of the program, students not only present their reearch at the regional science fair, they also will have knowledge of various skills useful to those in a scientific field. This could be anything from lab safety and essential lab procedures to experimental design, statistics, and scientific presenting.
Given that an instar is defined as a growing stage between two periods of development for organisms, we feel the name is appropriate to capture this point of time as a bridge for our students, preparing them for future endeavors in the scientific field. To learn more about this program and students that have completed it, click the button below.