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Upper School
US Curriculum

Science

Hackley’s Upper School Science program begins by introducing ninth grade students to physics as a foundational science.
Students then take chemistry in tenth grade and are required to take biology or cell biology before graduation. Electives include a wide array of second-year and AP level courses in ecology, chemistry and physics as well as field biology and marine biology. Graduates of the Hackley science program will have a mastery of the fundamental principles and facts in each of the three major disciplines (physics, chemistry and biology); the ability to collect data properly; the ability to analyze data both collected and presented from textual material; the ability to communicate that understanding with precision and clarity; and, most fundamentally, an appreciation for and sense of wonder about the world around them.

Science Courses

List of 5 items.

  • Physics (Ninth Grade)

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    A student of Physics gains a conceptual introduction to the laws of the physical world. Subjects include graphing, motion analysis, forces, momentum, work, energy, rotational mechanics, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity and magnetism. Problem-solving methods of teaching physics are also used. Students improve their applied quantitative skills by solving physics problems, thereby illustrating knowledge of fundamental physics concepts. The course also stresses development of laboratory skills through regularly scheduled laboratory sessions and students are encouraged to question, observe, collect data, analyze the results and reach conclusions on physical relationships. Independent creative thought and study are encouraged throughout the course.

    eText: McLay, Physics First – A 9th Grade Physics eTextbook

  • Chemistry (Tenth Grade)

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisite: Physics 418

    This course serves as an introduction to the principles of chemistry, further preparing students for future work in science. Topics covered include chemical formulas and equations, states of matter, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, solutions, and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course as is class participation that focuses on problem-solving.

  • Accelerated Chemistry (Tenth Grade)

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisite: Recommendation by current science teacher required, along with an “A-” in Physics 418. Co-requisite: Adv Alg 2/Trig 303 or Alg 2/Trig 365, but 303 strongly recommended.

    This course covers the same units as Chemistry 408 but at a significantly faster pace allowing the students to address supplementary topics within each area of study. Additional quantitatively challenging topics, including thermodynamics, are covered. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course as are nightly homework assignments that focus on problem-solving and data analysis. Recommended for students planning on taking AP Chemistry.

  • Biology

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisite: Chemistry

    Open to juniors and seniors

    This biology class is focused on human biology. Students will study organ systems and learn to appreciate how their bodies work to solve the problems of being and staying alive. Evolution is an overarching theme, which will allow for comparisons to all organisms in the natural world. Students will also focus on sustainability and how human interactions impact the world ecosystem. This class is designed to be a hands-on class with several labs, activities and projects per unit. In addition there will be current event readings. Students will be expected to keep a detailed lab journal in which they document the lab and write their responses to questions.

    Note: This class does not prepare students for the SAT Subject Test in Biology.

  • Cellular Biology

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisites: Chemistry 408 or Accelerated Chemistry 410. (NOT recommended for students with a B or lower in Chemistry 408.)

    Open to junior and seniors. Recommended for juniors planning to take AP Biology in senior year.

    We designed this course as an introductory course for the student that is seriously interested in biology and is a motivated learner. The themes of evolution, the relationship between structure and function, and science as a process will frame the course. Students acquire a working knowledge of photosynthesis, respiration, cell-division, reproduction, heredity, biochemistry, molecular genetics and evolution. Reading, writing, lab, and analytical skills will be necessary for success.

Science Electives Majors

List of 7 items.

  • Advanced Physics

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits
    Prerequisites: completion of Adv Alg 2/Trig 303 or Alg 2/Trig 365

    This is an Algebra/Trigonometry based continuation of Physics 418. The course offers an in-depth study of Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Physics, and Waves. The topics and expectations of the course are comparable to those of a second semester first year college physics course. The course is unique in that significant time is spent exploring the experimental design process, in which students create and present demonstrations and experiments. These reinforce the concepts being studied. In addition, the course features extensive problem solving both conceptually and mathematically. Significant independence and choice is given to the students in their pursuit of applications, demonstrations, and experiments that enhance the course material. Emphasis is placed on public speaking, presenting to peers and teachers alike,in both formal and informal settings.

  • Food and Power: The Science and Politics Behind What We Eat

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisite:Chemistry. Open to juniors and seniors. Priority given to seniors.

    Food is necessary for life, yet it is far more than a necessity. What we eat is heavily tied to our culture, our history, our political systems, our beliefs and our available technologies. What we eat influences our own health as well as the health of the planet. This interdisciplinary course looks at food and its relationships with power, culture and the environment. We will also cook, garden, and learn about the science and nutrition behind what we eat. Course work will include readings from varied sources, class discussions, hands-on activities, projects, presentations, papers and quizzes.

  • Advanced Forest Ecology Research

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisite:Chemistry. Open to juniors and seniors. Priority given to seniors.

    This field intensive course will develop students’ analytical and investigative abilities. Students will begin with a focus on the natural history of Hackley, including studies of tree, bird, reptile, amphibian and mammal identification, and bird calls. Students will create a field notebook with approximately 100 organisms, to include pressings of plants and descriptions of organisms such as how to identify, Latin names, where located on campus, and behavior (if animal). A trip to Teatown Nature Reservation will facilitate learning about the flora and fauna of the Hudson Valley. Students will also help Teatown scientists with ongoing research projects.

    One of the major problems facing conservation is lack of biological information. Long-term data collection projects benefit the community by determining how the forest structure is changing and thus how to better manage our land. Students will participate in long-term research projects in Hackley’s field station. Most studies were started in 2009 and continuing research adds important new data. One such project is salamander abundance based on a National Parks study. Another project is a water quality analysis of two vernal pools at our field station. A third is a study of macro invertebrate abundance in the two vernal pools using leaf packs. A fourth major project is a bird abundance study done in conjunction with Cornell’s Project Feeder Watch. During the winter months students will count the total number of birds seen and identify different species visiting our bird feeders for at least 50 minutes a week. Several bluebird nest boxes have been mounted over campus and in the spring students will have the opportunity to work with scientists at other research facilities, such as Lasdon Park and Arboretum.

    One of the major solutions to conversation problems is education. Students will have the opportunity to work/teach the lower grades about forest ecology. If time allows some students will perform a statistical analysis of our data and give a final presentation to members of the faculty. All students will take a spring trip to the Bronx Zoo to take a class on wildlife conservation.

  • AP Chemistry

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisites:“A-“ or “A” in Accelerated Chemistry 410and departmental recommendation.

    Students must pick up a summer self-study assignment before the end of the present school year. Students will be tested on this material during the first week of class.

    This course undertakes a rigorous quantitative study of chemical principles and prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in chemistry. Topics covered include atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibria, kinetics, electrochemistry and solutions. Laboratory work is heavily emphasized through weekly exercises. Students must sit for the AP Chemistry examination in May.

  • AP Physics “C” (Calculus-based)

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisites: Departmental recommendation and an “A-”in Precalculus 304 or “B+” in Adv. Precalculus 305. Co-requisite: AP Calc AB 328 or AP Calc AB/BC 312, for students who have not yet taken one of these calculus courses). Please note: this course requires a working knowledge of calculus from the start, so students taking AP Calculus AB as a co-req will find the course more challenging than those who are taking Calc AB/BC or Multivariable Calc.

    Students must pick up a summer self-study assignment before the end of the present school year. Students will be tested on this material during the first week of class.

    This course is open to juniors and seniors and follows the syllabus recommended by the College Board for the Advanced Placement examination in Physics “C”. It is a systematic college-level treatment of the main physical principles for students planning to pursue careers in science or engineering. Students are required to sit for the May AP Physics exam.

  • AP Biology

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisites: “A” or “A-“ in Cellular Biology 414 or departmental recommendation. 

    Students must pick up a summer self-study assignment before the end of the present school year and will be tested on this material during the first week of class. Students must also turn in their outline notes of the self-study topics covered during their summer review.

    This is a laboratory-based course that prepares the student for the Advanced Placement examination in Biology. This course will develop students’ deep conceptual understanding of a range of biological topics. It will engage them through an inquiry-based lab experience. There will be an emphasis on integrating application, reasoning, and quantitative skills. The four framing ideas for the course as delineated by the College Board are:
    • The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
    • Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce and maintain homeostasis.
    • Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
    • Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.

  • Advanced Topics in Biology

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits

    Prerequisites: Biology or Cellular Biology. Open to seniors.

    Advanced Biology is a second year biology class designed for students interested in continuing their exploration of biology. The course will focus on varied topics, such as plants, human evolution, and virology, and course work will be adjusted to reflect current global events in science. Since it is a second-year biology class, there is an expectation that certain topics and concepts are well understood and can be incorporated into class with minimal review. Graded assignments will vary –ranging from longer-term lab assignments, independent research and presentations, as well as more traditional exams. Reading of primary science literature will be an integral part of the course. Critical thinking and thoughtful classroom discussion will be a daily expectation.

Science Electives Minors

List of 6 items.

  • Marine Biology Seminar

    3 meetings per seven-day cycle/2 credits

    Prerequisite: Biology or Cellular Biology

    Students spend one class each week listening to a lecture, and the other in a laboratory exercise. Through this venue, they learn the physical properties of the oceans (waves, tides, and currents) coral reefs, estuaries, and rocky shores before they are exposed to marine ecology. The course concludes with an intensive study of marine invertebrates and vertebrates. Students visit local aquariums and undertake a project near the end of the year. Students are exposed to material that is challenging, and therefore need a strong interest in biology.This course requires a minimum enrollment to run.

  • Astronomy and Meteorology

    3 meetings per seven-day cycle/2 credits

    Open to all juniors and seniors. Limited enrollment. Preference given to seniors.

    This course will combine astronomy and meteorology, allowing the student to study the major aspects of both. In doing so, the more interesting and fascinating aspects of each will be discussed without the need to focus on the minute physical and chemical details. The topics in astronomy will include the history of astronomy, the Earth, the Moon, the solar system, comets and asteroids, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The majority of the astronomy part of the course will fall from November to February as the weather at night tends to be clearer and allow for better viewing of stars. As a result a few night labs will be required.

    The purpose of the meteorology section is to study the weather both locally and globally. Topics in this course will include temperatures, humidity, barometric pressures, and their effects on daily weather. In addition there will be a focus on specific weather phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, floods, and droughts.

    The class will begin with a study of the basics of what constitutes weather. On a daily basis students will measure the temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and windspeed, along with the visible weather. By keeping a log of these daily readings, students will begin to see if they can predict upcoming weather events. Finally, a look will be taken at the effects that humans may be having on local and global weather patterns, particularly the possible effects of global climate change on weather.

    Students will also be required to purchase a Weather Forecasting Card (approximately $15.00) and a Sky Safari App (approximately $3.00).

  • Independent Research Program: Overview

    The Independent Research Program (IRP) at Hackley is an opportunity for students to complete independent, collegiate-level scientific research in a genuine research setting. This is a three-year program, where each student in the program will design and execute their own experiments in science, math, or computer science.The program focuses on teaching students the skills of performing proper literature reviews, designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results to an audience. The program will culminate in students submitting their work for regional and national science and engineering fairs.

    The majority of the experiments will take place at research facilities off-campus during the summers after the sophomore and junior years; students must be willing to commit 6-8 weeks of each summer to their research.While the program will help students reach out to mentors at these off-campus sites, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to find and secure internships for both summers. If a student cannot find placement for the summer after junior year, the student will not be able to return to the program for senior year.

    Students must apply and be accepted into this three-year program. We expect to accept approximately 2-5 rising sophomores each year. The application process will begin early spring of 9thgrade. Students should see Dr. Ying with questions

  • Independent Research 10

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits. Pass/Fail.

    Approval via application process.

    This course is the first year course for the Independent Research Program. The goals of this course are for students to decide on their independent research project and to contact potential mentors to host them for the following summer. The course focuses on basic skills associated with research, such as literature reviews, designing and conducting experiments, data analysis and presenting their results to an audience. Students are expected to bemotivated to work efficiently and independently throughout the course.

  • Independent Research 11

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits. Pass/Fail.

    Prerequisite: Independent Research 10 and permission of the instructor.

    This course is the second year course for the Independent Research Program. The goals of this course are for students to finalize their research project for the program and to secure amentor to guide their research for the following summer. Students continue to hone their skills in analyzing and presenting data in the form of written reports and presentations. They will also serve as
    mentors for students in IRP 10. At the end of the year, students will be expected to present their results in local science competitions. Students are expected to be motivated to work efficiently and independently throughout the year.

  • Independent Research 12

    6 meetings per seven-day cycle/3 credits. Pass/Fail.

    Prerequisite: Independent Research 11 and permission of the instructor.

    This course is the final course of the Independent Research Program. The goal of this course is for students to submit their work to regional and national competitions. The deadlines of these competitions are during the first trimester of school, which coincide with early decision college applications deadlines. As such, students need to be highly motivated and be able to work independently. During the latter half of the year, students will be expected to serve as mentors for students in IRP 10 and 11.

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