Science Elective for Grade 12

Generally stated, organic chemistry is the study of compounds containing carbon. This course integrates and elaborates on topics introduced in physics, chemistry, and biology. Emphasis is placed on the basic structure of organic molecules and their properties, advancing into synthetic organic chemistry concepts such as alkene reactions, stereochemistry, substitution reactions and structure determination. Laboratory techniques are emphasized. This course prepares the student for advanced study in pre-professional sciences. 

Prerequisite: Completion of the science graduation requirement 

Chemistry is a broad science. Knowledge and awareness of chemical principles are important in understanding other fields of science and touches on virtually every aspect of life. Chemistry is a subject that explains the fundamental principles involved in the study of matter. Topics include: the states of matter; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction reactions; kinetics and thermodynamics; and organic biochemistry. This course establishes a foundation for the understanding of the chemical principles pertaining to the study of biology, the next course in the science sequence at Nichols. The Advanced section covers similar content at a faster pace with more advanced mathematics and higher levels of abstraction. Placement in the Advanced section is determined by the Science department.

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For Grades 10 and 11

Chemistry is a broad science. Knowledge and awareness of chemical principles are important in understanding other fields of science and touches on virtually every aspect of life. Chemistry is a subject that explains the fundamental principles involved in the study of matter.

Topics include: the states of matter; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction reactions; kinetics and thermodynamics; and organic biochemistry. This course establishes a foundation for the understanding of the chemical principles pertaining to the study of biology, the next course in the science sequence at Nichols.

The advanced section covers similar content at a faster pace with more advanced mathematics and higher levels of abstraction.

The Advanced Engineering sequence is a deeper dive into engineering practices, taught through the lens of robotics. We will spend the year building robots that can play the current Vex game. In the first semester, we will design a robot that can play the game and create a full CAD model of the robot. We will then manufacture all of the pieces that we designed using our 3D printers and CNC router. Lastly, we will assemble our robot. In the second semester, we will learn some basic computer programming skills and use those skills to control our robot with a gamepad. Lastly, we will learn how to program the robot to perform its tasks autonomously. Students that do this class twice will learn to use more advanced mechanical systems such as pneumatics, and more advanced electrical systems like computer vision. Available for dual enrollment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering. Placement is determined by the Science department.

Advanced

The science department believes that a firm understanding of the natural laws that govern the universe is essential to further studies in science. This is a conceptually and mathematically rigorous course that allows students to understand the principles that govern the phenomena they witness in their everyday lives. Extensive and original laboratory work forms a cornerstone of this course. Students explore the concepts of motion, forces, momentum, energy, static electricity, electric circuits, magnetism, and waves. The Advanced section covers similar content at an accelerated pace with more advanced mathematics and higher levels of abstraction. Placement in the Advanced section is determined by the Science department.

Complete with clinical case studies and dissections, anatomy and physiology examine the structure and function of the human organ systems. The anatomy section of the course is interwoven with the physiology section to clarify and highlight the interrelationships between the structure and function of body parts. Emphasizing relevance, each organ system is introduced with a clinical case study pertaining to a pathology of the system. Through lecture and laboratory work, the course explores the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system and the renal system. Prerequisite: Completion of the science graduation requirement. Placement is determined by the Science department.

This course adheres to the guidelines of the College Board Advanced Placement Biology curriculum. Over the course of the year, students learn to describe biological phenomena, explain the underlying concepts, and subsequently apply their understanding to experimental design and problem-solving. Unit topics include biochemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, evolution and ecology. This course stresses heavily on reading, data interpretation, and scientific-writing. Laboratory work with an inquiry component is an important highlight. Instructor approval is required for enrollment. Students may take AP Biology subsequent to having taken Biology. Placement in AP Biology is determined by the Science department.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed one full year of chemistry and who have demonstrated excellent ability in the area of mathematics. It is the equivalent of a college freshman chemistry course. This course provides preparation for the Advanced Placement chemistry exam and for further scientific study at the college level. Laboratory work is a vital part of AP Chemistry. Placement is determined by the Science department.

This is an ecologically based course of study, although interdisciplinary topics from economics to ethics are considered. The course is equivalent to an introductory Environmental Science course in college with a laboratory component. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The content of the course follows the AP Environmental Science curriculum and covers topics in earth systems and resources, the living world (ecology), population dynamics, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. AP Environmental Science has a large laboratory and field investigation component. Prerequisite: Completion of the science graduation requirement. Placement is determined by the Science department.

Science Elective for Grades 11 and 12

This course involves an advanced mathematical approach to physics. The content of the course follows the calculus-based program of the AP Physics C syllabus. Each year of this course alternates content; the upcoming year will consist of one full year of electricity and magnetism. Permission of the department is required to ensure adequate preparation for the mathematical demands of the course. 

Prerequisite: Permission of the department. The AP exam is a requirement of the course. 

In this course we will expand on what we did in 9th grade physics with the topics of Static Electricity, Circuits and Magnetism. We will be using calculus to develop our models for how charged objects behave under different circumstances. There will be an emphasis on lab work and on reflective writing to develop conceptual understanding. Grades will be mainly based on the daily Show Your Understanding Quizzes that we do. There will be a midterm and an in-class final exam. Students will be expected to keep up with practice benchmarks on AP Classroom. Placement is determined by the Science department.

The main topics covered in Biology are: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Animal Structure and Function (with an emphasis on Human Systems), Evolutionary Concepts, and Plant Structure and Function. Laboratory exercises are designed to demonstrate the principles discussed in class. Additionally, labs provide the students with an opportunity to develop laboratory skills and to learn the use and application of scientific instruments. Juniors who complete this course may opt to take AP Biology in their senior year. Available for dual enrollment.

Chemistry is a broad science. Knowledge and awareness of chemical principles are important in understanding other fields of science and touches on virtually every aspect of life. Chemistry is a subject that explains the fundamental principles involved in the study of matter. Topics include: the states of matter; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction reactions; kinetics and thermodynamics; and organic biochemistry. This course establishes a foundation for the understanding of the chemical principles pertaining to the study of biology, the next course in the science sequence at Nichols.

Science Elective for Grades 11 and 12

The goal of the Engineering I and II sequence is to teach a variety of engineering skills through the lens of robotics. Students taking this course can expect to learn skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), programming, budgeting and economics, and project management. We also work on video production, interview preparation, and community service. Students will learn to design 35 and fabricate custom parts on our 3D printers, UV laser cutter and CNC Router.

The class culminates in the building of a competitive robot to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. Competitions are in the winter and spring. A significant component of this course is attending outreach events and competitions, typically involving a commitment of one Saturday or Sunday each month. The dates for these events are announced with as much advance notice as possible. This elective is available to both juniors and seniors. Students may take the course twice, focusing on different skill development each time. Participants in the class can apply for specific personal awards and college scholarship money through the FIRST program. 

Science Elective for Grade 12

The goal of the Engineering I and II sequence is to teach a variety of engineering skills through the lens of robotics. Students taking this course can expect to learn skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), programming, budgeting and economics, and project management. We also work on video production, interview preparation, and community service. Students will learn to design 35 and fabricate custom parts on our 3D printers, UV laser cutter and CNC Router. 

The class culminates in the building of a competitive robot to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. Competitions are in the winter and spring. A significant component of this course is attending outreach events and competitions, typically involving a commitment of one Saturday or Sunday each month. The dates for these events are announced with as much advance notice as possible. This elective is available to both juniors and seniors. Students may take the course twice, focusing on different skill development each time. Participants in the class can apply for specific personal awards and college scholarship money through the FIRST program. 

This course focuses on the application of scientific principles to the study of geologic processes, emphasizing geologic hazards. We will explore phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and floods, while examining concepts like plate tectonics, geologic history, glacial processes, and climate change. We will investigate significant events from the recent past and assess their potential impact on the future. This includes applying scientific principles to understand environmental impacts, public health responses, and urban planning solutions. Additionally, we will study the Earth's development over geologic time, addressing major events such as past glaciations, comet collisions, and significant climatic disruptions. We will consider what lessons these events hold for our contemporary world. Placement is determined by the Science department.

The introduction to Engineering course is a survey course designed to expose students to several types of engineering so that they can figure out which type of engineering they might want to pursue in college. The topics covered in this class include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Additive and Subtractive manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aeronautics, and electrical engineering. This is an applied physics class that will emphasize the connection between theory and practical skills. Each unit will consist of several labs and quizzes on physics content followed by a substantial engineering project. This course is also useful for students that are interested in improving their performance at events.

The science department believes that a firm understanding of the natural laws that govern the universe is essential to further studies in science. This is a conceptually and mathematically rigorous course that allows students to understand the principles that govern the phenomena they witness in their everyday lives. Extensive and original laboratory work forms a cornerstone of this course. Students explore the concepts of motion, forces, momentum, energy, static electricity, electric circuits, magnetism, and waves.

Science Elective for Grade 12

The research scholars program enables senior scientists to work collaboratively with professional researchers on original experiments in Cancer research. After an overview of cancer and of research methods, the students will develop an original research question, test their hypothesis with a statistical analysis of a large database, and prepare a manuscript for publication. This course is reserved for highly motivated, independent students; admission to the course is by application only. 

Prerequisite: Successful application for admittance to the program 

Nichols School is partnering with the Senior Vice President for Community Outreach and Engagement and Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide a research opportunity for qualified members of the senior class. Students will work collaboratively to develop a research question, formulate hypotheses, and then code and analyze qualitative data to answer their initial research question. The students will then write up the results of their analysis in the form of a journal article. The analysis will utilize existing data collected during a 5-year, multi-site, NIH-funded study of the social networks of pediatric cancer caregivers. The project may lead to a peer-reviewed publication and/or conference presentation, though this is not guaranteed. The focus of this course will be on the way that caregivers’ interpersonal networks shape family outcomes after a child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer. This topic sits at the intersection of public health, sociology and cancer research. Application reviewed by committee for admission to course. Prerequisite: Application reviewed by committee for placement in course.

Nichols School is partnering with a member of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide a secondary data analysis research opportunity for qualified members of the senior class. Students will work collaboratively to develop a research question, formulate hypotheses, conceptualize statistical tests, and analyze statistical results to answer their initial research question. The students will then write up the results of their analysis in the form of a journal article. The analysis will utilize existing data found in databases like the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database or the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The project may lead to a peer-reviewed publication and/or conference presentation, though this is not guaranteed. The focus of this course will be on the surgical treatment of lung cancer. This topic sits squarely within the domain of clinical cancer research. Prerequisite: Application reviewed by committee for placement in course.