From molecules to mountains.

Physics introduces all Cate ninth-grade students to scientific inquiry and problem-solving. After framing science as a”way of knowing,” students explore fundamental mechanics topics of kinematics, projectile motion, statics, dynamics, momentum, and energy along with wave phenomena of light and sound. Students focus on exercising scientific practices: asking scientific questions and defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, arguing from evidence, and communicating in both verbal and written forms. Students are expected to extract the majority of their learning from these experiences and from each other with teachers serving as guides and coaches. With these scientific and metacognitive tools, Cate ninth-grade students leave the course with a firm conceptual understanding of physics and the nature of science in preparation for Chemistry and Biology at Cate. Instructional methods follow a guided inquiry approach where students are expected to do science — collaboratively explore phenomena, seek answers and solutions, find patterns, and develop and use models to predict the future. Required for all ninth-grade students at Cate.

Coastal and Marine Ecology is a rigorous second year, college-level biology course, with additional field and lab requirements, that examines a wide variety of marine ecosystems, from the nearby intertidal and kelp forest systems to distant reefs and deep ocean ecosystems. Focusing on local coastal ecology, students will gain an appreciation for biodiversity and sustainability of marine ecosystems through field inquiry practices as well as classroom studies. With an emphasis on how abiotic factors impact ecological relationships and resilience, students will consider human impacts throughout the course. Students will begin to read primary scientific literature, compose annotated bibliographies, and communicate their findings in the form of scientific papers or presentations. Due to the rigor and pace of this course, there is an additional required time commitment which may include fieldwork. Limited space available; students will be required to prioritize course requests during registration. Open to juniors and seniors who have completed three years of laboratory-based high school science (physics, chemistry, and biology) and demonstrated high achievement and interest in science coursework. Prerequisite: Advanced Biology in the fall trimester.

Molecular Genetics is a rigorous second year, college-level biology course of study that examines the biochemistry of the gene and the applications of current biotechnology. Students will begin with evolution and the foundations of the molecular structure of DNA, and the mechanics of DNA replication, protein synthesis, and gene expression. Subsequently, the more complex topics of gene regulation, non-coding DNA, RNA interference, and epigenetics will be explored. Students will become proficient with current biotechnological skills and techniques involving DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and genetic engineering.

Throughout the course, students will consider and discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with the development of these revolutionary ideas and techniques. Due to the rigor and pace of this course, there is an additional required time commitment. Limited space available; students will be required to prioritize course requests during registration. Open to juniors and seniors who have completed three years of laboratory-based high school science (physics, chemistry, and biology) and demonstrated high achievement and interest in science coursework. Seniors who have completed Advanced Biology: Human Transmission Genetics will be given preference. Prerequisite: Advanced Biology in the fall trimester.

Vertebrate Embryology is a rigorous second year, college-level biology course, with additional lab requirements highlighting examples of developmental processes in several animal model systems. The goal of this course is to guide students through the study of vertebrate embryonic development from gametogenesis and fertilization to early organogenesis through inquiry, analysis, and experimentation. Students will apply concepts from the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning model in order to demonstrate understanding as to how specialized cells form from undifferentiated precursors with emphasis being placed upon mechanisms of control and integration of function. The class will explore the fundamental embryological concepts of proliferation, regulation, regeneration, cleavage, blastulation and gastrulation. Finally, students will discuss the role of the changing environment and exposure to teratogens on the development of the embryo. Laboratory exercises include experiments with living sea urchins, and nematodes as well as microscopic examination of various sections of embryos from frogs and chicks with schematics from D. melanogaster. Open to juniors and seniors who have completed three years of laboratory-based high school science (physics, chemistry, and biology) and demonstrated high achievement and interest in science coursework. Prerequisite: Advanced Biology in the fall trimester.