Science | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

Science 5 is an introduction to the world of experiential science. The initial focus is placed on laying the scientific groundwork through scientific skills. In later units, students apply those skills as they study landforms, habitats, and rocket propulsion. The course culminates with a student-designed rocket launch. 

Science 6 is a continuation of the acquisition and application of the process skills of science. Through the study and investigation of planetary science, energy forms, and energy conversion, students gain greater insight into the job of a scientist.

Science 7 is a hands-on, inquiry-based class in which students study and develop an understanding of the cell — its structure, function, processes, and responses to the environment. The course concludes with a study of ecology, focusing on the relationship of organisms living and functioning together within an ecosystem.

Science 8 is an experiential science class in which students begin their formal study of chemistry, anatomy, biotechnology, and geology by focusing on constructive and destructive forces. In addition, students will participate in the Future City competition throughout the school year.

Physical Science is a laboratory science course that explores topics regarding matter and energy, including basic chemistry, motion and forces, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on science fundamentals and science inquiry to develop the skills necessary for future study in laboratory sciences (1 credit).

Physical Science MAC covers the same laboratory curriculum in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

Physical Science Honors provides a more in-depth study and applications of the topics covered in Physical Science. All Physical Science Honors students will participate in the science fair (1 credit; weighted).

Biology I is a laboratory science course introducing students to the basic foundations of biology. Units of study focus on cell biology, cellular energy, genetics, ecology, and evolution, with a strong emphasis on how abiotic and biotic factors relate in the environment (1 credit).

 Biology I MAC covers the same foundational biology curriculum in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

Advanced Placement Biology is modeled on a comparable college course. Content includes biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, organismal biology, and ecology. All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam in May (1 credit; weighted).

Chemistry is a laboratory science course guiding students through foundational topics including bonding, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, periodicity, atomic structure, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, and acids and bases (1 credit).

Chemistry MAC covers the same foundational chemistry curriculum in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

Chemistry Honors provides a more in-depth study of all Chemistry units, plus electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. All Chemistry Honors students will participate in the science fair (1 credit; weighted).

Advanced Placement Chemistry is modeled on a comparable college course. Units include atomic theory, structure and periodicity, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Exam (1 credit; weighted).

Physics is a laboratory science course establishing an understanding of physics from an experiential approach. Major topics include motion, vectors, forces, work and energy, momentum, torque, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, sound and light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and subatomic physics (1 credit).

Physics MAC covers the same experiential physics curriculum in an individual or small group setting (1 credit).

AP Physics 1 provides a more in-depth study of physics topics plus the study of robotics and its application in a variety of fields. All AP Physics 1 students will participate in the science fair (1 credit; weighted)

Advanced Placement Physics C is modeled on a comparable college course. Prerequisites include Pre-Calculus and Physics. Instruction covers kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy and power, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, and oscillations and gravitation. All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Physics C Exam in May (1 credit; weighted).

Pre-Engineering is an introduction to applied STEM concepts through the diverse fields of engineering, including chemical, biological, electrical, and environmental engineering. Through project-based learning in tandem with the local engineering industry, students will reframe their understanding of applied mathematics and science. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; (1 credit).

Computer Science is the foundational computer course at Dunham. Units of study include basic HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, as well as introductory-level computer programming. Pre/Co-requisite: Algebra I; (1 credit).

Advanced Placement Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, equivalent to a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. All students who take this course will sit for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Exam in May. (1 credit; weighted).