S112 Field Studies
Field Studies is designed to expose Third Form students to essential concepts of natural physical sciences, utilizing field and laboratory studies. The landscapes of the Salisbury School campus and the surrounding area provide an ideal outdoor classroom through which students will gain exposure to concepts that are the foundation of studies in Biology, Environmental Science, Forestry, and Geology. The fall trimester is devoted to ecosystem function, including species identification and geological principles. The winter trimester is spent largely indoors and concentrates on quantitative aspects of science fundamental to physics and chemistry. In the spring the class will return to field work, concluding the year with a comprehensive study and report on vernal pool ecosystems.
S222 Biology
This course examines the structure and function of living organisms as seen through the historical development of biological concepts, beginning with the cell. The relationship of organisms to their environment, the progression from simple to complex, and continuity in change are essential elements of study.
S332E Environmental Science
This course explores environmental issues from three vantage points: the unspoiled natural world, humanity’s impact on the natural world, and possible resolutions to problems. Students investigate historical and current ethical issues in our use of the natural environment. Field work is integrated into the course as a means of exploring the various ecosystems on the school’s acreage, including streams, lakes, forests, and ponds. Project-based investigations of our community are integrated into this course, with an emphasis on developing and improving our own stewardship of the local and global environment.
S332 PBS Psychological and Brain Sciences
This yearlong course will introduce students to the complexities of the human brain, mind, and behavior. With a particular emphasis on the brain and neuroscience, students will investigate the major sub-disciplines of psychology including: consciousness; development through the life span; sex, gender, and sexuality; sensation and perception; learning; memory; thinking, language and intelligence; motivation and emotion; stress and health; social psychology; psychological disorders; and treatment. Students will develop analytical skills, conduct research, and formulate a keen understanding of how neural activity in the brain impacts our underlying psychological processes. Using a scientific mindset, students will investigate the most fundamental questions of the mind and behavior and gain an appreciation for the study of psychology. This course is not offered every year.
S342C Chemistry
This is an introductory chemistry course covering the following topics: an introduction to matter; compounds, mixtures, and elements; the metric system; measurements in science; atomic structure; the periodic table; chemical formulas and equations; stoichiometry, gases, water, and solutions; thermochemistry; reaction rates, equilibrium, acids, and bases; oxidation/reduction; and some carbon chemistry. The course addresses applications of chemistry concepts to the environment, energy, nutrition, and materials and processes in our world. Numerical problem solving and the ability to communicate scientific ideas are key skills that are developed and used throughout the course. Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra I
S342P Physics
Physics and Honors Physics are taught using Modeling Instruction, in which the students actively build scientific models of motion and forces by analyzing their own data. The group is seen as a scientific community. Discussions, presentations, and evidence-based arguments within that community are crucial to developing the physics models. The boys must question each other and justify their reasoning to each other. The course covers Newtonian mechanics, energy, and some topics in electricity and magnetism. Prerequisite: Algebra II
S442AN Anatomy and Physiology
This is an elective science course that offers an overview of the internal and external structures and functions of the human body. Study begins at the cellular level and includes each of the body systems and functions. This elective is geared toward students who are interested in achieving a greater understanding of the human body. They will increase their awareness of their own personal health and wellness and also learn how their bodies use outside resources to function both on and off the field. This course is not offered every year.
S442F Forest Science
The purpose of the course is to teach students about forest ecology and the practice of forestry. The range of topics is comprehensive and covers the scientific, technical, and social aspects of American forestry. The course introduces students to the importance of healthy forests as a contributing factor to ecological and economic stability. Salisbury School is situated within its own 600-acre forest, which serves as an outdoor laboratory for much of the students field work. The course covers twelve topics, including tree identification and dendrology, plant physiology, forest ecology, stress forest genetics, measurements and sampling, silviculture, wildlife, policy and economics, and forest products. Recent issues of global significance include carbon sequestration, deforestation, and the impacts of invasive species. In addition, students prepare independent presentations in forest hydrology, the role of fire, and mapping.
S442G Geology
This course in geology is a fieldwork-based study of geologic landforms. We learn to understand geologic processes that lead to the formation and alteration of landforms through the study of plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, sedimentation, the action of running water, oceans and wind, volcanism, and glaciation. Students will learn to interpret landforms through hands-on work in the field as well as with the aid of in-class presentations, topographic maps, and three-dimensional photographs of geologic features. We will also discuss the direct influence of geology on decisions concerning human settlements, use of resources, and the alteration of the natural environment that results from use of resources. This course is not offered every year.
S442T STEM Foundations
STEM Foundations is a year-long, project-based learning course that focuses on engaging students in design thinking, engineering for impact, and entrepreneurship. Students will work with a community partner to identify a problem that they can solve by designing, prototyping, building, and marketing an electronic physical technology. Students will share their work externally with industry professionals and students across the country at Project Invent’s Idea Review and Demo Days. The industry professionals at these events will provide students with actionable feedback on their product and marketing pitch. Key areas of skill development are communication, research, experimentation, prototyping, testing, iteration, Arduino, computer-aided design, and 3d printing. Fourth form or above.
S442ESE Energy Systems Engineering
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of energy concepts and their applications in designing, analyzing, and optimizing human-made energy systems. The focus of the course will change during each of Salisbury's three trimesters. In the fall, students will learn foundational energy concepts in mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy, concluding with the study of circuits and their applications. During the winter term students will study renewable energy technologies, our electrical grid, and sustainable building design. In the spring, students will apply the knowledge that they’ve gained throughout the year as they carry out term-long group projects. Students will gain 21st century skills as they work in a team-based environment that mimics the workforce while conceptualizing, engineering, and prototyping devices harvest energy from nature, re-capture dissipated energy, or store energy in creative and innovative ways. Prerequisite: Algebra 1
S553 Sustainability
This course is designed to introduce the concepts and theories of sustainability and explores how Salisbury gentlemen can endure in the face of global change, ecosystem degradation, and resource limitations. Focused on Salisbury School and its greater community through a project-based learning and student-centered pedagogy, students will investigate key areas of sustainability theory and practice, including populations, ecosystems, global change, energy, agriculture, water, environmental economics and policy, ethics, and cultural history. Student choice and interest will play a critical role in the projects and activities completed within this course. Prerequisites: Field Studies or Biology
