Natural Sciences
This course is the same for all semesters in format. The topics vary for the different locations and local issues.
Course Description:
This course is designed to enhance understanding of the natural systems of the world and its current threats through learning scientific concepts and conducting experiments. As technology advances and the US develops into a more a global society, responsible for the entire world and its environmental challenges, students need to develop the skills to critically assess problems and logically develop solutions.
Students read selections from journal articles, textbooks and other scientific literature, attend guest lectures, and participate in in-class discussions and lectures. With varied environments overseas as themed classrooms, students will discover the value of observation and inference in science as they learn basic concepts of climatology, geology, ecology, and evolutionary biology and integrate them as they explore applications of these sciences into environmental science, conservation biology, and sustainable development.
This course integrates concepts from all scientific disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics).
Assessment:
for this course includes field activities and journals, class discussion and participation, project completion, tests, and homework. There is a midterm and a final exam. Throughout this course, students will design, conduct, evaluate and communicate scientific investigations.
- Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of properties, forms, changes and interactions of physical and chemical systems.
- Students will investigate the characteristics, structures and function of living things, the process and diversity of life, and how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the composition, structures, processes and interactions of Earth’s systems and other objects in space.
- As part of this course, students will learn about historical developments in science and technology and understand how scientific knowledge and technological developments impact society.