| In CAA science courses, students have the opportunity to delve into a topic that is not generally part of the standard middle or high school curriculum. Our courses are designed to encourage problem solving and pursuing open-ended inquiry. Because of our schedule and small class size, our instructors are able to use student interest to deviate from or adjust a planned lesson so the students can pursue topics that are of particular interest to them. All of our courses focus on inquiry-based learning and each course does hands-on work every day. Students not only gain unique content, but they also learn science techniques and processes that they otherwise might not learn until college. In a CAA science course, students are able to do the investigations themselves, on their own or in pairs. In addition, they learn to technically document their findings and discuss them with their peers. This includes writing concluding lab reports on the experiments they have carried out. Students work collaboratively to further their understanding, whether on experimental phenomena or on research they have done.Please refer to the Eligibility section of this catalog for minimum test score requirements for science courses. Sample syllabi for all courses are also available. Note: Selected biological science courses may include virtual or traditional dissection.
Zoology
From microscopic investigation to the basics of veterinary medicine, Zoology covers principles of comparative animal anatomy, physiology, and genetics. This course begins with an overview of key concepts in zoology as students examine the characteristics of the animal cell and discuss heredity and issues of evolution, including natural selection. They then turn to taxonomy, as they study increasingly complex types of animals. Students gain a solid foundation in comparative anatomy through laboratory dissections of animals ranging from perch to fetal pigs. They become familiar with the different systems—digestive, nervous, immune, endocrine, reproductive, and circulatory—in each species they examine. As students progress through the course, they research and discuss topics including animal behavior, environmental adaptation, husbandry and domestication, and the human impact on animal life—including environmental degradation and species extinction. In lab work and in the field, students put science into practice: they learn to formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, and interpret results. On field trips to nearby zoos or veterinary facilities, students observe animals and meet with scientists to discuss current medical research and animal care. Note: Students who have taken CAA’s Animal Science should not take this course. Sample text: Zoology, Miller and Harley. Lab & Field Trip Fee: $95 Session 1: Bethlehem, Bristol, Easton
Session 2: Bethlehem, Easton Top
Biotechnology
The Human Genome Project has already sequenced all of the approximately 20,000 genes in human DNA. How did scientists gather this information? What opportunities does it provide for curing congenital diseases or cancer? What ethical questions does it pose in terms of privacy rights or reproduction? This course introduces students to the biology, technology, and potential of genetics. Students first explore some fundamental principles of genetics, including mitosis, meiosis, and Mendelian inheritance, as they establish the necessary base for studying more advanced concepts. Next they turn to the structure and function of DNA and RNA, sources and types of mutations, and genetic biotechnology. Lab work gives students hands-on experience as they isolate the DNA molecule from common bacteria and split genes with restriction enzymes. Students also conduct gel electrophoresis, model the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and examine DNA vaccines. Throughout the course, students present current research on various topics in molecular biology. The course may include hearing guest speakers from local medical centers discuss their work in human genetics. With their newly acquired scientific foundation in the field, students deliberate on the significance of genetics in society and on the future of genetic inquiry and technology. Sample text: Human Heredity: Principles and Issues, Cumming. Lab Fee: $65 Session 1: Bethlehem, Bristol
Session 2: Bethlehem, Bristol Top
Medical Sciences: Pharmacology & Toxicology
When is a chemical a drug and when is it a toxin? The line between healing and poisoning can be a very fine one, and this course covers the fundamentals of two medical disciplines which are intricately linked: pharmacology and toxicology. Students begin by learning the basic principles of pharmacology, including drug receptor interactions, structure activity relationships, and cellular control mechanisms. The course then turns its focus to applications of drugs and toxins for human use. Students research the testing and development history of aspirin, penicillin, and other common pharmaceuticals. They also evaluate the risks and benefits of new drugs and other chemicals and examine mechanisms by which chemical agents evoke toxicity. Students consider recent biomedical research affecting the fields of pharmacology and toxicology. These medical issues include attention to alternative medicine, the differences in functioning and testing of natural vs. synthetic medicines, and pharmacological applications of information gathered from the Human Genome Project. Lab work includes studying principles of drug action. Sample text: Clinical Pharmacology Made Incredibly Easy, Springhouse Publishing Company. Lab Fee: $65 Session 1: Bethlehem, Bristol
Session 2: Bethlehem, Bristol Top
Chemistry in Society
From artificial sweeteners in a diet soft drink to Gore-Tex® in a windbreaker, applications of chemistry are integral to our everyday lives. This course, designed for those who have not yet taken a chemistry course, gives students an introduction to the field of chemistry and its uses in the world around us. The course begins with an examination of fundamental concepts such as the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. Through discussions, hands-on activities, and lab exercises, students address more complex chemistry topics involving food, energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology. For instance, students may examine the sugar content of soft drinks through a hydrometer, carry out chromatographic separations, or analyze SPF 40 sunscreens to test whether they can live up to their claims. Course activities emphasize learning concepts in a laboratory setting to understand how chemistry affects our surroundings and daily routines. Lab activities include identifying unknown substances, polymerizing styrene, isolating proteins, and examining the enzymatic breakdown of starch. Sample text: Chemistry in the Community, American Chemical Society. Lab Fee: $65 Session 1: Bristol, Easton
Session 2: Bristol, Easton Top
Nuclear Science
By the turn of the twentieth century, scientists had observed radioactivity. Soon after, they used Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2, to posit that the tiny amounts of mass lost during the radioactive decay of an atom could be harnessed to generate an enormous amount of energy. During World War II, Einstein, among others, alerted President Roosevelt that this energy, stored in the unimaginably small nucleus of an atom, could possibly be used to create a terrifying new weapon. Thus began the secretive work that produced the atomic bomb and initiated the peacetime field of nuclear science. Today, nuclear science permeates our lives. The uncontrolled fission reaction of an atomic bomb is now harnessed in nuclear power plants to provide electricity to our communities. Radioactive atoms are used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including cancer. Irradiating foods give them longer shelf lives. Through hands-on work and an examination of the history of nuclear science, students learn the principles of natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions, half-life, and isotopes. They investigate nuclear technologies such as carbon-14 dating and radiation treatments for cancer, as well as safety standards and the effects of radiation exposure. In addition to lecture and discussion sessions, students participate in activities such as simulating fission and chain reactions, measuring background radiation, and observing vapor trails left by electrons. Note: Students work with educational kits designed for student safety. Their exposure to radioactive material is equivalent to that of handling a household smoke detector. Sample texts: The Making of the Atomic Bomb, Rhodes; materials compiled by the instructor. Lab Fee: $65 Session 1: Bristol, Santa Cruz
Session 2: Bristol, Santa Cruz Top
Principles of Engineering Design
Students in this course work primarily in teams to solve real-world and simulated problems in the field of engineering. Case studies of real-world engineering projects are used to demonstrate principles of design. As examples, students may analyze the failing O-ring on the space shuttle Challenger to investigate how components in a system function together and the significance of manufacturing tolerances. Or they may review the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse to understand how inadequate knowledge of materials and insufficient testing can lead to failure. Student teams also construct and test their own working models and prototypes, such as suspension or truss bridges, solar-powered cars, electrical circuits, or gliders. They learn the physics behind their designs, covering aspects of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, fluids, or optics. As a part of the engineering design process, students create decision matrices that help them weigh economic and ethical considerations along with technological ones. Students submit written reports for review. They leave the class with a broader view of the field of engineering and deeper understanding of the day-to-day work of engineers. Moreover, they leave with skills and knowledge that they can apply to creating innovations or developing solutions to real-world engineering challenges in their own lives and communities. Sample text: Engineering Design: An Introduction, Karsnitz et al. Lab Fee: $65 Session 1: Bethlehem, Bristol, Easton, Santa Cruz
Session 2: Bethlehem, Bristol, Easton, Santa Cruz Top
Introduction to Astronomy
Not since the seventeenth century, when Galileo first looked through lenses into the skies, has there been such an explosion of discovery and understanding of the universe as in the past 50 years. In this course, students are exposed to the physics and mathematical concepts which are part of the science of astronomy, including such topics as planetary science; solar physics; stellar evolution; general relativity; and exotic objects such as quasars, pulsars, and black holes. Students also investigate the history of this ancient discipline, from Stonehenge to the Spitzer Space Telescope. Students tackle many hands-on activities and labs: analyzing emission spectra, examining telescopic optics, plotting sunspots, determining Hubble’s constant, and calculating the distance and magnitude of stars. They have opportunities to visit local observatories, planetariums, or science centers. In class discussions, students use their new foundation in astronomy to consider its role in our lives on Earth, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Sample text: Horizons: Exploring the Universe, Seeds. Lab & Field Trip Fee: $95 Session 1: Bristol, Santa Cruz
Session 2: Santa Cruz Top
Oceanography: The Hawaiian Pacific
In this course, modeled on first-year college oceanography courses, students explore the physical, chemical, geological, and biological features of the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Students learn the structure, formation, and features of the Pacific Ocean basin, and examine currents, tides, and waves. What, for example, accounts for the nearly mythical nalu that draws surfers from around the world to Hawaii’s shores? Students investigate the biochemical cycles that affect seawater, and discover the ocean-atmosphere interactions that account for Hawaii’s great variety of climates. They also explore the unique marine life and marine ecosystems of Hawaii, from the shorelines to the coral reefs to the deep ocean. Students consider the ocean as a natural resource, and learn how local people struggle to balance economic and environmental concerns. Field trips include the use of the Research Vessel Kaholo and visits to coral reefs on Hawaii’s famed North Shore to complement daily reading, lectures, and lab work. Note: Students will snorkel while in the field; the ability to swim and a comfort with ocean water deeper than six feet, but not previous snorkeling experience, are required. While the level of this course is advanced, students from Hawaii may have covered at least some of the material in school. Please seek guidance from your science department in determining whether this course will be appropriate, given your knowledge and experience in this subject area. Sample text: Oceanography: An Introduction to Marine Science, Garrison. Session 1: Kaneohe
Session 2: Kaneohe Top
Volcanoes: Hawaii
Few things in nature are as awe inspiring as an erupting volcano. Students in this course focus on the volcanoes that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands, examining their geological history and cultural impact. The course begins with a brief introduction to earth science, including a discussion of the geological layers of the earth, convection currents, and plate tectonics. Students then turn to the particulars of a volcan mantle plumes, magma flow, volcano pluming, and eruption. Throughout the course, students link the geological characteristics of volcanoes to the particular environmental and cultural context of Hawaii. For instance, students might explore the flora and fauna of Hawaii as well as the foundation myth of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, and her role in the creation of the Hawaiian Islands. The course culminates in a trip to the Big Island where students visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park—home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Through hands-on work, research, and time in the field, students leave the course with a greater understanding of the forces that created the Hawaiian Islands. Note: This course is open to both math/science and humanities/writing qualifiers. Note: Students will visit Halema`uma`u Crater, Sulphur Banks, and other areas where volcanic fumes are present. Before enrolling, students with heart or breathing problems should seek advice from a physician about the suitability of visiting such locations. Sample text: Materials compiled by the instructor. Session 1: Kaneohe
Session 2: Kaneohe Top
The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans over six states and 11,000 miles and is both a national treasure and a regional economic engine. How then should we respond to the precipitous decline in blue crabs that has led to Maryland crab houses to serve Texas crabs? What is the role of oysters to the Bay’s health and should we introduce heartier Asian varieties? Is urban or agricultural runoff more responsible for the declining health of the Bay? Students wrestle with these and other critical questions affecting the life of the Bay. During the field component, students travel on board historic vessels—the 50-foot skipjack Sigsbee or the 58-foot buy boat Mildred Belle—to various sites on the Chesapeake. While on board, students employ scientific equipment to analyze water and marine life. Students meet and learn from scientists, watermen, government officials, and natives of the area and apply their new knowledge in real-world settings. Each day students and staff share the responsibility of setting up and striking camp, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the ship. During the land component, students perform lab work and investigations to explore topics such as crab anatomy, physiology, and behavior, estuarine interactions, predator-prey relationships, and the ecological role of the oyster beds. They learn about the watershed, water parameters, and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Students leave with a better understanding of the interplay between man, economics, science, and the environment in both the Chesapeake Bay and the world more broadly. Note: No previous sailing experience is necessary, but this is a physically demanding course that requires a certain level of fitness. Sample texts: Life in the Chesapeake Bay, Lippson and Lippson. Session 1: Baltimore
Session 2: Not offered Top
Whales and Estuary Systems
In this course, students learn about the whales at Stellwagen Bank near Boston, Massachusetts, and compare and contrast estuary systems along the northeast coast. During their nine-day field component, students sail and sleep aboard the Lady Maryland, a 104' schooner, and may travel through portions of the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, Hudson River, Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Throughout their voyage, students employ scientific equipment, such as plankton and neuston nets and video microscopes, to analyze water and marine life in these estuarine environments. At the Stellwagen Bank, students attempt to survey and monitor the whale population through observation, photo identification, and historical analysis. During the land component, students investigate whale anatomy, physiology, adaptation, and behavior. They utilize gel electrophoresis as a technique in whale identification and continue their studies in estuarine dynamics. Participants are involved in all aspects of the Lady Maryland’s operation, including raising sail, navigation, taking the helm, and daily ship maintenance. Teamwork is essential for everyone to live aboard this vessel. By the end of the session, students gain firsthand knowledge of the world's largest mammals and a clearer understanding of their role in the marine ecosystem. Note: Enrollment is limited to 20 students per session. No previous sailing experience is necessary, but this is a physically demanding course that requires a certain level of fitness. While the crew aboard the Lady Maryland will do their best to assure that students encounter whales during the field component, we can make no guarantee of success. Sample texts: Life in the Chesapeake Bay, Lippson and Lippson; Stellwagen Bank, Ward. Session 1: Baltimore
Session 2: Bristol Top | 
