Curriculum Guide

Science

All Upper School students will take biology in Class V, chemistry in Class VI, and one semester of physics in Class VII. Students with interest in science are encouraged to take three or four years of science in the Upper School. Admission to honors and AP courses is by department decision, based on past performance in science courses and math courses, when relevant. Students should indicate preference for honors and AP courses at the time of course selection, and a final decision will be made by the department. Students will be contacted by the head of the science department only if their placement does not match their request. All science courses are major courses, unless otherwise noted.

Class V Courses 

Biology (1 credit)

From the tiniest bacterium to the blue whale, biology reveals the hidden relationships between organisms and the forces that drive life’s complexity. By investigating the biochemistry that gives rise to and sustains life on this planet, students will come to appreciate how every breath they take, move they make, and the food they consume is part of a large and interconnected biological system. Students will investigate an interwoven range of topics: cell structure and function, cellular biochemistry, energy flow in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, DNA structure and function, heredity and genetics, natural and sexual selection, species interactions, and related bioethical issues. Laboratory work is designed to build skills and to develop an understanding of the scientific process through experimental design and critical thinking. Through this course, students will see how biology shapes everything—from cutting-edge medicine to the future of our planet—and better understand themselves as humans and as integral members of the natural world.

Class VI Courses

Chemistry (1 credit)

This course provides an introduction to the major concepts of chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, the modern periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermochemistry, reaction rates, and acid-base chemistry. An emphasis is placed on mastering chemistry fundamentals, modeling, and exploring real-world applications of chemical theory. Problem solving involves both qualitative and quantitative analyses and uses basic algebraic skills. Laboratory experiments and simulations illustrate the connection between theoretical predictions and empirical measurements.

Honors Chemistry (1 credit)

This course covers atomic structure, the modern periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermochemistry, equilibrium, reaction rates, and acid-base chemistry. Attention is given to the development of advanced problem-solving skills, including thorough mathematical reasoning. The quantitative component of the course is balanced with qualitative analysis, modeling, and connecting chemical concepts to the world around us. Students apply and extend their theoretical knowledge through simulations and in the laboratory with an emphasis placed on error analysis. Open to Class VI students by department decision.

Class VII Courses

All students in Class VII are required to take the first semester of Physics or Honors Physics. The second semester of Physics or Honors Physics is strongly recommended. Students taking both semesters of Physics or Honors Physics will receive one credit for the yearlong course, and a year grade on their final transcript. Students taking only the fall or spring semester will receive 0.5 credits and a semester grade on their final transcript.

Class VIII students who were unable to complete their Class VII physics requirement due to attendance at
The Mountain School, School for Ethics and Global Leadership, or School Year Abroad are required to take the first semester of physics in Class VIII. In this case, Physics 1 or Honors Physics 1 satisfies the Class VIII quantitative requirement. Students will also be allowed to enroll in the second semester of physics for the weeks preceding their ILE. 

Physics (1 credit)

Students taking Physics will cover the curriculum of Physics 1 and Physics 2. Students who wish to take a full year of physics at Winsor should sign up for the yearlong course, not the semester courses.

Physics 1 (0.5 credits, fall)

This course offers a standard mechanics syllabus including motion, forces, energy, momentum, circular motion, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. Although development of mathematical skills is an important part of the course, this course strongly emphasizes a conceptual, hands-on approach as well as the application of physical principles to everyday experience. Extensive use is made of laboratory experiments and demonstrations.  

Physics 2 (0.5 credits, spring)

Second semester physics covers the study of waves, sound and music, optics, electricity, and, if time permits, magnetism. Like Physics 1, the development of mathematical skills is an important part of the course, but this course strongly emphasizes a conceptual, hands-on approach as well as the application of physical principles to everyday experience. Extensive use is made of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Prerequisite: Physics 1.

Honors Physics (1 credit)

Students taking Honors Physics will cover the curriculum of Honors Physics 1 and Honors Physics 2. Students who wish to take a full year of honors physics at Winsor should sign up for the yearlong course, not the semester courses.

Honors Physics 1 (0.5 credits, fall)

This course offers a standard mechanics syllabus including one- and two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum and impulse, circular motion, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. The approach is both mathematical and conceptual; it emphasizes the connection of ideas to everyday life and stresses the development of problem-solving strategies in quantitative applications. Extensive use is made of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Open to Class VII students by department decision. 

Honors Physics 2 (0.5 credits, spring)

The second semester of Honors Physics continues with the study of waves, sound and music, physical and geometric optics, electrostatics, circuits, and magnetism. Extensive use is made of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Prerequisite: Honors Physics 1. Open to Class VII students by department decision.

Applications in Experimental Science (0.5 credits, fall)

First and foremost, science is about asking and answering questions. Is this million-dollar painting authentic or a forgery? How much lead is in this polluted river? Does this candy contain a carcinogenic dye? Were these fish poached from a protected water source? To answer these questions and more, students in this course will design and perform their own experiments based on the utilization of several major experimental techniques including titration, spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and immunoassays. Students will become familiar with the application and interpretation of these techniques through the exploration of case studies and readings. Equally important to the experiments themselves is the analysis, presentation, and communication of the results. To aid in this, students will practice transferable skills such as manipulating and visualizing data in a spreadsheet, performing basic statistical analysis, and properly formatting figures and equations. Students will present their findings via posters, presentations, and written reports, with class time devoted to workshopping and revising their work. Ultimately, students that take this course will become more adept at applying their theoretical knowledge and experimental lab skills to answer practical scientific questions relevant to real world problems.

Information Science: Data, Computation, and (Artificial) Intelligence (0.5 credits, fall)

With the advent of modern AI, we are witnessing the receding boundary between human imagination and computation. Information science is the lens through which we can understand “thought” and “meaning” in relation to algorithms and data, tackling that which comprises the fabric of our experiences, enabling us with the tools to model observations and to generate new insights, and reframing other sciences as the physically manifested interplay of information systems. The course begins with topics like Turing machines, entropy, signals, logic, statistics, and boolean networks; it continues to model dynamic systems in biology, chemistry, and physics; and then it culminates with neural networks, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and the history of brain evolution guide us with questions and frame our goals. Along the way, a lab component gives students a chance to apply concepts and produce a final product in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or a synthesis of earlier course topics.

Paleontology: Exploring Data from Deep Time (0.5 credits, fall)

If it is true that “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” what history can we humans look to in order to escape this fate? What data can help us make decisions regarding climate change, the potential of a sixth mass extinction, and the continual questioning of racial and human equality? In this course, we will explore the answers to these questions through hands-on activities, labs, and the statistical analysis of data sets used by paleontologists and paleobiologists. Students will investigate the ways in which these unique data sets may be used, as well as the important patterns they have already allowed us to document. They will then apply these insights to the contemporary issues mentioned above, as well as to an original research project. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a field experience in which they collect and analyze paleobiologic data. Students will leave this course with a new appreciation for their place in life’s history and will have learned how scientists approach questions when the crucial experiment can not be rerun; we only have one history of life on Earth, after all. Class VII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VIII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course will be offered next in the 2025–26 academic year.

Engineering Design I (0.5 credits, spring)

Students will collaborate to engage the principles and methods of engineering design through a variety of projects that emphasize rapid prototyping with embedded systems, electronics, CAD, programming, and mechanical actuation. They will also learn methods of fabrication—including 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining—and explore design thinking. Tasks involve constructing and optimizing special-purpose machines or devices in a cycle of prototyping, construction, and evaluation. Course projects revolve around a new central topic each year. Class VII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VIII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course meets at the same time as Engineering Design II.

Neuropsychology (0.5 credits, spring)

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of neuropsychology. We will start with an in-depth study of neuroanatomy and the physiology of the nervous system, culminating in a sheep brain dissection with alternative options available to students. We will explore how new technologies have furthered our understanding of how the brain works, and we will build off of these fundamentals to explore topics in neuropsychology through both a historical and current lens. Additional units may include sensation and perception, learning and memory, states of consciousness, and emotions, and will be based on student interest. Students will engage in a series of laboratory exercises, scientific article readings and discussions, and small projects throughout the semester in order to better understand this fascinating and rapidly developing field of science.

Astronomy (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

Where do we fit in? Why does the sun shine? How did the Universe come to be, and what is its ultimate fate? Are we alone in the Universe? Students will begin an exploration of some of these questions with the study of celestial astronomy, understanding how our perceived place in the Universe evolved throughout history. Students will discover how we learn the true nature of stars and explore their tumultuous lives and spectacular deaths, which give rise to supernovae and even the very stuff of which life on Earth is made. Students will study the Universe’s earliest moments and speculate about its ultimate fate. Finally, students will enter into guided speculation about the possibilities of other life in the Galaxy. A conceptual approach is emphasized throughout this course, but students will also build a solid quantitative understanding of the subject. Class VIII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course satisfies the Class VIII Quantitative Requirement. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

Marine Conservation Ecology (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

This course will use case studies, student-led debates, and hands-on activities to explore the scientific, political, economic, cultural, and global issues associated with conserving both marine ecosystems and individual species worldwide. Marine organisms are studied in the context of their ecosystems, including the rocky intertidal zone, estuaries, coral reefs, and kelp forests. This course will integrate the issues of global climate change, pollution, destructive harvesting methods, overfishing, tourism, and aquaculture with a discussion of the myriad of solutions currently available, such as sustainable practices, restoration, and management. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

Organic Chemistry (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

Organic Chemistry will lead students into a new world of molecules. Our cast of characters is small: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and a handful of halogens is all we’ll need to tell our story. In this course, students will gain fluency in the language of organic chemistry and qualitative spatial reasoning. The curriculum will focus on a logical approach as to why atoms interact the way they do, and how we as chemists can harness knowledge of the behavior of atoms to synthesize new molecules. Topics include molecular structure and resonance, proton transfers and electron flow in reaction mechanisms,  stereochemistry, and substitution and elimination reactions. Laboratory exercises will expose students to common techniques such as polymerization, chromatography, extraction, and distillation. Through “functional group of week” activities, students will have the opportunity to see how reactivity can play a role in the many organic molecules they encounter in their day-to-day life. Scientific communication will rely heavily on drawings and three-dimensional models. By the end of the semester, students will be able to draw logical reaction mechanisms and devise a multi-step synthesis of complex molecules from smaller pieces. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

Class VIII Electives

In Class VIII, students who are interested in science are encouraged to study an additional elective or AP course; however, there is no Class VIII science requirement. 

Applications in Experimental Science (0.5 credits, fall)

First and foremost, science is about asking and answering questions. Is this million-dollar painting authentic or a forgery? How much lead is in this polluted river? Does this candy contain a carcinogenic dye? Were these fish poached from a protected water source? To answer these questions and more, students in this course will design and perform their own experiments based on the utilization of several major experimental techniques including titration, spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and immunoassays. Students will become familiar with the application and interpretation of these techniques through the exploration of case studies and readings. Equally important to the experiments themselves is the analysis, presentation, and communication of the results. To aid in this, students will practice transferable skills such as manipulating and visualizing data in a spreadsheet, performing basic statistical analysis, and properly formatting figures and equations. Students will present their findings via posters, presentations, and written reports, with class time devoted to workshopping and revising their work. Ultimately, students that take this course will become more adept at applying their theoretical knowledge and experimental lab skills to answer practical scientific questions relevant to real world problems.

Information Science: Data, Computation, and (Artificial) Intelligence (0.5 credits, fall)

With the advent of modern AI, we are witnessing the receding boundary between human imagination and computation. Information science is the lens through which we can understand “thought” and “meaning” in relation to algorithms and data, tackling that which comprises the fabric of our experiences, enabling us with the tools to model observations and to generate new insights, and reframing other sciences as the physically manifested interplay of information systems. The course begins with topics like Turing machines, entropy, signals, logic, statistics, and boolean networks; it continues to model dynamic systems in biology, chemistry, and physics; and then it culminates with neural networks, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and the history of brain evolution guide us with questions and frame our goals. Along the way, a lab component gives students a chance to apply concepts and produce a final product in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or a synthesis of earlier course topics.

Paleontology: Exploring Data from Deep Time (0.5 credits, fall)

If it is true that “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” what history can we humans look to in order to escape this fate? What data can help us make decisions regarding climate change, the potential of a sixth mass extinction, and the continual questioning of racial and human equality? In this course, we will explore the answers to these questions through hands-on activities, labs, and the statistical analysis of data sets used by paleontologists and paleobiologists. Students will investigate the ways in which these unique data sets may be used, as well as the important patterns they have already allowed us to document. They will then apply these insights to the contemporary issues mentioned above, as well as to an original research project. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a field experience in which they collect and analyze paleobiologic data. Students will leave this course with a new appreciation for their place in life’s history and will have learned how scientists approach questions when the crucial experiment can not be rerun; we only have one history of life on Earth, after all. Class VII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VIII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course will be offered next in the 2025–26 academic year.

Engineering Design I (0.5 credits, spring)

Students will collaborate to engage the principles and methods of engineering design through a variety of projects that emphasize rapid prototyping with embedded systems, electronics, CAD, programming, and mechanical actuation. They will also learn methods of fabrication—including 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining—and explore design thinking. Tasks involve constructing and optimizing special-purpose machines or devices in a cycle of prototyping, construction, and evaluation. Course projects revolve around a new central topic each year. Class VII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VIII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course meets at the same time as Engineering Design II.

Engineering Design II (.5 credits, spring)

An extension of Engineering Design I, this course emphasizes the integration of hardware and software to further student experience with programming, microcontrollers, electronic circuitry, sensors, motors, and methods of prototype fabrication in a systems context, while engaging more deeply in the process of design thinking. Engineering II students also take on greater responsibilities in project management and coordinating team logistics. Assignments result in the construction of intelligent machines to address practical, scientific, and social challenges. Each year, the course revolves around a new central topic. The world is subtly teeming with such machines, and it is the goal of this course to empower students with the methods for understanding and shaping such a world. Prerequisite: Engineering Design I. This course meets at the same time as Engineering Design I.

Neuropsychology (0.5 credits, spring)

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of neuropsychology. We will start with an in-depth study of neuroanatomy and the physiology of the nervous system, culminating in a sheep brain dissection with alternative options available to students. We will explore how new technologies have furthered our understanding of how the brain works, and we will build off of these fundamentals to explore topics in neuropsychology through both a historical and current lens. Additional units may include sensation and perception, learning and memory, states of consciousness, and emotions, and will be based on student interest. Students will engage in a series of laboratory exercises, scientific article readings and discussions, and small projects throughout the semester in order to better understand this fascinating and rapidly developing field of science.

Astronomy (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

Where do we fit in? Why does the sun shine? How did the Universe come to be, and what is its ultimate fate? Are we alone in the Universe? Students will begin an exploration of some of these questions with the study of celestial astronomy, understanding how our perceived place in the Universe evolved throughout history. Students will discover how we learn the true nature of stars and explore their tumultuous lives and spectacular deaths, which give rise to supernovae and even the very stuff of which life on Earth is made. Students will study the Universe’s earliest moments and speculate about its ultimate fate. Finally, students will enter into guided speculation about the possibilities of other life in the Galaxy. A conceptual approach is emphasized throughout this course, but students will also build a solid quantitative understanding of the subject. Class VIII students will be given priority for enrollment in this course; however, Class VII students may enroll, pending its ability to be scheduled. This course satisfies the Class VIII Quantitative Requirement. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

Marine Conservation Ecology (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

This course will use case studies, student-led debates, and hands-on activities to explore the scientific, political, economic, cultural, and global issues associated with conserving both marine ecosystems and individual species worldwide. Marine organisms are studied in the context of their ecosystems, including the rocky intertidal zone, estuaries, coral reefs, and kelp forests. This course will integrate the issues of global climate change, pollution, destructive harvesting methods, overfishing, tourism, and aquaculture with a discussion of the myriad of solutions currently available, such as sustainable practices, restoration, and management. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

Organic Chemistry (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2025–26 academic year

Organic Chemistry will lead students into a new world of molecules. Our cast of characters is small: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and a handful of halogens is all we’ll need to tell our story. In this course, students will gain fluency in the language of organic chemistry and qualitative spatial reasoning. The curriculum will focus on a logical approach as to why atoms interact the way they do, and how we as chemists can harness knowledge of the behavior of atoms to synthesize new molecules. Topics include molecular structure and resonance, proton transfers and electron flow in reaction mechanisms,  stereochemistry, and substitution and elimination reactions. Laboratory exercises will expose students to common techniques such as polymerization, chromatography, extraction, and distillation. Through “functional group of week” activities, students will have the opportunity to see how reactivity can play a role in the many organic molecules they encounter in their day-to-day life. Scientific communication will rely heavily on drawings and three-dimensional models. By the end of the semester, students will be able to draw logical reaction mechanisms and devise a multi-step synthesis of complex molecules from smaller pieces. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 academic year.

AP Courses

AP courses are offered for students who wish to extend their knowledge of the foundational sciences. Students should indicate their course preference at the time of course selection, and a final decision on placement will be made by the department. A full year of physics is recommended for all students who wish to take an AP science course. Students interested in enrolling in two AP science courses simultaneously should speak with the Science Department head. Class VIII students will be given priority for enrollment in these science courses. 

AP Biology (1 credit)

Topics in AP Biology are studied at a level equivalent to an introductory college class. The course covers fundamental concepts in biology at the molecular level and teaches students critical thinking through core science practices. Material covered includes biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biotechnology. This course prepares students to take the AP Biology Exam. Open to students by department approval.

AP Chemistry (1 credit)

This second-year chemistry course covers trends in the periodic table, structure and states of matter, reactivity, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium, acid/base and redox reactions, and electrochemistry. Students will explore connections between units as well as applications of chemical principles to everyday life. Advanced problem-solving strategies are emphasized, as is the analysis of experimental data as well as sources of experimental error. Students deepen and apply their understanding through laboratory investigations in each unit. This course prepares students to take the AP Chemistry Exam. Open to students by department approval. This course satisfies the Class VIII Quantitative Requirement. 

AP Environmental Science (1 credit)

Environmental science is an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to studying living and non-living components of ecosystems as well as the ways these components interact, with a strong emphasis on the relationship between human and natural systems. This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of environmental science, including the Earth’s biological, geological, and chemical systems, current environmental issues, and the role of technology in creating and solving these problems. Students will gather data, test hypotheses, identify and analyze environmental issues, and evaluate potential solutions. This course prepares students to take the AP Environmental Science Exam. Open to students by department approval. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics (1 credit)

In this course, students will revisit classical physics at a level consistent with an introductory, calculus-based college course. We will primarily focus on the AP Physics C Mechanics topics of kinematics and dynamics (both linear and rotational), conservation laws, universal gravitation and simple harmonic motion. While the emphasis of this course is on quantitative and conceptual reasoning, students will also conduct a variety of experiments and continue to develop their skills in experimental design and data analysis. Students will come away from this course with a more sophisticated understanding of the techniques used by physicists to analyze the world and a more developed intuition for mathematical problem solving. This course prepares students to take the AP Physics C Mechanics Exam. Prerequisite: Honors Physics 1 & 2. Co-requisite: AB or BC Calculus. Open to students by department approval. This course satisfies the Class VIII Quantitative Requirement.

Minor Electives

Minor electives are meant to be taken in addition to a full course load of five major courses. Students who would like to take two minor courses in the same semester must submit a petition for an additional minor course (see appendix for petition process).

Independent Research in Science (0.25 credits, spring)

This course allows students to independently pursue a research area of their choice on campus. Significant independent work, both during and outside of scheduled class periods, is required. Student work includes reviewing scientific literature, developing and troubleshooting experimental design, collecting data, and analyzing results. Students share their findings with the Winsor community at the end of the semester through a poster and oral presentation. Enrollment is limited and at the discretion of the instructor and the head of the science department; the submission and approval of a petition as well as a research proposal is required for enrollment in this course. Students interested in proposing an independent research project in science for the 2025–26 academic year should speak with the head of the Science Department during course selection in April of 2025. Open to students in Classes VI, VII, and VIII. This course cannot be taken pass/fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the head of the Science Department.