The study of STEM subjects in the BCHA Upper School is not merely to transmit content knowledge or develop math or science skills. Rather, we believe that these subjects spark curiosity about how the world works and help students develop soft skills like communication, problem solving, and creativity.
Our science department is committed to providing a broad foundation in the sciences, developing critical and creative thinking, stressing competence in quantitative operations and oral and written communication, and stimulating intellectual curiosity. The purposeful use of critical thinking skills and the explicit teaching of problem solving techniques in our course offerings produce students with sharpened research and analytical skills, the ability to integrate and create new ideas, and the confidence to explore a broad realm of possibilities in the exploration of science and its applications. The goal of intellectual growth for our students is achieved through the use of classroom and laboratory instruction, student advising, and student research.
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy utilizes the “Physics First” model spearheaded by Leon M. Lederman, winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics. While the traditional biology-first sequence was set in 1894, the newer “Physics First” model offers 21st century learners the opportunity to pursue a wider range of engineering and science courses earlier in their high school careers. Additionally, it fosters student STEM engagement by introducing concrete and visible science experiences in the ninth grade and teaches concepts that then enhance the study of chemistry and biology.
Courses offered include physical science, physics, chemistry and biology, offered at various levels, including regular, honors, ECE, and AP. STEM electives include environmental science (ECE and AP), anatomy and physiology (ECE and AP), astronomy, and computer science. Additionally, our high school participates in Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE)—a multi-year engineering program that culminates in a capstone project. Modules include robotics, electricity, coding, programming microprocessors, and project management.
Subject | Level | Grade(s) |
---|---|---|
Physical Science* | Regular | 9 |
Physics* | Regular | 9-10 |
Physics* | Honors | 9 |
Chemistry* | Regular | 10-11 |
Chemistry* | Honors | 10-11 |
AP Chemistry* | AP | 12 |
Biology* | Regular | 10–11 |
Biology* | Honors | 10–11 |
Biology* | ECE | 10–11 |
AP Biology*/td> | AP | 11-12 |
Subject | Level | Grade(s) |
---|---|---|
Astronomy* | Honors | 11-12 |
Computer Science I: Javascript* | Regular | 9–12 |
Computer Science I: Javascript* | Honors | 9–12 |
AP Computer Science Principles* | AP | 9–12 |
Environmental Science | Regular | 11–12 |
Environmental Science | Honors | 11–12 |
Environmental Science | ECE | 11-12 |
AP Environmental Science | AP | 11–12 |
Engineering I* | Honors | 9-11 |
Engineering II* | Honors | 10–12 |
Engineering III | Honors | 12 |
Organic Chemistry | Regular | 11–12 |
Computer Science II: Java* | Honors | 9–12 |
Our Mathematics Department provides a broad and solid foundation in mathematics and develops critical and creative thinking, competence in quantitative operations, and intellectual curiosity. The explicit teaching of problem solving techniques in our course offerings produces students with sharpened analytical and computational skills. Students develop the ability to integrate and apply novel mathematical concepts and the confidence to tackle a range of possibilities in the exploration of mathematics and its application.
Our Integrated Math sequence (as well as our advanced math track) is specifically designed to prepare our students for the standardized tests they will be taking in junior and senior years.
Subject | Level | Grade(s) |
---|---|---|
Integrated Math 1** | Regular | 9 |
Integrated Math 2* | Regular | 9 |
Geometry* | Honors | 9-10 |
Integrated Math 3* | Regular | 10-11 |
Algebra 2* | Honors | 10-11 |
Pre-Calculus* | Regular | 11–12 |
Pre-Calculus* | Honors | 11-12 |
Calculus* | Regular | 11–12 |
Calculus* | Honors | 11-12 |
AP Calculus AB* | AP | 11–12 |
AP Calculus BC* | AP | 12 |
Statistics | Regular | 12 |
AP Statistics | AP | 12 |
Subject | Level | Grade(s) |
---|---|---|
Business Math* | Regular | 11-12 |
Calculus 3 | Honors | 12 |