Curriculum Detail

Discover Our Curriculum

Science

The Science Department works to ensure that all students understand how science influences their lives and to enable them to use their knowledge of science and its methods in future problem-solving and decision-making. Through formal instruction, class discussion, and laboratory investigation, we seek to cultivate a lifelong curiosity about the world.

Throughout the courses, we stress observation, critical analysis, and experimental design. We employ and advance our students skills extensively in mathematics, writing, and computer use. For students with special interest and ability in science, the department offers a challenging and diverse selection of advanced courses.

Graduation requirement: two years of a lab science (two credits)

  • PHYSICS

    Students study the fundamentals of physics across a wide range of topics, including mechanics, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. The course encourages the development of creative and logical thought, and problem-solving. We present opportunities for student-developed experimental design and data analysis and make use of student computer skills.

    6 periods per cycle

    Grade 9

  • CHEMISTRY

    Students study the fundamentals of chemistry across a wide range of topics, including scientific method, phase changes, properties of gases, kinetic molecular theory, mass spectrometry, atomic structure, periodic properties, Lewis structures, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and reactivity, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, mechanistic kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. Where possible, experimental evidence is used to construct models of chemical behavior. Complex experiments require independent work and thought. Many experiments require students to design their own procedures and write independent lab reports.

    6 periods per cycle

    Grade 10

  • PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY

    Students study the core principles of chemistry across a range of topics, including scientific method, phase changes, properties of gases, atomic structure, periodic properties, Lewis structures, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and reactivity, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. The course will focus on the ideas of chemistry to build a solid foundation for work in 11th grade molecular biology.

    6 periods per cycle

    Grade 10

  • BIOLOGY

    This course focuses on a mechanistic, molecular-level understanding of biological systems. Coursework will draw strongly upon students’ previous work in 10th grade Chemistry. Topics may include biochemical interactions, structure-function relationships, cell signaling, metabolic processes, molecular genetics and evolution, and micro- and macro-scale ecology. These topics may be incorporated into broader teaching modules on physiological systems, health and disease, biotechnology, and more. Hands-on instruction will enhance student engagement, ability to integrate knowledge across units, and independent problem solving skills. Students will also gain further experience with the methodological toolkit of modern biology through extensive, detailed laboratory investigations, and practical data analysis and presentation, including basic statistics. 

    6 periods per cycle

    Grade 11

  • PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY

    This course is designed to give students a broader understanding of the life sciences, encompassing essential concepts in cell structure and function, some aspects of animal and plant physiology in addition to basic ecology. Evolution and environmental sustainability will play key roles in this course, allowing students to make connections between the cellular and the larger macroscopic world.  Students will develop skills to design experiments, look for evidence and develop scientific reasoning skills. Instruction will be student-centered, providing them with hands-on opportunities to conduct experiments, build models and use these to understand more complex concepts.  
     
    6 periods per cycle
     
    Grade 11

  • ADV. BIOLOGY

    This accelerated course in molecular biology will move at a faster pace than Biology. Coursework will draw strongly upon students’ previous work in 10th grade Chemistry. Topics may include biochemical interactions, structure-function relationships, cell signaling, metabolic processes, molecular genetics and evolution, and micro- and macro-scale ecology, and more. Particular focus will be given to modern biotechnology techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis, BLAST sequencing and application. Students will also engage with current advances in various fields of modern biology research. A strong emphasis on scientific logic, statistical data analysis and communication, and self-directed inquiry will also prepare passionate students for more advanced or independent work in science as 12th graders.

    All advanced science enrollments are subject to the review of the Science Department, which will consider such qualities as independence, motivation, and citizenship.

    Prerequisite: permission of the department head
     
    6 periods per cycle

    Grade 11

  • ADV. PHYSICS

    Motion, force, energy, momentum, gravity, and orbits will be examined in greater detail than they were in Physics, and their rotational analogues will be introduced. Problem solving, conceptual reasoning, and the connections between the various topics will be emphasized.  Depending on the time available and the preferences of the class we will study select topics in relativity, electricity, circuits, or magnetism.
     
    All advanced science enrollments are subject to the review of the Science Department, which will consider such qualities as independence, motivation, and citizenship. 

    Prerequisite: Achieve a grade of B or higher in Physics, co-enrollment in or completion of calculus, pass courses in Biology and Chemistry before the start of senior year, and permission of the department head required. Students are not permitted to enroll in two advanced sciences, except with special permission from the head of the Science Department in consultation with the principal.
     
    6 periods per cycle
     
    Grade 12

  • ADV. CHEMISTRY

    This course is taught at a college level and units of study include reactivity and chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. If time permits, topics of molecular orbital theory and the structure of solids will finish the year. Laboratory work is extensive and detailed and involves scientific inquiry.  It will not assume any prior knowledge of chemistry.  Successful students will have strong mathematical reasoning and an understanding of logarithms and exponential functions.  Although this course is not specifically designed to cover the AP Examination, problem solving is of that level and content.

    All advanced science enrollments are subject to the review of the Science Department, which will consider such qualities as independence, motivation, and citizenship. 
     
    Prerequisite: Pass courses in Physics and Biology before the start of senior year.  Permission of the department head required. Students are not permitted to enroll in two advanced sciences, except with special permission from the head of the Science Department in consultation with the principal.

    6 periods per cycle
     
    Grade 12

  • ADV. SCIENCE RESEARCH: ENTOMOLOGY

    This course is designed to immerse students in a collaborative scientific environment and expose them to the many facets of research.    Students will be expected to be an active and productive member of the research team by fully participating in lab research, lab meetings, journal club meetings and presentations.  Students will carry out a research project that will be presented in multiple public forums.  Scientific communication skills will be strengthened through written assignments, discussion and presentations of peer-reviewed scientific literature and presentation of student research. The course is embedded in Entomology and students will gain a broad understanding of insect biology and taxonomy.  The course is unique within our curriculum in its depth and breadth of biological research training, and it is meant for the Trinity students who are genuinely excited about continuing science research in college. It is important to note that Advanced Research: Entomology meets 6 times a cycle for the equivalent of two class periods, and so it has been accorded 2 credits on our transcript to reflect those time demands.

    Prerequisite: Achieve a grade of B or higher in 11th Grade Biology. Permission of the department head required. This course can only be taken as part of a 5 course load.

    6 periods per cycle

  • PSYCHOLOGY

    Psychology will introduce students to the foundational concepts within the broad field of Psychology. The course, Psychology, is based on an integrated social science course model, which incorporates elements of Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science, and Behavioral Economics into the study of Psychology. The curricular and pedagogical focus of Psychology is to expose students to the foundational approaches to understanding the human mind’s manifestations of cognition and behavior, or, as William James defined Psychology in 1890, “the science of mental life.”

    Prerequisite: Complete graduation requirements for science

    4 periods per cycle

    Grades 11 and 12

  • FORENSIC SCIENCE

    This semester long course will be a study about a select group of types of forensic evidence that can be used to help solve a crime. Topics of study may include: evidence collection, hair and fiber analysis, toxicology, fingerprint analysis, serology, DNA analysis, pathology, entomology, and forensic anthropology. While there are many areas of forensic evidence that can be explored, topic selection in this course was done to emphasize those areas that rely most on a biochemical understanding.

    Additionally, the course will be taught with a social justice lens as we analyze the impact of evidence collection and analysis on the criminal justice system. We will use data and case studies to discuss how forensic science may or may not be used differently with suspects based on their social identifiers, such as race, class, gender, or sexuality.

    Students should expect activities like lab experiences, analyzing case studies of forensic evidence use, and analyzing evidence from mock crime scenes. They will also be expected to participate in class discussion and prepare presentations of material for their peers.

    This course may be taken in the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES

    Students explore the wide variety of work engineers do and the principles they employ through engineering projects, field trips, and invited presenters. The design and construction of bridges, airplanes, electronic circuits, laboratory equipment, and individual projects introduce students to environmental, chemical, civil, structural, aerospace, biomedical, and electrical engineering. Tools and skills range across soldering, woodworking, drafting, computer-aided design, laser-cutting, data analysis, problem-solving, and design optimization.

    This course may be taken as a 6th or 7th non-Academic course option.
    This course may be taken in the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

    Pass/Fail

    5 periods per cycle 
    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ASTRONOMY & MODERN PHYSICS

    The wonder-filled sky has captivated generations of scientists to find our place in the universe and how the universe works. We’ll explore the intellectual feats of the ancients, such as determining the distance to the moon and the size of the earth, as well as contemporary investigations of exoplanets, dark matter, and cosmology. Foundational concepts will include solar system dynamics, orbits, gravity, nuclear fusion, spectroscopy, star cycles, stellar nucleosynthesis, black holes, special relativity, general relativity, and the evolution of the universe. Students will have opportunities for naked-eye astronomy and telescopic observations in conjunction with the Columbia University stargazing and lecture series. The course will be an excellent experience for students interested in participating in a Trinity Global Engagement trip centered on astrophotography which is in development and could be offered soon.

    This course may be taken in the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

    5 periods per cycle

    Grades 10, 11, and 12

  • ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

    Our planet faces converging crises as a result of human behaviors that exploit the planet rather than working within its natural cycles and constraints. Though many companies and municipalities claim sustainable practices, their claims are often little more than promotional slogans that fall far short of the high bar of true sustainability, which means forever. Through a science and engineering lens, the course investigates principles of sustainability in the contexts of Population, Atmosphere and Climate, Energy, Radiation, Waste, Water, and Food. As we consider the problems we face we will also look for solutions through policy, science, and technology. Field trips to better understand the systems that sustain NYC are integral to the course.

    This course may be taken in the fall or spring semester (1/2 credit).

    5 periods per cycle 
    Grades 10, 11, and 12
139 West 91st Street | New York, NY 10024-1326 | (212) 873-1650
Located on the Upper West Side of New York City, Trinity School is a college preparatory, coeducational independent school for grades K-12. Since 1709, Trinity has provided a world-class education to its students with rigorous academics and outstanding programs in athletics, the arts, peer leadership, and global travel.