Curriculum: Topics Related to “Clean” Energy

The following are examples of the topics to be covered in various subjects to provide students, according to our mission, with in-depth knowledge of how science and technology are applied to renewable energy problem:

Subject Grades 7-8 Grades 9-10 Grades 11-12
Earth Science Natural occurrence of fuels on Earth: coal, oil and gas. Geothermal energy source. Wind patterns.    
Physics Renewable energy types: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass. Engine types; combustion engine. Electrical power and its sources. Nuclear power
Chemistry   Natural oil and gas composition and chemical properties. Burning coal and gas reactions. Chemical processes of fuel synthesis. Oil refinery process. Batteries and energy storage devices. Battery capacity.
Biology Biomass Energy    
Computer Science/Technology Sources of electrical power: hydro plants, coal plants, oil plants, nuclear plants Types and design of computer batteries and power supplies.  
History History of energy and fuels and their importance for development of civilizations

In addition, the following topics may be covered in special projects for “Stand and Deliver” festivals: 

  • Economics of existing fuels and engines 
  • Wind power patters and feasibility of wind power plants in Massachusetts 
  • Technologies of recycling
  • Types, economics, laws and applications of landfills 
  • Role of fuel and engine technology in Industrial Revolution of XIX century
Curriculum: Topics Related to Biotechnology

The following biotechnology topics will be covered in the Biology course and/or will be offered to students as special projects:

8th Grade: Introduction to biotechnology

11th and 12th grade: Review of cells. DNA, chromosomes and genomes. DNA replication, repair and recombination. How cells read the genome: from DNA to proteins. Control of gene expression. Protein biochemistry. Bioinformatics. Gene therapy. Cloning, transgenic animals and plants. Vaccines. Tissue engineering.