Academic Curriculum

Honors level freshman Biology course at PRISMS is an intense introductory course that equips students to think seriously about science. The course focuses on cellular processes found in living organisms (cell cycle, cell structure and function, and metabolism), genetics, molecular biology (DNA replication and protein synthesis), the biological basis of evolution, and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course. Honors Biology requires strong study skills and an ability to work independently and in small study groups. Research skills covered in Honors Biology will include descriptive statistics, basic principles of experimental design (such as randomization, blocking, etc.), and essential lab notebook skills.

The Honors level Chemistry course at PRISMS is a study of the structure, behavior and properties of matter. Topics include: dimensional analysis, significant figures, stoichiometry, solutions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure and nuclear chemistry, electronic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding and intermolecular forces, basic chemical kinetics and equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and electrochemistry. Students are expected to have a strong foundation in algebra. Research skills covered in Honors Chemistry include data analysis and graphing, scientific writing, and more advanced aspects of lab notebook completion.

Honors Physics is a non-calculus based conceptually and mathematically rigorous first year university preparatory course. The course design requires students to develop a solid background in the conceptual basis of physics, as well as strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. The course is a comprehensive treatment of the topics of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves and oscillations. When time allows, other topics in thermodynamics or modern physics may be treated on an instructor-specific basis. Laboratorycentered, the course exposes students to the methods of scientific inquiry. Research skills developing during the class include: basic experimental design, data collection and analysis, error analysis, peer-review system, graphical representation of data, preparing of a basic scientific report, and oral presentations.

This college-level course is recommended for students who intend to major in biological sciences such as biochemistry and/or medicine. AP Biology provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to critically handle the rapidly changing science of biology. The emphasis of this laboratory course is to develop an understanding of concepts and of science as a process rather than an accumulation of facts.

This is an advanced, lab intensive course in which students apply modern molecular biology techniques to explore aspects of cell biology and biotechnology. Students will perform numerous techniques during the course, including PCR, bacterial transformation, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, protein purification and chromatography, and RNA purification and quantification. The course uses the lab techniques as a means to develop a student's understanding of molecular processes and not simply to learn a given lab technique.

This full year course explores the structure and function of the nervous system— from the inner workings of a single nerve cell to the staggering complexity of the brain and the social interactions they enable. A variety of topics will be discussed: neuroanatomy, development of the brain, sensory and perception, memory, and artificial intelligence. This course includes laboratory experiments including EEGs, action potential recordings, and human-brain interfaces. Fundamentals of Neuroscience will emphasize discussion and projects in which students can explore their personal interests in a variety of neuroscience topics.

This course is structured around the six big ideas (BI) in the AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework and is designed for students who have completed one-year of high school chemistry and have a strong foundation in math (the College Board recommends that students have successfully completed two years of algebra, e.g., Algebra 1 and Algebra 2). Overall, this course differs from Honors Chemistry in the breadth and depth of topics covered, textbook, emphasis on mathematical relationships and formulation, nature and variety of laboratory coursework, pacing, and time required by the students. It is assumed students have a thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the first year course; these topics are reviewed in depth in a summer homework assignment and briefly in class so that more time can be spent deepening and extending the students' understanding of chemistry.

The AP Chemistry+ covers all topics in the standard AP Chemistry curriculum but in a deeper and accelerated way. It further extends to the topics of the first-year general chemistry in college which are beyond the AP Chemistry curriculum, such as descriptive chemistry, coordination chemistry, introduction to organic chemistry, etc. Literature-based presentations, laboratory, and projects are also supplemented in the AP Chemistry+.

The course will strengthen the conceptual and computational understanding of AP Chemistry to prepare students for higher level courses in Organic Chemistry and Chemistry/Environmental Research. Students who are placed into this course, via placement test, should be proactive learners with solid background in Honors Chemistry, and have a deep passion for chemistry and scientific investigation.

An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry, including the relationship between structure, properties, and reactivity of organic compounds including amino acids and carbohydrates. Examples of organic chemistry in biology, medicine, and industry will be presented for discussion. Typical laboratory techniques for the synthesis, isolation, purification and identification of organic compounds will be taught. Recommended for students with an interest in studying biology or chemistry in college.

This course is a year-long intensive post-AP elective in PRISMS with two parts of main contents, inorganic chemistry and analytical chemistry. In the first semester, a comprehensive and contemporary introduction of the diverse and fascinating discipline of inorganic chemistry is provided. It covers advanced atomic structure and bonding theory, acidbase chemistry, crystalline solid state, descriptive chemistry of main group elements, coordination chemistry, and organometallic chemistry, as well as the development and perspective of inorganic research. Examples taken from recent publications and seminar talks presented by students during the semester will be discussed. In the second semester, an introduction to analytical chemistry, including topics such as data handling and analysis, volumetric titrations (acid-base, redox, precipitation, and complex), separation techniques, molecular spectroscopy (including UV-visible spectroscopy, molecular fluorescence, and infrared analysis) as well as sample preparation is covered.

This AP Environmental Science class is intended to meet the same objectives as a first-year college-based course. The method of instruction for this course is unique compared to similar courses because it will be a project-based learning (PBL) approach. Although PBL may take many forms, our approach involves student investigations and simulations that require students to think like scientists, policymakers, farmers, and other adults in real-world settings. The teacher engages students in collaborative problem-solving, argumentation, and deep exploration of the concepts and principles of the discipline. The goal for student learning is understanding the big ideas of energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability rather than relying on rote memory, to create meaningful learning and knowledge that is actionable, adaptive, and transferable. The course also includes an introduction to the use of “life cycle assessment” (LCA), which measures the environmental impacts of a product or service. LCA is a widely used powerful tool to assess the environmental impact of a product or service through its life cycle from extraction of resources to disposal, reuse, or regeneration.

Students study a mathematically substantial formulation of Newtonian mechanics (first semester) and electricity and magnetism (second semester), including vector and calculus-based treatment of particle kinematics (motion), energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, systems of particles, oscillators, and Newtonian gravity in the first semester. Topics covered in the second semester include electromagnetic fields, superposition, electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction, electric currents and elementary circuits, Maxwell's equations in integral form and the Lorentz force law. Students are thoroughly prepared to take both the Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism sections of the Advanced Placement Physics C examination.

Modern physics will offer coverage for various topics beyond the scope of AP Physics, including Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, optics, and astrophysics. Modern Physics is the post AP Physics course designed for students who are interested in all the different areas not covered by AP Physics. The goal of the course is to provide students an in-depth (higher than AP level) overview of traditionally common physics topics as well as introduction to 20th century physics such as Special/general relativity and quantum mechanics. The course will involve higher-level mathematics such as partial differential equations, linear algebra, complex numbers, matrix and tensors.

All the above-mentioned topics will have both theoretical and experimental components presented during the course with possibly the sole exception of special/general relativity and nuclear physics. The physics laboratory is equipped with demonstration/research level experimental apparatus for fluid and thermal science, optics and especially quantum mechanics. These higher-level experiments will not only help students with understanding the corresponding topics but also help prepare them for research activities.

Nanotechnology involves the behavior and control of materials and processes at the atomic and molecular levels. This course is an introduction to the underlying principles and applications of the emerging field of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. The material covered includes nanofabrication technology at the nanometer length scale, from "bottom-up" to "topdown" technologies. Nanotechnology is designed for students who are interested in modern applications of condensed matter physics after they have taken an AP physics C course.

Data Science teaches students how to analyze and visualize data using R, covering key topics in data cleaning, statistical analysis, and machine learning. Students will learn to access, organize, and clean messy data from various sources. They will create professionalquality visualizations, interactive plots, and web applications using R Shiny. The course also introduces basic predictive modeling, including applications like salary prediction, spam detection, and fraud detection. Hands-on coding and practical exercises in R are a core part of the learning experience.

Applied Engineering 1 (AE1) introduces students to the technical application of engineering disciplines through the use of the engineering design process and a highly technical laboratory environment. This course serves as the cornerstone of the PRISMS Engineering program as it engages students in the physical application of complex theoretical topics including basic electronics, engineering design, prototyping, robotics and engineering research. In addition, AE1 is an integral part to the PRISMS BASE program, which bridges a common topic of study between the Arts, Science and Engineering. Within the BASE program, AE1 students will work in teams to research, design, construct and test a sensing device to support a scientific study.

Applied Engineering (AE2) continues engineering-based exploration through a series of problem-based labs that focus on 3 core engineering disciplines: Aerospace, Electrical & Mechanical. Throughout the year, students will work in both classroom and laboratory settings to study circuit design, microcontroller programming, data acquisition, prototyping, and robotics. In Addition, students will conduct a cumulative research project to demonstrate their newfound skills. This project will be based on topics pertaining to one of the engineering disciplines mentioned and will be featured in an exhibition at the end of course.

Advanced Robotics is a problem-based course that explores methods in which higher level spatial awareness and control algorithms are applied to complex robotic systems. Within the course, students will learn about closed loop systems, sensing and navigation, multimethod locomotion, kinematic design and analysis, machine vision, wireless control methods and data integrity, industry-standard solid modeling software, 8-bit and 32-bit mobile computing platforms, programming and manufacturing. These concepts will then be applied through the implementation of the Engineering Design Process to the design and construction of multiple robotic systems.

Industrial Design bridges the gap between Computer Aided Design and Prototype Manufacturing. Throughout the course, students will solve technical problems by combining human factors with the Engineering Design Process to produce creative and unique solutions. Students will investigate multiple materials and processes through the use of sketching techniques, industry standard solid modeling software, “blueprint” layout, CNC machining, woodworking, metalworking, plastic forming, screen printing and multi-material 3D printing. The course will conclude with the production of a technical portfolio detailing the Design Process of each design.

Students will learn the fundamentals of computer science, with a large emphasis on hands-on programming experience. Students will practice to improve their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, and technical communication skills. Programming exercises will be done in Python, although the topics and features covered are chosen to help students build these fundamental skills, and not primarily to learn more of the Python language. Topics include control structures, common data structures, functions and classes, software engineering best practices, algorithms, and the store-by-reference model for data storage.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given, if a qualifying score is achieved. Content of this college-level course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement Program for Computer Science A. Students will design software to solve problems iteratively or recursively, and use data structures, such as arrays, lists, stacks, and queues, to represent information within a program. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the major hardware and software components of computer systems. Java is the main vehicle for implementing solutions to problems. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Computer Science Plus (AP CS+) explores algorithms and data structures beyond the traditional AP CS A domain, such as linked lists, stacks, queues, trees. The course will strengthen a foundation of computer science to prepare students for higher level courses in Artificial Intelligence and AI/CS Research. Students who are placed into this course, via placement test, should be proactive learners, have a deep passion for computer science, and are already proficient at programming in Java. Approximately 75% of the course will explore content that is above and beyond the standard AP CS A curriculum.

Computational Modeling topics include computational tools such as vectorized operations, and mathematical modeling tools such as Monte Carlo simulations, dynamic systems, and agent-based models. Students will implement existing models, create models, run experiments with models, and analyze both the conclusions of the models and what real-life conclusions can, or cannot, be drawn from them. Artificial Intelligence topics include search, game playing, and machine learning.

In this course, students will learn electronic, software, and project management engineering skills, and practice creative design. Students will create several software projects incorporating modern media such as games, virtual reality, and 3D, as well as alternative forms of human-computer interaction such as haptic and voice controllers. Students will work with a variety of software development environments such as Unity, Perlenspeil, and arduino.

In this course, students will learn electronic, software, and project management engineering skills, and practice creative design. Students will create several software projects incorporating modern media such as games, virtual reality, and 3D, as well as alternative forms of human-computer interaction such as haptic and voice controllers. Students will work with a variety of software development environments such as Unity, Perlenspeil, and arduino.

“How do you know what you know?” The first-semester freshmen course focuses on the importance of this essential question and on foundational critical thinking skills for success with the broader academic program at PRISMS. Students will consider both the philosophical and practical dimensions of critical thinking and questioning through close reading, class discussions, and writing evidence-based arguments. The course focuses on improving students' writing skills at the paragraph level.

English 10: American Literature offers an in-depth exploration of canonical American literature, spanning from the Puritan era to the transformative voices of the 1980s. Students will engage with a diverse array of texts, including foundational works by authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Arthur Miller, examining how these literary pieces reflect the evolving American identity and cultural landscape.

This course is dedicated to the study of expository and personal essays—a writing form introduced by the 16th century humanist, Michel de Montaigne. Since his time, the essay has flourished as the genre has allowed writers of every generation to consider deeply the observable world. The essay, in fact, takes on so many forms that the delight in its study lay in its seemingly endless array of structures and subjects. Nothing, it seems, is off-limits for essay writers. The course will invite the students to read from a variety of well-known essayists on a panoply of topics, analyzing their work through the lenses of audience, purpose, genre, and author.

In their final year in the PRISMS English program, students will navigate the bayous and byways of speculative fiction in literature, film, and television from the early 19th century through to the modern day. By analyzing the central tropes and archetypes found in genres such as science fiction and fantasy, students will learn how to situate and understand speculative fiction texts in their own historical and cultural contexts and better understand how narrative storytelling works on a structural level. To prepare for college-level English courses, students will practice the seminar format—leading and participating in extended conversations about enduring themes of the human condition—and produce regular critical essays. A capstone project will require students to create an imaginative piece of narrative storytelling.

AP World History: Modern is a rigorous, college-level course that explores key developments and global interactions from approximately 1200 CE to the present. Through the study of civilizations, cultures, empires, and societies across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, students will analyze historical events, cultural trends, artistic/intellectual movements, economic systems, and political structures that have shaped the modern world.

The course emphasizes historical thinking skills, including comparison, causation, continuity and change over time, and the evaluation of primary and secondary sources. Students will engage with historical texts, maps, and visual sources while developing strong analytical writing skills through document-based and long-essay questions.

Major topics include the expansion of global trade networks, revolutions and nation-building, industrialization, imperialism, world conflicts, decolonization, and globalization. The course prepares students for the AP World History: Modern exam and fosters a deep understanding of historical patterns and connections that continue to influence the present day.

“AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society.” (From The College Board) The course prepares students for the AP United States History Examination.

“AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.” (From The College Board) The course prepares students for the AP United States Government and Politics examination.

“The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. Comparison assists both in identifying problems and in analyzing policymaking. Six countries form the core of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.” (From The College Board) The course prepares students for the AP Comparative Government and Politics examination.

Creative writing introduces students to some of the processes and techniques of writing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Close readings of classic and contemporary texts will expose students to various writing styles and schools of creative expression. Class time is devoted to composing and workshopping original work and discussing assigned pieces of literature. During the fall semester, the course will focus on poetry; during the spring semester, the focus shifts to fiction and creative nonfiction. Students are not required to take both semesters.

Mandarin 1 is an introductory course designed for high school students with little or no prior experience of the Chinese language. This beginner course provides students with basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Mandarin Chinese. Various cultural aspects will be integrated into the classroom to expand student understanding of Chinese culture, history, food, and arts, and encourage interest in absorbing this language. Students will learn the fundamental elements of Chinese, including the phonetic system of Pinyin, the writing system of characters, as well as primary vocabulary and grammatical structures. At the end of the course, students will acquire some entry-level communication skills and appreciate the culture through daily conversations, games, plays, songs, and other activities in real-life situations.

Mandarin 2 is a course designed for students who have taken Mandarin 1 or are at an equivalent level. This course continues to develop and expand students' grasp of Mandarin Chinese through advancing and integrating their skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a higher level. Students will learn more complex grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures to enhance their understanding, learning, and practicing of the language. At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate well about themselves, families and friends, daily life, and such matters as transportation, school life, and weather. They will also explore Chinese civilization, customs, modernization, and traditional as well as contemporary art forms, to enrich their immersion in the language and culture.

Advanced Mandarin is designed for students who successfully completed the Mandarin 1 and 2 courses or have at least two years' learning experience. As an intermediate course, students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for the Chinese language. They will also learn more complex grammatical structures and sentence patterns to communicate on familiar topics through interaction and description. Students will also participate in conversations, sing Chinese songs, create art projects, write dialogues, and create and perform skits in Mandarin Chinese. Students will also gain knowledge about Chinese culture and acquire a cross-cultural awareness and international perspective. Students who are confident in their ability to perform well on the Advanced Placement Chinese examination are encouraged to do so.

Spanish 1 is a beginner course that provides a foundational understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Students learn all the basics such as pronouns, including direct and indirect object pronouns, and distinguish between ser vs. estar and tener que vs. deber. They master present simple, present progressive, and preterite verb conjugations. Vocabulary covers the alphabet, numbers, days, months, class schedules, clothing, food, relationships, household objects, and chores. Through interactive tasks and cultural insights, students develop spoken and written proficiency. Upon completion, they confidently engage in basic Spanish conversations and real-life scenarios.

Spanish 2 builds upon foundational language skills, consolidating Spanish grammar essentials. Students review present and preterite tenses and delve into new concepts such as gustar and similar verbs, reflexive verbs, demonstrative adjectives, commands, imperfect, imperfect progressive, subjunctive, present perfect, future, and conditional tense. Vocabulary expansion encompasses objects in a classroom, food, city landmarks, leisure activities, household chores, clothing, animals, home, family, and occupations. Through diverse activities like paired speaking practice, skits, projects, and cultural readings, students deepen their language proficiency. This course offers a holistic understanding of Spanish grammar and culture, empowering students to engage confidently in real-life scenarios within the Spanish speaking world.

Advanced Spanish is tailored for upper-level learners, dedicated to refining and consolidating previously acquired language skills. Emphasizing listening, speaking, reading, and writing, this course delves deeply into grammatical complexities. A comprehensive review of Spanish 1 and 2 grammar is supplemented with in-depth exploration of imperfect vs preterite tense, present perfect, past perfect, passive voice, conditional, and future tense. The subjunctive, including present perfect subjunctive, receives extensive attention. Vocabulary enrichment spans diverse topics, catering to advanced contexts such as daily routines, clothing, food markets, health, family dynamics, and technology. Through this comprehensive approach, students hone their linguistic abilities, navigating nuanced linguistic and cultural landscapes with confidence. Students who are confident in their ability to perform well on the Advanced Placement Spanish examination are encouraged to do so.

Basic (Fall Semester) While the PRISMS Art Classes are strongly rooted in basic techniques and fundamentals, they also include innovative elements, such as a rotating schedule of visiting artists from a variety of artistic backgrounds, as well as studio, gallery or museum visits to New York City. The classroom is intended to be a laboratory of creative inspiration. Our teaching philosophy encompasses traditional (although the term traditional is hard to define in these days of global art aesthetics and practice), non-traditional, and unconventional approaches to art, including conceptual, performance, figurative (objective) and abstract (non-objective). Our teaching methodology encompasses a broad structure with varying approaches, which will be based on the needs of a particular student or group of students.

Advanced (Spring Semester) The advanced course will build on the knowledge and skills students learn at the basic level, while also focusing on enhancing the project-based learning that students will gain through other aspects of their overall PRISMS education. Each student will conceive of, research, propose and execute a major project, to be displayed in a school-wide exhibition at the end of the year. He or she will choose and execute the subject, medium, style, and other aspects of the project, under the guidance of the instructor. Course objectives include: Further develop knowledge and skills gained from the Basic Visual Arts course; Develop the ability to express via digital imagery knowledge of an important idea or theme by creating a short video for schoolwide presentation; Further develop teamwork and collaboration skills by participating in a group project; Further develop analytic thinking and the creative process through researching the life and work of a professional artist; Further develop research, analytic, art history and studio skills by conceiving of, researching, and creating an independent project on a subject that reflects PRISMS' core curriculum.

The AP Visual Arts Studio course will be a year-long class offered to students who are seriously interested in the practical application of art. Students will work with diverse media, styles, subjects, and content. Students will be evaluated on the year-long portfolio, submitted at the end of the year. The course consists of three possible portfolios: TwoDimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, or Drawing, corresponding to the most common college foundation courses. Students' work will be informed and guided by observation, research, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis, and reflection, relating individual practices to the art world. Students will be asked to document their artistic ideas and practices to demonstrate conceptual and technical development over time. AP Studio Visual Art will support students in becoming inventive artistic scholars who contribute to visual culture through art making.

Music is a living language, and in this class we will cover the basics of musical notation and literacy. Topics covered will include pitch, rhythm, scales, modes, time signatures, intervals, chords, harmony, and tonality. Our approach will be both practical and theoretical; we will first learn conceptual topics, and then put them into practice through basic performance and composition. For example our study of scales and chord progressions will be reinforced by practice at the keyboard. Additionally, we will integrate a variety of topics by composing short phrases, melodies, and songs. Our goal is to become more literate and sensitive musicians.

Everyone has the potential to be musically creative, and this class is designed to help students discover and nurture their own musical creativity. In this class, we will engage in a variety of diverse musical activities and games that cultivate our ability to improvise. Together we will also explore more formal methods for creating original music. Students will also learn music software that will enable the creation of musical scores. Ultimately, students will be required to write a series of short musical compositions that will be shared in class electronically or through live performance. In order to enroll in the class, students must demonstrate a basic level of musical literacy and proficiency, as determined by the instructor.