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Courses at Harker

Courses at Harker

Harker Podcast Network

Created by the Harker Podcast Network, Courses at Harker serves to help students make more informed decisions about the courses they take. The episodes, featuring interviews with the teachers of the courses, should provide students with a better understanding of the various courses at Harker Upper School.

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Top 10 Courses at Harker Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Courses at Harker episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Courses at Harker for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Courses at Harker episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Courses at Harker - Marine Biology

Marine Biology

Courses at Harker

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12/16/18 • 1 min

This one-semester course explores the major concepts in ecology through an exploration of the Earth’s ocean ecosystems. First, we explore the unique conditions in the ocean and implications for life living there. Then we investigate the distribution of the Earth’s oceans, the major currents and the control and effect of tides. Next, we explore the various components of marine food webs, starting with phytoplankton and working our way up to fish, marine mammals and sea birds. The last part of the course includes a survey of the major ocean ecosystems and their unique features. Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics. UC approved. Interview with: Dr. Schafer Produced by: Larissa Tyagi

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Courses at Harker - Bel Canto

Bel Canto

Courses at Harker

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03/23/19 • -1 min

A blend of traditional chorus and training ground, Bel Canto explores choral technique and music theory, and many musical genres, including African-American spirituals, traditional Latin, modern choral, non-English folk songs, pop and jazz music. Students may remain in Bel Canto multiple years, taking advantage of the changing repertoire and varied genres in order to maximize their choral music education and prepare them for whatever type of ensemble they will choose in college or as an adult. Others participate in Bel Canto a year or two before choosing to specialize by requesting Camerata or auditioning for Cantilena or Downbeat, and indeed a year in Bel Canto is required before joining one of these other groups. This episode discusses Bel Canto in addition to briefly discussing other opportunities for vocal music such as Cantilena, Camerata, and Downbeat. Interview with: Ms. Sandusky Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - Research Methods and Advanced Research
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12/16/18 • -1 min

Research Methods is designed for students interested in independent science research. Because of the breadth of material included in most science classes, it is a challenge for students to delve deeply into a given topic that interests them. This program allows students to develop a research question using resources online and in college libraries. Students design and conduct experiments to test their research questions and then analyze their results with statistical analyses. Students expand their communication skills with formal reports and presentations to the class. They also participate in a larger research community at the local science fair and the Harker Research Symposium. Prerequisite for Research Methods: Physics or Honors Physics and recommendation of the student’s science and/or mathematics teacher. In addition, students must attend a brief meeting in the spring prior to their enrollment in the course. UC approved. In Advanced Research, students have the option of continuing their research projects from the Research Methods course with additional experiments and/or more in-depth analyses. They also may pursue research in a different field altogether. Students who complete a research project over the summer or are ready to collect data on a project approved by the instructor may also enroll. The course requires much independent work, but also incorporates peer review and mentoring of less experienced research students. Advanced Research may be taken for credit more than once. With instructor approval, students may enroll in an honors version of the course. Honors students are held to a higher standard of writing quality and are expected to incorporate original procedures and/or analysis into their projects. Honors students also take on additional mentoring duties with students in the Research Methods course. Prerequisite for Advanced Research: Research Methods or instructor approval. Typically, instructor approval requires satisfactory completion of a summer research internship or a formal research proposal. Interview with: Mr. Spenner Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - Study of Dance

Study of Dance

Courses at Harker

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03/23/19 • -1 min

Study of Dance builds problem-solving and creative thinking skills. As students focus on perceiving, comprehending, imagining and evaluating, they develop strong interpretive, analytical and critical thinking skills. By learning to make choices within structure, dance students learn to develop individual and group solutions to complex problems. Dance curricula provide many opportunities for students to articulate complex problems and to practice divergent and nonlinear thinking in order to generate solutions. The process of exploring the art of dance allows students to develop their communication skills and acquire new symbolic literacy. Students will also develop dance skills, choreography knowledge and a historical perspective of dance. Note that Study of Dance is an academic course and, unlike the after- school dance courses, it does not satisfy the P.E. requirement. This episode discusses Study of Dance in addition to opportunities for dance at the Upper School. Interview with: Mr. Kuehn Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - Astronomy

Astronomy

Courses at Harker

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01/12/19 • -1 min

This one-semester elective course will give students a general overview of the fundamental principles of astronomy. Students will investigate the formation of our solar system as well as the composition and characteristics of a variety of solar bodies including planets, comets, asteroids, moons and the sun. This modern knowledge will be taken in a historical perspective, as students learn about the evolution of astronomical ideas. Also included is an observational component that covers constellations, the celestial sphere and the motions of heavenly bodies. A discussion of telescope types and uses will complement this section. In addition, students will grapple with some fundamental questions about the universe: where did we come from, where are we now, and where are we going? The first step in this journey takes us to the birth, life and death of stars. A detailed look at the sun (the star we know best) will assist students in understanding the life cycle of stars. The demise of massive stars gives us such fascinating objects as supernovae and black holes. The course culminates with the topic of cosmology. Here, students learn about the expansion of the universe and discuss theories of the universe’s origin (such as the Big Bang), as well as its fate. Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics. UC approved. Interview with: Dr. Nelson Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - The Science of Food

The Science of Food

Courses at Harker

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12/16/18 • -1 min

This course will explore a variety of topics related to the science of food including: the chemistry and nutrition of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; the chemistry and importance of the various vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in our diets; the use of food substitutes and additives to various food products; the role of microorganisms in the production of various foods such as bread and yogurt and how these microbes alter the chemistry of important foods; and the chemical changes that take place in foods during cooking and baking. We will be spending significant time both in the lab and in the kitchen, conducting experiments and investigating the impact of cooking and baking on different foods. Prerequisite: Chemistry, Honors Chemistry or AP Chemistry. UC approved. Interview with: Dr. Schafer Produced by: Larissa Tyagi
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Courses at Harker - Study of Music

Study of Music

Courses at Harker

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03/23/19 • -1 min

In Study of Music, the language of music is examined, including musical symbols and notation, the tonalities of different musical instruments, harmonization, arrangement and composition. The history of music is explored through listening, reading assignments, class discussion and written work. An appreciation of music from various cultures is fostered. The historical, cultural and personal circumstances surrounding the creation of famous musical works is also discussed. This episode discusses Study of Music in addition to the various opportunities for musically-inclined students at the Upper School. Interview with: Ms. Sandusky Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - Honors Chemistry vs. AP Chemistry (Sophomores)
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12/16/18 • -1 min

Honors Chemistry serves as an introduction to modern chemistry. Atomic structure, bonding, phase change, solutions, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, acid- base equilibria, kinetics and aspects of organic and inorganic chemistry are included. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills. This course incorporates lab work. Honors Chemistry Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and departmental approval. UC approved. AP Chemistry is the equivalent of an introductory college general chemistry course. We begin with a brief review of some basic topics in chemistry relating to the nature of atoms, molecules, ions, the concept of mole and stoichiometry. This is followed by a more in-depth discussion of the electronic structure of atoms, the nature of chemical bonding and how it relates to states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. We will also touch upon basic organic and nuclear chemistry. A major objective of this course is to understand basic principles and apply them towards solving comprehensive problems. The course is integrated with a rigorous laboratory program. Students who have completed this course will be prepared to take the AP Chemistry examination as well as the SAT Subject Test in chemistry. AP Chemistry Prerequisite: Grade 10 - AP Chemistry is available to sophomores who satisfy department requirements to take the course, earn an A or better each semester of Honors Physics, obtain department approval and successfully complete a Harker summer course. UC approved. Grade 11 & 12 - Honors Chemistry and departmental approval. UC approved Interview with: Mr. Korin Produced by: Arushi Saxena
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Courses at Harker - Honors Biology vs. AP Biology (Juniors)
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12/16/18 • -1 min

Honors Biology is designed for students who have a proven interest and ability in science. This yearlong course provides a detailed view of fundamental biological processes, cell structures and function, molecular and classical genetics, basic biochemistry, evolution, anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Honors Biology Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and departmental approval. UC approved. AP Biology prepares students for the AP Biology examination as well as the SAT Subject Test in biology. Included in this course are biochemistry, cytology and cellular energy transformations, taxonomy, ecology and population dynamics and molecular genetics, heredity and evolution. AP Biology Prerequisite: Grade 11 - AP Biology is available to juniors who satisfy department requirements to take the course (from Honors Chemistry an A- or better for the first semester; from AP Chemistry a B+ or better for the first semester), obtain departmental approval and successfully complete a Harker summer course. UC approved. Grade 12 - A or better in Biology or B+ or better in Honors Biology and department approval. UC approved. Interview with: Mr. Pistacchi Produced by: Evan Cheng
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Courses at Harker - Study of Theater

Study of Theater

Courses at Harker

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03/23/19 • -1 min

Study of Theater gives students an understanding of theater as it exists today and provides a common vocabulary covering all aspects of modern stage performance, production and history. Through individual exploration, group discussion and practical experience, students will examine the forces throughout history that have shaped the evolution of acting, directing, technical theater and musical theater. By examining theater from many regions and styles, students gain an appreciation of the skills employed by theater artists today and those artists whose works endure. This episode discusses Study of Theater in addition to the opportunities for students interested in theater at the Upper School. Interview with: Mr. Draper Produced by: Evan Cheng
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FAQ

What is the most popular episode on Courses at Harker?

The episode title 'Marine Biology' is the most popular.

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