CURRICULUM

Algebra 2

This course is designed to advance students' understanding and application of algebra skills. Topics covered include a brief review of first-degree polynomials, followed by an in-depth study of higher-power polynomials, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Particular attention is given to the relationship between functions and their graphs. Central to the course is the development of mathematical modeling and problem-solving skills, where students learn how to craft conceptually and procedurally fluent responses to mathematical prompts. Successful completion of this course enables students to move on to Precalculus.

Teacher: Britta Milks

Geometry 

Geometry is a spatial mathematics class that aims to understand the dimensionality and representation of shapes in space. The concepts in class build over time, beginning with basic points and lines, progressing to angles and parallel lines, two-dimensional polygons, and ultimately three-dimensional shapes. Students will explore plane and solid geometric figures while investigating topics such as congruence, similarity, length, perimeter, and area. Constructions will enable students to travel between worded descriptions of problems, symbolic notation, and visual representations of ideas. As an intermediary class between Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, Geometry class also aims to keep algebraic skills fresh by interweaving concepts of algebra, including the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines, working in a coordinate plane, equations of circles, factoring, and simplifying radicals. By working through two-column proofs, students will use logic in order to understand the progression from postulates and definitions to complex theorems.

Students will be assessed through nightly homework assignments, which will be graded for completion. Daily homework discussions will allow students to share and explain their problem solutions in a collaborative discussion format. This component of class is essential in encouraging students not just to memorize concepts and solutions, but to experience mathematics as a process that requires communication, collaboration, discussion, and perseverance. Each chapter or unit will conclude with a summative test combining topics and gauging students’ mastery of the content. Units will also contain more physical, project-based assessments in order to demonstrate various practical applications of concepts when applicable. During the winter months, students will learn in a flipped classroom setup in which video lessons will be assigned for homework while in-class time will be used for practice problems and application, allowing students the flexibility to work ahead or catch up as necessary during the busy winter months.

Teacher: Kenyon Fatt

Calculus 2

This comprehensive course covers advanced integration techniques and applications for single variable functions. Students will extend their knowledge of integration from Calculus I to include integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, and improper integrals. Applications of differentiation and integration will extend to parametric equations and equations defined in polar coordinates. An in-depth study of sequences and series will complete the course with emphasis placed on tests for convergence and divergence, power series, McLaurin and Taylor series, and the interval and radius of convergence. Successful completion of this class enables students to move on to more advanced mathematical coursework such as Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, or Linear Algebra.

Teacher: Britta Milks

Calculus

This course is equivalent to a first-semester, introductory college calculus course, covering differential and integral calculus. Students will study limits of functions, continuity, derivatives, and applications of the derivative. As part of integral calculus, students will examine the definite integral as a limit of Riemann sums, area under a curve, area between two curves, volume of solids, solutions to differential equations, and various real-life applications related to economics, biological, and physical situations. Throughout the course, students will build their understanding of mathematical modeling in order to use functions and data to model real-world situations. Successful completion of this class enables students to move on to more advanced coursework in calculus.

Teacher: Britta Milks

Precalculus

This course is designed to give students greater preparation for calculus by furthering their study of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Students will expand their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as radical and rational functions. Additional topics include an in-depth analysis of trigonometry, an introduction to polar and parametric equations, as well as an exploration of sequences and series. Time permitting, additional topics may include conic sections and a brief introduction to calculus concepts. Successful completion of this course enables students to move on to a calculus course.

Teacher: Britta Milks

German Immersion

This introductory German Immersion course is designed for students who are beginning their study of the German language and culture. Guided by the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, students develop proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpersonal and interpretive. The course emphasizes speaking as the primary means of communication, enabling students to participate in simple conversations, ask and answer questions, and exchange information about familiar topics. Through task-oriented assignments, learners use German to accomplish meaningful, real-world communicative goals. Project-based learning provides opportunities for students to investigate authentic topics, create presentations or artifacts for real audiences, preparing them to engage with authentic situations in the target language. Students explore the practices, products, and perspectives of German-speaking communities, fostering intercultural competence and an appreciation of cultural diversity. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in German language and intercultural communication that prepares them for continued language studies.

Teacher: Karina Deifel

German 1-4

This introductory German course is designed for students who are beginning their study of the German language and culture. Guided by the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, students develop proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The course emphasizes speaking as the primary means of communication, enabling students to participate in simple conversations, ask and answer questions, and exchange information about familiar topics. Classroom activities encourage learners to compare and make connections across cultures and languages, and apply their learning beyond the classroom. Project-based learning provides opportunities for students to investigate authentic topics. Instruction supports students in progressing toward the Novice, Mid to Novice, and High proficiency ranges by building comprehensibility, vocabulary, and confidence in familiar contexts. Assessment is performance-based and aligned with ACTFL Can-Do Statements, allowing students to demonstrate what they can do with the language through authentic communicative tasks. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in German language and intercultural communication that prepares them for continued language studies.

Teacher: Karina Deifel

French 1-4 and AP, Spanish 1-4 and AP

We have partnered with Educere/Founders Education for our World Language offerings.  These partnerships have allowed us to offer online French and Spanish courses to our students on a flexible schedule designed around the individual needs of each student.  All courses are asynchronous, so students are able to work at their own pace through the courses with personalized start and end dates to best structure their learning needs throughout the calendar year. In addition to the flexible scheduling, the online platform provides a greater range of course offerings, all designed to build communication skills and confidence in a foreign language.

Art

The Art elective class first and foremost aims to provide students a creative and low-stakes environment in which they can feel comfortable taking creative risks, express themselves through art, and unwind from the academic and athletic rigors that they may be facing in other aspects of their lives. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of mediums and projects, ranging from traditional drawing and painting to new media, such as photography, filmmaking, and graphic design. Class will take a conceptual approach, encouraging students to try unique and creative ideas for the sake of their own intellectual exploration. Students will be pushed to draw inspiration from and make connections to other aspects of their lives, while developing new thought processes and ways of viewing the world.

The course will follow a project-based approach, using specific 1-4 week projects to learn and apply concepts. Each project will begin with learning basic techniques related to the medium. Next, students will brainstorm and plan ideas and create smaller or rough-draft versions. Finally, the unit will culminate in a large final project that will often be shared or displayed with the larger student body. While learning techniques related to each individual media, students will also practice developing their own individual creative process that they can apply to any future project, regardless of the subject. The year will culminate in a large-scale final project that will combine many aspects of the concepts and skills they have learned throughout the year.
 

Teacher: Kenyon Fatt

Sports Science 

“Every graduate from BMA should leave knowing enough about the sport of alpine skiing to be capable of training themselves.” Jesse Hunt. Ultimately, the Sport Science Elective strives to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for training and competing in the sport of Alpine Skiing. The class will be based on the text, “The Science of Alpine Ski Racing”, edited by James Pritchard and Jim Taylor. 

The first trimester will begin with a Sport Demand Analysis giving the 30,000’ perspective before diving into biomechanics, physiology, and motor learning specifically related to the development of skiing skills. The second trimester picks up on skiing skills with an emphasis on tactical skill development and equipment before moving back to physical development of strength, power, and endurance capabilities. The third trimester begins with nutrition and mental training before focusing on program design, leading into the final presentation of Comprehensive Annual Plans. Each trimester will include assessments based on demonstrations, presentations, research projects, quizzes, and tests.

Biology

This Biology course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of biology through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application. Throughout the year, students will explore topics such as scientific methods, ecology, matter and energy, cellular biology, heredity, genetic variation, taxonomy, and the diversity of life forms including prokaryotes, viruses, and eukaryotes. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on labs, projects, and fieldwork. Students will also engage in scientific approaches, explore the interconnectedness of organisms within ecosystems, understand the molecular basis of life, and investigate the vast diversity of life on Earth.

Teacher: Emily Bearse

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science course aims to foster student engagement with scientific and socio-economic principles, concepts, and methodologies essential for comprehending the interrelationships within the natural world and between the natural world and human society. Through this course, students will develop the skills to identify and analyze environmental issues, both natural and anthropogenic, evaluate associated risks, and explore alternative solutions for resolution and prevention. Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses diverse topics such as economics, sociology, ethics, geology, geography, biology, ecology, and chemistry. Within each unit, students will delve into local, regional, national, and international environmental concerns by examining case studies, utilizing media resources, and drawing from personal experiences.

Additionally, students are required to collect, analyze, and interpret data and present their findings through detailed reports. Upon completion of the course, students will possess a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and the necessary tools to actively participate as engaged citizens. They will be equipped to initiate meaningful discussions on environmental concerns at the community, national, and global levels.

Teacher: Emily Bearse

Physics
 

This physics course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of physics through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application. The course is structured around the three-semester curriculum of the alpine race season. The fall term is math practicum driven, with weekly activities, lab design, and mechanical constructions that support and test the application of physics concepts and theories of mass, energy, position, and motion. The winter term shifts to deeper investigations of the mathematics of physics, training the algebraic, derivative, and integral skills of the students. This semester will focus on wave behavior, currents, and circuits. The spring semester will begin with gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields. The final units of the course will be chosen based on student interest, with a focus on exploration, research, and practical applications.

Teacher: Anna Pinkerton

Sports Science 

“Every graduate from BMA should leave knowing enough about the sport of alpine skiing to be capable of training themselves.” Jesse Hunt. Ultimately, the Sport Science Elective strives to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for training and competing in the sport of Alpine Skiing. The class will be based on the text, “The Science of Alpine Ski Racing”, edited by James Pritchard and Jim Taylor. 

The first trimester will begin with a Sport Demand Analysis giving the 30,000’ perspective before diving into biomechanics, physiology, and motor learning specifically related to the development of skiing skills. The second trimester picks up on skiing skills with an emphasis on tactical skill development and equipment before moving back to physical development of strength, power, and endurance capabilities. The third trimester begins with nutrition and mental training before focusing on program design, leading into the final presentation of Comprehensive Annual Plans. Each trimester will include assessments based on demonstrations, presentations, research projects, quizzes, and tests.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a foundational course that allows students to experience science in two important ways — as both a body of knowledge and a process of discovery. The beginning of the year aims to get students thinking at the atomic level and to gain a basic understanding of the intermolecular forces occurring all around us every day. Students learn about a breadth of topics, including atomic structure, periodic table trends, types of chemical bonds, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, acids and bases, and an introduction to biochemistry. Mastery of these concepts and skills will be reinforced through discussions, worksheets, summative assessments, and ultimately put into application through lab demonstrations and practicals.

Throughout the year, the course will also give students experience implementing the scientific method through various labs and demonstrations. Though initially students will be given protocols to follow, they will eventually develop a protocol of their own design in order to exercise their critical thinking and research skills. Particular emphasis will be put on exploration that follows the steps of the scientific method in order to develop a process of discovery that can be applied to problem solving and analysis beyond the chemistry classroom. The practical side of class will be evaluated based on professionalism and comportment during lab times, creativity and innovation when designing protocols, and communication and writing skills via lab write-ups. Ultimately, the Chemistry class aims to provide students with both critical knowledge of basic scientific concepts as well as a sense of curiosity and excitement about scientific discovery.

Teacher: Kenyon Fatt