Built around experimentation and discovery, our science courses are dedicated to helping our students become socially engaged and scientifically literate citizens.
Hands-On Inquiry
Our science program is inquiry-based, encouraging lively discussions and observational studies. Students learn through hands-on projects, fieldwork, laboratory research, and experiments, challenging what they know and expanding their awareness and knowledge about the world around them. As they learn the role of science in the larger local and global community, they become prepared, socially engaged, and scientifically literate citizens.
Accordion
A laboratory course emphasizing life from the molecular to the macroscopic and everything involved in sustaining and maintaining that life. The course includes an extensive laboratory experience that demands critical thinking and strong analysis skills. It is expected that students will learn to create connections in the world around them and will understand how all living and nonliving things are interconnected.
This is a laboratory course that challenges students with its rigorous conceptual level. Molecular biology is the central theme that incorporates a focus on perspectives from the sub-disciplines of genetics, cell biology, systematics, ecology and evolution. Computer based data acquisition and analysis technologies are integrated throughout the course. Special projects and readings emphasize the relationship between ethics, public policy and biological issues.
This laboratory course covers the basic mathematical principles used in the physical sciences with an emphasis on their applications in modern atomic theory, chemical composition, chemical reactions, and the behavior of gases. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning with a sequence of laboratory experiments designed to enhance understanding of key concepts. Students become proficient with common laboratory techniques including computer-based data acquisition, analysis and report writing.
This mathematically rigorous course covers all the major chemical concepts. Laboratory work emphasizes quantitative techniques and relies heavily on calculator and computer-based technology. Problem solving and critical thinking skills will be challenged. The most successful students in this course tend to possess very solid algebra skills.
This course provides an introduction of the major topics of physics with an emphasis on the application of the concepts involved. Topics range from mechanics to simple vibrations, light, sound and electricity. Application and synthesis of concepts is achieved before the introduction of mathematical support. Hands-on activities, competitions, and lab experiences help solidify the concepts.
A detailed study of dynamics, kinematics, sound waves, light waves, optics and optical phenomena, electricity and magnetism, this course uses mathematics to build familiarity with the concepts involved. This is a laboratory course.
Anatomy and physiology is an upper-level biological science course to be taken after the completion of Biology and Chemistry. It delves into systems of the body with special attention given to medically related problems. The course content is at a college level, but the pacing of the course is slower. This course is aimed toward students oriented toward medical/health-allied careers, but is valuable to anyone who wants to gain a greater insight into the workings of the human body. Learning activities are varied and include field trips, lab practicals, and dissections.
What does it mean to be human? In what ways are we all the same and yet also different? This one semester course will introduce students to the broadest spectrum of human diversity and the myriad ways people experience, perceive, and engage with their worlds. We’ll explore the processes underlying the intersection of culture and biology, as well as concepts like race, cosmology, religion, language, value systems, and sex and gender. Students will learn to think critically about their own cultural norms while appreciating those of others. Through ethnographic study and analysis, we’ll gain insight into the rich tapestry of human existence fostering a deeper appreciation for both the uniqueness and commonalities of cultures worldwide.
This course is designed as a college-level introductory course, with emphasis on four major themes of biology: cellular and molecular processes, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Students will develop an appreciation for the study of life as well as its unifying principles and underlying mechanisms through a combination of classroom discussion, small group activities, and laboratory investigations. Students will develop critical thinking and data analysis skills through a number of independent investigations.
The rigorous AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Laboratory work is done to augment the lecture/recitation part of the course. Students will develop critical thinking and data analysis skills through collaborative as well as independent work.
This course provides mathematically rigorous, in-depth coverage of major topics in physics with emphasis on mathematical modeling and understanding the limits of models. Topics will include forces, energy and momentum conservation, translational and rotational kinematics, gravity and rotational motion with particular emphasis on their application to orbits, oscillations, electrostatics, material response to electric field with emphasis on conductors and dielectrics, origins and effects of magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. As time permits, additional material on waves, thermodynamics, special relativity, and atomic physics will be included.
This class introduces students to the study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. The class surveys some of the major subfields of psychology, including but not limited to: the biology of the brain and nervous system, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, human development, learning, memory, personality, and the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior with an emphasis on the ethical considerations of research in the field of psychology.
Students will explore the fundamental principles of biotechnology, career pathways and biotechnology business applications (medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural). Topics of study include: CRISPR; plant tissue culturing; DNA, RNA, and protein technologies; genetic and medical diagnostics with PCR and qPCR; food processing (GMO’s); fermentation technology; energy and environmental management; forensic science; cloning; stem cells; and bioethics. During laboratory activities, students will use vertical and horizontal electrophoresis, Real-Time PCR, Qubit, etc. to reinforce concepts and principles presented.
Students will survey engineering and engineering technology disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and materials. This course will integrate math, science, technology, and writing as students apply an Engineering Design Process (Design, Build, Test, Evaluate, Redesign) to solve problems and explore the impact technology has on society. The course will be primarily project-based emphasizing teamwork, as well as oral and written communication, and will require substantial participation by all students.
Students will survey engineering and engineering technology disciplines such as electrical, biomedical, chemical, and environmental. This course will integrate math, science, technology, and writing as students apply an Engineering Design Process (Design, Build, Test, Evaluate, Redesign) to solve problems and explore the impact technology has on society. The course will be primarily project-based emphasizing teamwork as well as oral and written communication, and will require substantial participation by all students.