Science

Departmental Requirements

Each student is required to take three years of Science, including Biology, a physical lab science, one other year-long science class, and Introduction to Computer Science.

The standard curriculum will include the sequence of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, either at the regular or honors level when available. Beyond this students can opt to take more science classes to exceed the graduation requirement. Though it is possible for students to take up to six years of science in their four years by doubling up in the 11th and 12th grades, this is only recommended for the strongest students who intend to pursue a STEM major in college and as scheduling allows.

Honors/AP Program
Placement in an Honors/AP level course is based on a student's performance in her current science course, as well as previous courses, and sometimes includes a math prerequisite and/or department approval. These prerequisites vary by course and are consistent with the skills required for success in each class. Enrollment in an Honors/AP course one year does not guarantee Honors/AP placement the following year; similarly, enrollment in a non-Honors/AP course of study does not prevent a student from pursuing advanced courses in subsequent years, so long as the relevant prerequisites are met.

Department Policies

If a student does not meet the prerequisites for a particular course after the fall semester, they may submit an appeal at the third quarter if they have shown significant progress or meet the prerequisites with the inclusion of those grades. Appeal forms may be obtained by request from the Department Chair.

Similarly, if a student no longer qualifies for a class at the end of the spring semester, they may be removed from the class.

Biology

year course
required for grade 9

Biology guides students in the study of living things from the molecular level of cells through the complex interactions of ecosystems, with a focus on experimental design and data analysis of these system levels. Major topics include ecology, the chemistry of living things, cell structure and function, cell transport and reproduction, DNA replication and gene expression, the genetics of heredity, evolution, and the biology of diseases. Regular exposure to scientific research and journalism as well as continuous laboratory activities serve to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students use a variety of online and digital tools to enhance their learning, including MacBooks, digital texts, and web-based assessments. Students are required to pursue learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom by earning "Biobadges" for their participation in extracurricular activities in their favorite topics in science.
Advanced Placement Biology
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  B+ Biology
  
  Chemistry
  
  3.30 unweighted composite science and math GPA
AP Biology is a college-level course that expands on introductory Biology principles and helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement Biology exam administered in May. The course includes inquiry-based investigations and a rigorous laboratory component in addition to real-world, evidence-based reading and writing assignments. While students learn to explain intensive details of major biological processes, they also analyze and interpret visual models and research data in order to make predictions about how errors and dysfunctions may affect complex pathways. An introduction to biotechnology, including molecular biology, updates in cell signaling and cell communication, and genetic engineering provides students with the college-level experience needed to prepare themselves for the life sciences. A summer assignment, designed to prepare students for the rigor of the class, is required. Students are required to attend additional class meetings outside of regular school hours.
Chemistry
year course
open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  B Algebra I or C- Geometry
  
  C- most recent science course
  
  Algebra I Teacher Recommendation
Completion of Geometry is highly recommended before taking Chemistry, as students will benefit greatly from the skills obtained before attempting this course. It is recommended that students who have not taken Geometry in the freshman year consider doing so in the summer.
Chemistry guides students in the systematic study of the structure and properties of matter. Chemical laboratory techniques, data analysis, problem-solving, and real-world applications are stressed. Major topics include atomic theory, the mole concept, properties of solids, liquids, and gases, chemical reactions, kinetics and equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Some summer work prior to the start of the school year may be required.
Chemistry Honors
year course
open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  Geometry
  
  B+ most recent math course
  
  B+ Biology
The course outline for the honors section of Chemistry is similar to that of the standard course, but the pace and depth of study are more rigorous. Some summer work prior to the start of the school year may be required.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  A- Chemistry Honors
  
  3.70 unweighted composite science and math GPA
AP Chemistry is a college-level course that expands on the principles introduced in Chemistry and helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement exam, administered in May. (All enrolled students are required to take this exam.) The course emphasizes chemical equilibrium, kinetics, bonding, and thermodynamics. Extensive laboratory work and problem-solving are included. A summer assignment, designed to prepare students for the rigor of the class, is required. Students are required to attend additional class meetings outside of regular school hours.
Physics
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  Biology
  
  Algebra II with Trigonometry
Physics guides students in the systematic study of the physical universe at every scale. Mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking are stressed. Major topics include motion, forces, gravitation, energy, light, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Frequent laboratory assignments allow students to discover underlying laws and quantitative relationships. Some summer work prior to the start of the school year may be required.
Physics Honors
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  A- Algebra II with Trigonometry
  
  B- Algebra II with Trigonometry Honors
  
  Cannot have taken any Physics class previously.
The course outline for the honors section of Physics is similar to that of the standard course, but the pace and depth of study are more rigorous. Some summer work prior to the start of the school year may be required.
Advanced Placement Physics 1
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  A- Algebra II with Trigonometry
  
  B- Algebra II with Trigonometry Honors
  
  3.30 unweighted composite science and math GPA
  
  Cannot have taken any Physics class previously.
AP Physics 1 is a college-level, algebra-based course that helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement AP Physics 1 exam, administered in May. (All enrolled students are required to take this exam.) This course focuses on the foundational principles of physics, exploring Newtonian mechanics: work, energy, and power. Hands-on laboratory work is an integral part of this course and will stress the formation of independent conclusions based on accurate experimentation and measurement. A summer assignment, designed to prepare students for the rigor of the class, is required. Students are required to attend additional class meetings outside of regular school hours.
Advanced Placement Physics C
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  AP Calculus concurrent enrollment
  
  3.70 unweighted composite science and math GPA
  
  Cannot have taken any Physics class previously.
AP Physics C is a college-level, calculus-based course that helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, administered in May. (All enrolled students are required to take this exam.) The course emphasizes the rigorous application of quantitative problem-solving techniques. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and will stress the formation of independent conclusions based on accurate experimentation and measurement. A summer assignment, designed to prepare students for the rigor of the class, is required. Students are required to attend additional class meetings outside of regular school hours.
Anatomy and Physiology
year course
open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite: Biology
Anatomy guides students in the systematic study of the structures and functions of the human body. Lab work, independent projects, and scientific readings are stressed. Major topics include all major aspects of the body systems, tissues, reproduction, nutrition, immunology, and cancer studies. Lab work may involve dissection of mammalian tissues and organs.
Environmental Science
year course
open to grades 10, 11 and 12

prerequisite: Biology

Environmental Science is designed to engage students in the exploration of the intricate relationships between the natural world, human societies, and the impact of human activities on the environment. Through hands-on experiments, field studies, and collaborative projects, students develop a deep understanding of environmental issues and cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to address them. This course aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in students, fostering a lifelong commitment to sustainable practices. It is similar to the curriculum in AP Environmental Science, but will be taught at the standard high-school pace. Students who take this class will still be eligible to take AP Environmental Science in future years.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  
  Biology
  
  Chemistry
  
  3.30 unweighted composite science and math GPA
AP Environmental Science is a college-level course that helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement exam, administered in May. (All enrolled students are required to take this exam.) The course develops in students a rigorous understanding of environmental science through scientific readings and hands-on laboratory investigations. Students evaluate the relative risks of environmental problems, environmental quality concerns, and potential global changes and they apply quantitative methods to the study of environmental issues. A summer assignment, designed to prepare students for the rigor of the class, is required. Students are required to attend additional class meetings outside of regular school hours.
Introduction to Computer Science

semester course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12

An introduction to computer science that includes a background into the development of computers and the early pioneers of computing language as well as the hardware and components of the machines. The course will also examine how an actual computer works by reviewing the storage capacity and connectors as well as the input/output structures and backup systems. Students will learn about troubleshooting and issues of hacking and security as well as the ethical and safety challenges posed by social media. The course will also introduce Python as the coding language and provide practice using flowcharts, basic input and functions, conditional structures, and loops. There will be several student projects in programming throughout the course.
Introduction to Engineering Honors
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
  - Physics (may be taken concurrently)
  - Algebra II with Trigonometry
Introduction to Engineering is an elective course for motivated students who are interested in or curious about engineering. This course is an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design, including the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. While addressing the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work, this course examines the engineering education pathways, fundamentals of engineering, and explores effective academic strategies. Communication skills pertinent to the engineering profession are also addressed.