High School Science Program

9th grade
Required
Yearlong

In this course, students will explore the fundamental characteristics of living organisms, beginning with the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of life and building to the genetic principles governing global populations. In addition, we will investigate the interrelatedness of anatomical systems, global ecological cycles, and the principles of evolution. In addition to providing students with an understanding of core biological concepts, the course is designed to enhance skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Through laboratory experiments, case studies, modeling, direct instruction, analysis of authentic data sets, and field trips, students will gain an appreciation for the diversity and unity of life on Earth. 

Incoming ninth grade students who have taken high school biology in eighth grade may request exemption from the course if they score 80% or above on a placement test.  Because graduation requirements include two semesters worth of biology credit earned during high school, students passing the placement test should plan to take two semester-long electives in the biological sciences before graduation.
 

10th grade
Required
Yearlong

This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of fundamental topics in chemistry. Subjects include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds, acid/base chemistry, gas behavior, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities and demonstrations reinforce core topics, foster inductive and deductive reasoning, connect core topics to everyday phenomena, and hone laboratory skills. Students engage both as small groups and as a class with laboratory-based challenges. Either this course or Quantitative Chemistry is required in 10th grade.

10th grade
Required
Yearlong

This course is best suited to students who have a strong interest in science and a solid mathematical background. The emphasis is on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of topics such as atomic structure, classifying and quantifying matter, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, gas laws, stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, and electrochemistry. This chemistry option moves more quickly through mathematical content, allowing time to pursue a greater breadth of topics. Class activities and demonstrations reinforce core topics, foster inductive and deductive reasoning, connect core topics to everyday phenomena, and hone laboratory skills. Assessments include traditional tests as well as alternative skills-based assessments. Either this course or Chemistry is required in 10th grade.

11th or 12th grade
Required
Yearlong

Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena. The course examines Newtonian mechanics with an emphasis on quantitative problem-solving, using calculus when appropriate. While this course covers topics similar to those in Quantitative Physics, it is designed to offer more mathematical support for students and emphasizes more projects and lab experiences. Prerequisite: Algebra II. 

11th or 12th grade
Required
Yearlong

Quantitative Physics offers students a structured understanding of everyday physical phenomena. While this course covers topics similar to those in Physics, it is designed for students interested in and ready for a rigorous mathematical analysis of physical concepts. The course examines Kinematics and Newtonian mechanics with an emphasis on quantitative problem-solving. Corequisite: Calculus I. 

Upper School
Elective
One semester

Astronomy applies the tools of science to the sky above us and the universe beyond our planet. Topics include the size and age of the universe, the diverse history of astronomy, light and telescopes, the formation of the solar system, the life cycle of stars, extrasolar planets, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and looking at astronomy as a way of learning about the nature of science. 

11th–12th grade
Elective

This class introduces students to electricity and magnetism (E&M). The main topics that are covered in this
class are electrostatics (electric force, field, and potential), electric circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic
induction. The class relies on a combination of problem-solving, simulations, and hands-on labs to give
students a mathematical and conceptual understanding of the topics at hand. Prerequisite or Corequisite:
Physics.

Upper School
Elective
One semester

Students who have completed the Engineering I intensive dive deeper into more specific challenges with more advanced engineering skills. In addition to civil and mechanical engineering challenges, students complete projects in fields as diverse as robotics and biomedical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. Students leave campus when opportunities arise, visiting engineering sites and shadowing engineers. A special emphasis is placed on engineering for social justice, exploring how engineers can have a positive impact on the community and people around them. Prerequisite: Engineering I intensive or equivalent experience

Upper School
Elective
One semester

Environmental science is a course for everyone, especially students wanting to broaden their influence as citizen scientists. The students will explore the interconnected nature of services the environment provides, such as agricultural production, water purification, and climate regulation, as well as some of the major modern concerns like industrial pollution, water scarcity, and energy production. To explore these issues, students integrate principles from various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, history, political science, and geology. The class requires nightly reading assignments and daily class discussions to keep the students informed of current topics. Along with fieldwork and a variety of projects, the students are actively doing science.

10th–12th grades
Elective
One semester

This class introduces students to some of the fundamental science content, processes, and skills involved in forensics and law enforcement. Fingerprint and crime scene analysis, ballistic event reconstruction, and the rates and markers of organic decay and decomposition are all explored, as students apply what they have learned to solve real-world-type problems. Lab skills are especially emphasized in this hands-on, practical course meant to appeal to all students interested in crime-solving, applied science, and lab work. Prerequisite: Biology.

11th–12th grade
Elective
One semestser

In this laboratory-based course, students examine the molecular basis of genetic variation in human and non-human organisms, and how these variations influence health, development, behavior, and evolutionary success. We also learn about recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including whole genome projects (like the Human Genome Project), gene transfer, gene therapy, and gene editing, while simultaneously examining the ethical implications of genetic engineering and genome manipulation. This class is designed to help provide students with the skills necessary for success in postsecondary level biology classes and lab environments. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry.

10th–12th grade
Elective
One semester

This course focuses on the neurobiology of drug use and drug addiction. It explores the effects of a range of mood-altering drugs to teach students about brain structures, brain chemicals, and genetic differences in people’s responses to drugs. More specifically, it covers three major classifications of drugs and investigates how these drugs impact molecules, cells, anatomy, and behavior. The content helps develop awareness of issues of drug use that are socially and personally impactful. The course also aspires to contribute to helping students become informed consumers of scientific information and decision-makers. Prerequisite: Biology. A student cannot be enrolled in Microbiology and Neurobiology in a single school year.

11th–12th grade
Elective
One semester

In this course, students study the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. The class focuses on the typical properties of different organic groups and the three-dimensionality of everyday molecules. Through lecture, discussion, and laboratory work, students learn the nomenclature and behavior of these compounds. Lab work also includes extensive investigations of the reactions and synthesis of organic molecules, like biodiesel, esters, and soap making. Prerequisite: successful completion of one year of chemistry. 

Upper School

Students are introduced to the ways of thinking and problem-solving that make engineering unique in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Students work collaboratively to identify and creatively solve real-world problems in a broad range of engineering fields. As students learn how an engineer thinks and works, they gain a better appreciation for how the world around them has taken its current form, and how engineering can address problems that affect real people. This class is designed for students with a broad range of prior experience and math skills. We especially invite students from backgrounds that are not traditionally well represented among engineers to explore this course.

Upper School

This course has been designed to provide students with an authentic lab research experience. Students will be exposed to a variety of techniques needed to isolate, visualize, and characterize common microorganisms while completing a multi-week research project. The intensive format will allow student research teams to work asynchronously on individualized projects as they learn how to troubleshoot experiments and persist through challenges within a supportive environment. The experience with selfdirected lab work and knowledge of common lab techniques gained in this course will uniquely qualify students for lab internships and research experiences. Prerequisite: Biology. A student cannot be enrolled in Microbiology and Neurobiology in a single school year. 

Upper School

This is a project-based course in which students design science lessons for elementary school students. Students in this course would partner with local elementary/ middle school teachers to bring science or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) lessons and demonstrations to their students. In addition to prepping their teaching, student would spend classroom time learning about learning, providing context to improve their teaching (while simultaneously informing their own future learning). No prior science coursework is required, though an enthusiasm for learning and working with others is important. 

11th–12th grade
Elective

In this course, students explore life in the oceans from the intertidal zone to the deepest trenches, with emphasis on anatomical, physiological, and biochemical adaptations to major biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Students learn how the ocean works and about current environmental threats facing the ocean, such as global warming, ocean acidification, overfishing, and coastal pollution. Students spend the first week of the intensive learning about the history, technology, environmental factors, and ecology of marine sciences. The second week includes learning about the different ocean layers and benthic and pelagic biology, which will include a jigsaw dissection of dogfish sharks, frogs, perch, lamprey, and squid. Lastly, the third week dives into the magic of the ocean, including bioluminescence, hydrothermal vents, coral reefs, unique marine adaptations, and human interactions. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.