This course explores the diversity of life on earth and examines unique properties of living organisms, setting them apart from the nonliving, physical world. It involves processes of investigation and discovery and introduces themes, tools, techniques, and principles of both biology and chemistry. Units of study include microbiology, ecology, genetics, evolution, human body systems, health science, and the scientific method. Laboratory work is emphasized, and students learn data collection and scientific writing techniques utilizing an inquiry-based approach. (Grade 9)

This is an in-depth and intense lab-oriented course dealing with the study of life and biological processes. The course emphasizes molecular and cellular aspects of living things including molecular and Mendelian genetics, chemical composition, and energy transformations involved in respiration and photosynthesis. Plant and animal diversity, structure, and function are represented along with phylogenetic relationships, evolution, and ecological concepts. This class includes lecture, discussion, and demonstration followed by lab activities to reinforce and illustrate concepts and principles. There are also periodic unit tests and quizzes, written homework from the text and study guide, written lab reports, and summative assessments. (Grade 9)

This course emphasizes the development of visualization skills while the students study the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. Real-world examples are used extensively to help the student connect the topics presented in the class with their experience in everyday life. Students gain a firm foundational knowledge of modern atomic theory, the structure of atoms, elements, periodic law, and chemical compounds before they study chemical reactions. Students gain skills in writing Lewis structures, understanding precipitation reactions, solubility, acid/base reactions, titration, molarity, molar mass, formula mass, oxidation-reduction reactions, and stoichiometry. This course emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills and laboratory work. (Grade 10)

This course includes an in-depth coverage of the field of chemistry and the relationships between matter and energy. It begins with a study of the atom and modern atomic theory and proceeds through the concepts of periodic law, molecules, structure, and bonding, to more complex materials and their properties. After gaining a solid foundational knowledge in modern atomic theory, students study molar mass, formula mass, nomenclature of compounds, bonding, electronegativity, Lewis structures, VSEPR model, geometric shapes of molecules, thermodynamics, gasses and the ideal gas law, liquids and solids, phase diagrams, stoichiometry, precipitation reactions, solubility, types of chemical reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, equilibrium dynamics, acid-base equilibria, pH scale, and electrochemistry. Students focus on conceptual learning, applying rules and models and to evaluate outcomes. Problem-solving skills and laboratory work are emphasized. (Grade 10; prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Algebra IIB or higher)

This course supplies a broad range of physics topics needed for further study in life or the physical sciences. Inquiry-based laboratory work helps reinforce concepts, and data is analyzed via modeling methods with electronic data collection. Calculator functions and programming are emphasized throughout the year, and principles of trigonometry and algebra are used heavily. Topics include kinematics and dynamics, vectors, gravitational and orbital motion, conservation of energy and momentum, and other modern physics topics. (Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: prior completion of Algebra IIA or concurrent enrollment in Algebra IIB or higher)

This course supplies the foundation for further study in physical science, life, science, engineering, or medical disciplines in a non-calculus based setting. It provides a broad but rigorous study of some of the major topics of physics in a laboratory intensive experience. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, circular motion and rotation, thermodynamics, optics, simple harmonic motion, electricity, and magnetism. Trigonometry, advanced algebra, and data analysis are used extensively, and real-life applications of content are emphasized throughout the year. (Grades 11,12; prerequisite: prior completion of, placement into, or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus with Trigonometry Honors or higher)

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the introductory biology course and would like to continue their study of the life sciences at an accelerated pace. The course is comparable in complexity and depth to a first-year university biology course with a significant emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory experiments. Students will build on foundational knowledge and be provided with a more in-depth study of the biological sciences as they examine systems at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels to better understand how components and processes influence organisms at every level of organization. They will be exposed to a rigorous lab program that will teach them to use sophisticated laboratory equipment including biotechnology tools, probes, and computer modeling programs. Emphasis will be placed on scientific research, experimental design, and the dissemination of results in the form of lab reports, posters, and oral presentations. Laboratory experiments will engage students in complex, quantitative investigations that necessitate the use of statistics, graphical analysis, and spreadsheet calculations. Scientific writing and communication of results in various mediums will be a keystone to the course. Students will be required to develop original questions and to design experiments to test their hypotheses culminating in an independent research project. (Grades 10-12; prerequisite if taken in grade 10: concurrent enrollment in Chemistry Honors and science department approval)

This course takes a rigorous academic approach to college-level inorganic chemistry and also provides an introduction to quantum mechanics, molecular orbitals, phase diagrams, colligative properties of aqueous solutions, transition metals, and coordination chemistry. The course will include inquiry-based lab experiments where students will design many of their own lab setups and spend significant time investigating concepts. Effective written and verbal communication will be emphasized throughout the course and come in the form of lab reports, in-class presentations, and class discussions. In addition to unit assessments, students will have the flexibility to choose a topic of their interest to investigate for a long-term project that will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts through written work and in-class presentations. (Grades 11,12; prerequisite: prior completion of, placement into, or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus with Trigonometry Honors or higher)

This course is designed as the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course that includes both laboratory and field investigation components. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This course will also emphasize scientific writing and communication. Major topics of study include biogeochemical cycling, land and water use, pollution, climate change, population ecology and human population dynamics, energy resource use and management, and environmental legislation. (Grades 11, 12; prerequisites: Biology or Biology Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors, no more than one grade of C+ or below in a regular class or C or below in an advanced-level class at the end-of-year marking period immediately preceding enrollment in the course)

This college-level course takes a rigorous academic approach to Classical Mechanics as well as select topics in Electricity and Magnetism (E&M). Throughout the course, calculus is used as an analytical tool to solve realistic problems. Each unit includes a significant amount of time working on hands-on projects and labs. The course features multiple comprehensive projects that integrate relevant engineering concepts into the curriculum including 3D-printed rocket design, fabrication, and analysis; balsa wood bridge design, fabrication, and analysis; and a series of independent E&M projects. This course emphasizes scientific writing and communication in the form of lab reports, in-class presentations, short reflection papers, and class discussions. The class is designed to engage students to move beyond the textbook to real-life applications while gaining experience with high-tech tools (3D printers, high speed video, and more) and becoming more proficient at technical writing and communication. (Grades 11, 12; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of AP Calculus)

This lab course focuses on the basic principles of oceanography and marine biology. The first trimester is spent investigating three areas of oceanography: physical, geological, and chemical. In the second and third trimester, our primary focus is marine biology, where we look at the ecology, structure and function of each major marine phyla. Laboratory activities, dissections and exercises reinforce topics and help develop laboratory analysis and observational skills. Demonstrations and projects enrich the course and help students visualize concepts. (Grades 11, 12)

This course will provide an overview of what we currently know about the brain and how we study it. We will explore the organization, structure, and function of this fascinating organ that enables us to sense, move, sleep, feel, and think. Going from single molecules to cells, from cells to neural circuits, and from networks to behavior, our journey will feature a description of how we perceive, process, store, and retrieve information as well as how these processes are altered during disease states such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, schizophrenia, and addiction. Topics will include: anatomical and cellular organization of the brain, electrical impulses and signaling in neurons, neurodevelopment, sensory perception, movement, sleep, and higher cognitive functions such as emotions, learning, and memory. (Grades 10-12; prerequisites: Biology or Biology Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors; prerequisite if taken in grade 10: concurrent enrollment in Chemistry Honors)

This is a laboratory-oriented course where students will study the structure and function of the human body. The first semester will include in-depth coverage of organ systems with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, and excretory systems. The biochemical and cellular aspects of specific body mechanisms and processes as they relate to these systems are covered. The second semester highlights and focuses on human body control and integration mechanisms including the nervous system and endocrine system and special senses. Disease states of each of these systems are discussed throughout the year. Special assignments, laboratory activities, and projects are required. (Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors)

In this course, students learn 3D computer design from both an engineering perspective and an artistic perspective as well as how the two can blend to complement each other. On the engineering side, students learn CAD software using Solidworks (or equivalent) while on the artistic side, they learn digital sculpting using programs like ZBrush. Students turn their digital creations into tangible objects while gaining experience working with high-tech fabrication tools including a 3D Scanner, 3D Printer, CNC Router, and CNC foam cutter. The class consists largely of independent or small-group projects with an emphasis on creativity and innovation. Real-life applications and relevant careers paths will be discussed throughout the course. (Grades 10-12; one semester)

This is an introductory course for students interested in the field of engineering. Topics may include the design process, technical drawing, measurement, modeling, reverse engineering, design challenges, computer programming, material properties, structural analysis, fluid dynamics and buoyancy, thermodynamics, and various engineering disciplines. (Grades 10-12; one semester; prerequisite: Geometry)

This course is centered on a single, semester-long project in which students go through multiple iterations of the engineering design cycle (design, prototype, test, repeat). Students work in small groups and keep engineering notebooks throughout the course. At the conclusion of the semester, they write a paper and present their findings, which could possibly be published. Throughout the semester students learn more in-depth engineering concepts and methods for evaluating or testing their projects. (Grades 10-12; one semester; prerequisite: Engineering Principles and concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of Physics preferred)