Our Science curriculum incorporates a learning style that attempts to teach science in a holistic, three-dimensional manner. We aim to illustrate crosscutting concepts by connecting the primary domains of scientific study. We instill the ideas of science and engineering practice by showing how scientists observe the world and engineers plan and build. Finally, we try to teach the core concepts of each discipline to understand the importance of each discipline in our daily lives. Together, these three dimensions serve to guide the growth of each student as they become more critically minded individuals.
Physics
Prerequisite: Geometry
This course will help students appreciate the role of physics in everyday lives. Topics covered in this course are the description of motion (position, velocity, acceleration), explanation of motion using forces and Newton’s laws, momentum and energy, and description and explanation of motion in a circle, thermodynamics, light, and sound.
The Physics course is also a lab course, which seeks to develop the students’ inquiry skills. Students will formulate questions, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, apply mathematics to tangible situations, construct explanations, make evidence-based arguments, and communicate information to peers and experts.
Biology
Prerequisite: Chemistry
The focus of this course is to explore Biological systems and processes. The structure of matter, the chemical composition of living organisms, chemical reactions within living organisms that are essential for life are core concepts covered in this course. The study of photosynthesis and cellular respiration at the molecular level help students gain an appreciation for the processes that are perpetual in nature but at the same time are fragile and need protection from the indiscriminate exploitation by humans. Through the study of human physiology, students will research and experiment with making healthy choices within their lives and document this knowledge and share it with the greater community through social media. Students will take on the task of educating the general public about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise as well as the harmful effects of certain lifestyle choices.