Science

"Understanding the world is a kind of joy..."
-Carl Sagan

The goals of the Science Department are to nurture an enjoyment of science, to understand its use in our everyday life, to foster an active awareness of the role science plays in local and global environmental issues and to help students manage the increasing volume of scientific information.

Full-year courses include Biology, Human Anatomy, Marine Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Chemistry, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Placement Physics (algebra and calculus-based), Integrated Science, and the Science Research Program. Semester courses include Environmental Science, Impacts and Issues of Science and Technology, The Science of Food, Nutrition, Exercise Science, and Forensic Science. Other programs that students may take for credit include the Science Mentorship Program, and Studies in Subtropical Ecosystems (Bermuda program).

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Integrated Science are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. All courses emphasize the development of scientific skills needed for living in an increasingly technological society. These include reasoning and thinking skills, problem-solving, technical writing and reading scientific materials. All laboratory courses stress the mastery of proper laboratory techniques. In addition, good mathematical skills are important tools for chemistry and physics.

Scientific Skills Benchmarks - Students will:

Formulate a testable hypothesis and design and carry out an experiment that reflects the logical connections to the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis

Use technology to collect and analyze data. Use mathematical tools and models to guide and improve the posing of questions, gathering of data, constructing explanations and communicating results

Propose an explanation of a scientific investigation that is logically consistent and abides by the rules of evidence

Communicate explanations and findings effectively: write and follow procedures; express concepts; review, interpret, and summarize data; create and interpret charts and diagrams; speak clearly and logically; and construct an explanation.