In Physical Science and  Engineering, students are introduced to basic concepts in physics and the steps in the Engineering Design Process. The focus of the first trimester is concepts in kinematics and dynamics which include speed, velocity, acceleration, projectile motion, forces, and Newton’s laws of motion. The second trimester covers concepts in energy such as work, power, potential and kinetic energy, momentum, and thermodynamics. Concepts in electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic spectrum will be explored during the third trimester. A number of engineering design challenges will be included throughout the course. Students demonstrate understanding through experiments, students design and conduct, engineering challenges, class discussions, quizzes, tests, and final trimester assessments including more complex engineering challenges, a cumulative examination, and development of a project for the annual science exposition.

In Advanced Physics, students explore classical physics topics with a focus on calculation and analysis of data. In the first trimester, students use simple concepts to derive and utilize the kinematic equations of classical mechanics. During the second trimester, students study nuclear physics including radioactive decay, artificial transmutations, fission, and fusion as well as principles of electricity and magnetism. Third trimester topics include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic radiation, sound, and optics. Students demonstrate understanding through problem sets, quizzes, laboratory work, and final trimester assessments including a research project, a cumulative examination, and development of a project for the annual science exposition. (Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry is a prerequisite for this course).

*Please note not all electives will run each year

Anatomy & Physiology is an upper-level science elective for students who have a particular interest in understanding the human body. The course, which follows an organ-system approach, examines the structure and function of the human organism during both health and disease. Students begin by reviewing basic principles of cells and tissues, as well as learning about the skin and body membranes, before embarking on an exploration through the major body systems such as the muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. A focus throughout this course is on diversity and equity in science and students explore medical disparities and their effects on the human body. The class consists of a combination of laboratory investigations, lectures, group work, projects, presentations, formal assessments, and independent research. Anatomy & Physiology requires the learning of a significant amount of terminology and affords students the opportunity to attempt animal dissection in the lab. Because this is an elective class, any student electing to take the class must participate in all dissections. This course prepares students for college-level study in health-related fields. (Successful completion of Intergrated Life Science II or a full-year Biology course are prerequisites for this class).
*Please note not all electives will run each year

Personal and Global Health is an upper-level science elective where students examine current trends in personal and global health and wellness, and the basic anatomy and physiology background information necessary to understand these. Topics covered in this course include physical health and the obesity epidemic, reproductive and sexual health, mental and emotional health, the effects of addiction as they relate to alcohol, prescription and illicit drugs, tobacco and related products, human development, and careers in healthcare. A focus throughout this course is diversity and equity in health and wellness and students explore medical disparities present in our current healthcare system. Students have the opportunity to select additional topics for investigation based on their individual and collective interests, which may include first aid and CPR, healthy technology use, and reducing the risk of infections and the spread of disease. The course requires students to complete independent and group work, examine different cultures, and solve problems related to current trends in health. Students complete lab work, written assignments, and research, and will gain a better understanding of health as it relates to themselves and the world around them. (Successful completion of Integrated Life Science II or a full-year Biology course are prerequisites for this class).
*Please note not all electives will run each year