Science Department

The Science Department challenges students to explore and understand the natural world through inquiry, investigation, experimentation, and hands on discovery, developing the critical thinking and problem solving skills of a scientist.

Through laboratory work, discussion, collaboration, and real world applications, students develop scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Students make connections across scientific disciplines, use technology as a tool for investigation, and participate in laboratory experiences that include biotechnology and dissections. Throughout the program students learn to ask meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, and apply scientific thinking to complex problems.

Eligible students are invited to apply for the Science National Honor Society.

Courses Highlight

Forensic Science

Students connect concepts from multiple science disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to solve real life problems within the realm of criminal justice and forensics. All labs are age-appropriate with simulated evidence. Forensics is a UC approved lab science course that covers theory, concepts, and techniques relative to a full-service crime laboratory. Quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, including graphical interpretation, error discussion, and experimental design are integrated into the curriculum. Example units include crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, blood spatter, document analysis, ballistics, DNA, toxicology, serology, and arson. Case files are used throughout each unit to show how forensic analysis has helped to solve crimes.

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science equips students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the inter-relationships 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 or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The course includes a field study component.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering ignites students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. Aerospace Engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. They learn orbital mechanics concepts and apply these by creating models using industry-standard software. They also apply aerospace concepts to alternative applications such as a wind turbine and parachute. Students simulate a progression of operations to explore a planet including creating a map of the terrain with a model satellite and using the map to execute a mission using an autonomous robot.

Introduction to Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering

This is a high school course providing foundational knowledge and skills in biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology; it engages students in applying knowledge and skills to real-world situations, cases, and problems. Students will be modeling biological systems and design experiments to test those models. They will be introduced to engineering principles to solve design problems that are biological, physiological, and/or medical. They will also be learning basic biotechnological techniques such as bacterial transformations, using PCR, ELISA’s, as well as running several PAGE gels.

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