It isn't about where you're from,
It's where you're going that counts!
-ella fitzgerald-
Science Dept
Our Science Department is dedicated to developing curious, analytical, and scientifically literate students through hands-on investigation and evidence-based learning. Students explore the natural world through observation, experimentation, data analysis, and scientific reasoning. Our curriculum integrates Biological Systems, Chemical Systems, Physical Systems, and Earth & Space Systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of how scientific principles shape the world around us. Through laboratory experiences, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications, students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in STEM fields and beyond.
Course description
Science serves as a foundation for understanding the natural and physical world while preparing students for advanced study, STEM careers, and informed citizenship. Our K–12 Science curriculum is vertically aligned and organized around the four core scientific domains: Biological Systems, Chemical Systems, Physical Systems, and Earth & Space Systems.
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Aligned with NGSS standards and college-preparatory science frameworks, students engage in laboratory experimentation, scientific inquiry, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and structured scientific writing. Throughout their academic journey, students learn to formulate hypotheses, design investigations, interpret evidence, and communicate scientific findings using appropriate terminology and reasoning.
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Our goal is to cultivate independent scientific thinkers who can analyze complex systems, solve problems using evidence, and apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. By graduation, students are prepared for Advanced Placement coursework, collegiate STEM programs, and careers in science, engineering, technology, healthcare, and environmental fields.
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K–1ST GRADE SCIENCE TOPICS
Our Kindergarten and First Grade Science curriculum introduces students to the foundational concepts of scientific observation, exploration, and systems thinking. Through hands-on investigations and guided discovery, students begin developing an understanding of living organisms, matter, motion, weather, and Earth systems.
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Students explore the differences between living and nonliving things, investigate the properties of everyday materials, observe weather patterns, and learn how scientists ask questions and gather information. Laboratory experiences emphasize observation, classification, simple experimentation, and scientific communication.
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Through engaging activities and structured exploration, students develop curiosity, vocabulary, and foundational scientific skills that support future learning and discovery.
2nd - 3rd Grade Science Topics
Our Second and Third Grade Science curriculum expands students' understanding of natural and physical systems while strengthening observation, classification, and experimental thinking. Students begin analyzing how systems interact and how changes within systems influence outcomes.
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Students investigate ecosystems, properties of matter, forces and motion, weather systems, and environmental patterns. Through laboratory activities, measurement exercises, and model-building experiences, students learn to collect information, identify patterns, and explain scientific phenomena.
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Instruction emphasizes scientific vocabulary, communication, and structured reasoning, helping students become more confident and independent scientific thinkers.
4th - 5th Grade Science Topics
Our Fourth and Fifth Grade Science curriculum develops students' ability to conduct structured investigations and analyze scientific systems using evidence and data. Students strengthen their understanding of scientific processes while exploring increasingly complex concepts across all four science domains.
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Students study ecosystems, biological interactions, matter and chemical change, forces and motion, energy systems, and environmental processes. Laboratory investigations include controlled experiments, data collection, measurement activities, and model development.
Students learn to interpret results, identify relationships between variables, and construct evidence-based explanations. These experiences help build the analytical skills necessary for success in middle school science and future laboratory work.
6th - 8th Science Topics
Our Sixth through Eighth Grade Science curriculum advances students into hypothesis-driven inquiry, quantitative analysis, and systems modeling. Students engage in increasingly sophisticated laboratory investigations while strengthening critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.
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Students explore cellular biology, chemical reactions, matter systems, energy transfer, motion, climate science, Earth systems, and space science. Laboratory experiences include multi-step investigations, data analysis projects, mathematical modeling, and research-based scientific inquiry.
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By the completion of middle school, students demonstrate readiness for high school laboratory science through their ability to analyze data, construct scientific arguments, and apply evidence-based reasoning to complex scientific problems.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT (BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS)
Living Environment introduces students to the study of life through the examination of cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biological systems. Students investigate how living organisms function, adapt, and interact within complex environments.
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Laboratory experiences include microscopy investigations, enzyme studies, genetic modeling, ecological analysis, and experimental design. Students learn to collect and interpret biological data while developing an understanding of scientific investigation and biological processes.
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Through scientific reading, laboratory reporting, and evidence-based analysis, students build the skills necessary for advanced biological studies and future STEM coursework.
CHEMISTRY (CHEMICAL SYSTEMS)
Chemistry develops students' understanding of matter, atomic structure, chemical interactions, and energy transformations through quantitative analysis and laboratory investigation. Students examine the principles governing chemical behavior and apply mathematical reasoning to scientific problems.
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Major topics include atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, reaction rates, and equilibrium systems. Laboratory investigations involve titration, calorimetry, reaction analysis, and experimental measurement.
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Students strengthen their analytical and mathematical abilities while learning to interpret data, solve chemical problems, and communicate scientific findings through formal laboratory reports and technical writing.
PHYSICS (PHYSICAL SYSTEMS)
Our Algebra 3 curriculum for Black students is carefully crafted to enhance their mastery of algebraic reasoning and equip them with the necessary skills for advanced mathematical concepts. Through an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, our curriculum encompasses a diverse array of topics that are integral to success in higher-level math courses.
Some of the key topics covered in our curriculum include: Advanced Functions: Students will explore advanced functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. They will investigate their properties, transformations, and applications. Trigonometric Functions: Understanding the unit circle, graphing trigonometric functions, applying trigonometric identities and formulas, and solving trigonometric equations. Trigonometric Identities and Equations: Simplifying trigonometric expressions using identities.
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Astronomy and Earth Science
Astronomy and Earth Science explores Earth's geological systems, climate processes, planetary motion, environmental systems, and the structure of the universe. Students examine how Earth functions as a dynamic and interconnected system while exploring humanity's place within the cosmos.
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Students investigate geological processes, atmospheric systems, environmental sustainability, planetary science, and cosmological development through research, modeling, and data analysis. Laboratory experiences include climate studies, geological investigations, orbital calculations, and environmental impact assessments.
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Through scientific research, systems analysis, and evidence-based reasoning, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand global environmental challenges and advanced Earth and space science concepts.