SO YOU WANT TO TA K E A SC I E N C E CLASS A Guide to Choosing the Science Class that is Right for You
Required Courses: COURSE NAME
Biology: Semester/Semester
or
W H O S H O U L D TA K E I T ?
∙ Students who would like to take a more deliberate approach to biology with more time for hands-on activities ∙ Students who would prefer a wider survey of biological content
Biology: Semester/Intensive
∙ Students who would like to move through foundational biology topics at a more rapid pace ∙ Students interested in specialized content in evolutionary biology
Chemistry
∙ Students who want extra math support (the math requirements are the same in both courses, but this course offers more support in learning the mathematical applications)
or
W H E N S H O U L D I TA K E I T ?
9th Grade
10th Grade
Quantitative Chemistry
Physics
∙ Students with strong mathematical skills who are comfortable with moving through material at a faster pace (this course does not offer as much in-class support for quantitative concepts) ∙ Students who benefit from a more hands-on approach to science ∙ Students weaker in quantitative thinking
or
11th or 12th Grade Rising juniors should consider overall scheduling plans, the availability of alternate-year
Quantitative Physics
∙ Students with plans to study quantitative disciplines in college ∙ Students drawn to an advanced challenge
electives, and whether an additional year of math study and brain development before taking the course would help them to feel more successful.
The sequencing and guidelines above may not apply to students who take alternative paths (enrollment later than 9th grade, semesters away, etc.).
Electives: This table represents our planned electives for the next two years. We will attempt to minimize future changes, but student interest and staffing availability may require them. WHEN IS IT OFFERED? COURSE NAME
Astronomy
W H O S H O U L D TA K E I T ? ∙ Students interested in learning more about space and related topics
Advanced Topics in Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
∙ Students who want to learn more physics topics covered in college physics
Forensics
∙ Students interested in solving puzzles ∙ Students who enjoy lab applications
FA L L ‘ 2 0 - 2 1
SPR. ‘20-21
FA L L ‘ 2 1 - 2 2
SPR. ‘21-22
No
Yes
No
Yes
Intensive
No
Intensive
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Please note that many electives are offered every other year. Genetics
∙ Students interested in learning more about the laboratory work of molecular genetics and DNA
Yes
No
No
No
Anatomy & Physiology
∙ Students interested in how body systems work for both humans and animals.
No
No
Yes
No
Ecology
∙ Students interested in understanding relationships between organisms and their environments ∙ Students who want to pair their study of science with exploration of the outdoors.
No
No
No
Intensive
∙ Students who want to apply biology and chemistry on the largest scale ∙ Students who want to learn more about climate change
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Environmental Science
Organic Chemistry
∙ Students who want to deepen understanding of molecules and the 3-D understanding of chemistry ∙ Provides a basic introduction to topics taught at a college level
Advanced Topics in Chemistry
∙ Students who want to learn more topics covered in college chemistry, including modern and more mathematical concepts
No
No
No
Yes
Engineering I
∙ Students who want to learn more topics covered in college chemistry, including modern and more mathematical concepts
Intensive
No
Intensive
No
Teaching Science
∙ Students who enjoy working with younger students ∙ Students interested in learning about teaching and learning
No
No
No
Intensive