Science
Science and innovation have always been a driving force for human progress and the modern world is becoming increasingly shaped by science and technology. Personal and societal issues ranging from health care to environmental stewardship to infrastructure, require global citizens to make informed decisions and solve problems based on their understanding of science and technology. The Science department believes that a high-quality science education cultivates students’ curiosity and provides students with the scientific and technological skills and habits that scientists and engineers use everyday. The scientific investigation and thinking practices include sense-making, inquiry and investigation, collection and analysis of evidence, logical reasoning, and communication and application of information. Core science courses are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and aims to engage students in the core ideas through the integration of science and engineering practices while making connections to the crosscutting concepts. The Science department values student choice and provides multiple pathways for courses based on interest. Students may choose to take physics, chemistry, earth and space science or biology in any order, provided they meet the prerequisites. Introductory core courses are taken before any of the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a particular discipline. A minimum of two credits of science is required during the student’s High School career. One of these must be a full year of biology, and the other must be a full year of physical science, which includes earth and space science, chemistry or physics. It is recommended for students to take more than two credits in science before graduation.
Earth and Space Science – 1 credit Grade 9-12 Home Learning: Light Course Description Earth and space science is an introductory course that aims to explore topics in astronomy, geology, meteorology and environmental science. Topics include the Big Bang theory, life cycle of stars, Earth’s geological history, plate tectonics, natural hazards, weather and climate, biogeochemical cycles and environmental issues. The course covers Next Generation Science (NGSS) standards HS-ESS1-1 to HS-ESS1-6, HS-ESS2-1 to HSESS2-7, HS-ESS3-1 to HS-ESS3-6. Learning Outcomes Students will:
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Develop models based on evidence to explain the formation of the universe and the life cycle of our sun and other stars.
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Apply scientific reasoning and evidence to construct an account of Earth’s formation and early history, including the simultaneous coevolution of life on Earth.
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Plan and conduct investigations of the effects of water on earth materials and surface processes.
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Use models to describe and predict weather and climate patterns.
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Evaluate impacts of human activity on the environment and refine sustainable design solutions or practices.
