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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
7GRADE 7
- Principles of Science 1 - 7th Grade Robotics and Programming - Foundations of Making and Design 98GRADE 8 - Principles of Science 2 - 8th Grade Robotics and Programming - Middle School Engineering
GRADE 9
- Physics - Honors Physics - Making and Engineering Design - Introduction to Programming - Mechatronics
10 GRADE 10 - Chemistry - Honors Chemistry - AP Computer Science Principles - AP Computer Science A - Honors Computer Science: Data Structures and Algorithms - Honors Computer Science: Topics in Artificial Intelligence - Making and Engineering Design - Introduction to Programming - Food Science - Mechatronics - Biology - AP Biology - AP Chemistry - AP Physics 2 - AP Physics C: Mechanics - AP Computer Science
Science - Biological Engineering (12)
- Honors Computer Science: Data Structures 11&12GRADES 11 AND 12 and Algorithms - Honors Computer Science: Topics in Artificial Intelligence - Making and Engineering Design - Introduction to Programming - Food Science - Mechatronics
PHILOSOPHY AND PLACEMENT
The Windward Science and Technology Department strives to develop students who possess an enthusiasm for science. The rich variety of courses exposes students to engaging and challenging scientific concepts at every level of learning. Our courses create opportunities for students to experience science as scientists do by presenting authentic, hands-on problems and assessments. We nurture abstract thinking and problem-solving skills through the use of project and problem-based learning. We foster collaboration in labs and design teams by instilling elements of cooperation in all curricula. Placement in science and technology classes at Windward is based on many factors including, but not limited to, level and performance in previous science classes, level and performance in previous math classes, and teacher recommendation. Honors classes are substantially different from regular courses with respect to content, depth, and pace. Transitions from general science to Honors or AP level classes are possible with the recommendation of the Department Chair and may require a minimum grade in the student’s current science course, as specified below. Students may transition from Honors or AP level to general courses in consideration of academic difficulty or conceptual challenges.
REQUIREMENTS
All students must take a minimum of five years of science, one course each year, from Grades 7 through 10, and at least one course in either Grade 11 or 12. These must include at least one course in each subject area of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students should be aware that many universities require more than one lab course in grades 9-12. The University of California requires two (and recommends three) years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in two of these three foundational subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics, and will accept computer science as a third laboratory course. The typical sequence of courses is: Principles of Science I (Grade 7), Principles of Science II (Grade 8), Physics (Grade 9), Chemistry (Grade 10), and Biology (Grade 11). Starting in the 10th grade year, options for enrolling in additional science/technology courses are available, and it becomes possible to take more than one science & technology course within the year.
