Mission: For students to learn the scientific method through direct experience by planning and conducting investigations, observing, keeping records, interpreting data, checking conclusions, and making hypotheses. Scientific fact and theory are used as vehicles to understand practical problems.
Students engage in studying the three major areas of science: life science/health, earth science and physical science. Each unit includes a mixture of scientific concepts, practical application, and career opportunities.
Admitted 9th grade Nexus students will take either Integrated Physics and Chemistry or Biology.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry is a physical science course designed for high school students needing an entry-level science course covering basic concepts found in chemistry and physics. Topics included in this course are matter, motion and forces, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to observe simulations, investigate ideas, and solve problems, both hands on and online.
Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. Expanding on that, this Biology course will incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student’s understanding should encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life, and this biology course includes both. The major concepts covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, and ecology and the environment. Students at this level should show development in their understanding of scientific inquiry. The units contain experiments and projects that seek to develop a deeper conceptual meaning for students and that actively engage them. The continued exposure of science concepts and scientific inquiry will serve to improve the students’ skills and understanding.
Students engage in studying the three major areas of science: life science/health, earth science and physical science. Each unit includes a mixture of scientific concepts, practical application, and career opportunities.
Admitted 9th grade Nexus students will take either Integrated Physics and Chemistry or Biology.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry is a physical science course designed for high school students needing an entry-level science course covering basic concepts found in chemistry and physics. Topics included in this course are matter, motion and forces, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to observe simulations, investigate ideas, and solve problems, both hands on and online.
Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. Expanding on that, this Biology course will incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student’s understanding should encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life, and this biology course includes both. The major concepts covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, and ecology and the environment. Students at this level should show development in their understanding of scientific inquiry. The units contain experiments and projects that seek to develop a deeper conceptual meaning for students and that actively engage them. The continued exposure of science concepts and scientific inquiry will serve to improve the students’ skills and understanding.