Fifth-grade science begins with an introduction to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science Practices and then applies them using the scientific method. The students use an inquiry-based approach to explore topics in the areas of physical science, earth science, and biological science. Students utilize investigatory skills to look for patterns, relationships, and connections between various topics of the different disciplines of science. Topics covered include: the nature of properly designed experimental procedures, properties of the Earth, interaction of species and their environments, and environmental awareness and stewardship.

In sixth-grade science, students learn about the fundamentals of Chemistry before applying that knowledge to Biological systems. Topics covered include forensic science, medical phenomena, how organisms sustain life, and how traits are passed through generations. Students examine a range of phenomena within living systems, which they explain by gathering, interpreting, and communicating evidence. Students develop skills in the Science Practices of modeling, data analysis, arguing based on evidence, and constructing explanations.

Seventh-grade science focuses on understanding what is happening in and on our Earth. Areas studied include rocks and landforms, earthquakes and volcanoes, weather and climate, and ecosystem interactions. The course uses an inquiry-based approach with students engaging in hands-on, collaborative investigations and practicing skills including modeling and scientific writing. There is also an emphasis placed on technology and using online resources to study our earth. The seventh-grade course continues to build on the Science Practices developed in sixth grade.

Eighth-grade science is the final course in the middle school program. It emphasizes scientific inquiry and experimentation while helping students develop their academic skills and Science Practices. Eighth-grade science concentrates on the study of physics by investigating the concepts of motion, Newton's Laws, work, energy, and power, fluid statics and buoyancy, and sound and light wave phenomena.

In this course, ninth graders engage in the practices of science to explore life at different scales, from the chemistry of biological molecules to the global flow of matter and energy. Students explore the relationship between molecular and cellular structures of organisms and their life functions, the transmission of traits across generations, the role of evolution in driving biodiversity, and the interdependent relationships between living things and Earth’s environment. Emphasis is placed on constructing explanations for biological phenomena, including the ability to connect structure to function and model the interactions among different scales of a system.

In this course, students investigate atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and conservation and transfer of energy on the atomic and global scale. Through an exploration of atomic structure, students explain trends in elemental properties, chemical bonding, radioactivity, and generation of nuclear power. Chemical bonding in turn drives differences in the physical and chemical properties of matter. Students model how substances combine and change via collisions to explain rates of reaction and energy changes. Emphasis is placed on developing particle-level models, analyzing data, and mathematical reasoning to explain phenomena.

In the honors option for Earth’s Chemical Systems, students will explore the same concepts as in the non-honors course, though the depth and pace of the course will reflect a higher level of rigor. The honors section is best suited for students who tend to pick up concepts more quickly and can master introductory problem-solving strategies with fewer examples needed. This allows the class to investigate more advanced applications of concepts and to solve more complicated problems. As an honors level course, it is expected that students enter the course with strong work habits, complete homework on a nightly basis, read independently for understanding, and demonstrate self-advocacy skills.

Physics of Our Universe is a year-long, laboratory-based course based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The class integrates Physics, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Practices. Topics to be investigated include Forces and Motion, Momentum and Collision, Energy, Rotational Motion, Space Science, Waves, and Electricity and Magnetism. Each unit is anchored by relevant phenomena and several student-centered labs and/or investigations. By using science and engineering practices, evidence from experiments, research, and observations, students will learn how to formulate questions, evaluate claims, use mathematics and computational thinking, and develop models to make interpretations and investigate the natural world.

In the honors section of the physics class, students will explore the same concepts as in the non-honors course, though the depth and pace of the course will reflect a higher level of rigor. The honors section is best suited for students who tend to pick up concepts more quickly and can master introductory problem-solving strategies with fewer examples needed. This allows the class to investigate more advanced applications of concepts and to solve more complicated problems. As an honors level course, it is expected that students enter the course with strong work habits, complete homework on a nightly basis, read independently for understanding, and demonstrate self-advocacy skills.

This year-long course focuses on the central ideas of biology. The course focuses on fundamental principles of evolution, cell structure and function, genetics, and ecology. The curriculum is demanding its scope and its level of sophistication, with emphasis placed on the application of biological principles to explain experimentally derived data and results. Students will read a variety of materials from textbooks to online scientific journals. As an AP course, AP Biology is equivalent to a first-year college biology course and often ends with taking the Advanced Placement exam in May. It is expected that students enter the course with strong work habits, complete homework on a nightly basis, read independently for understanding, and demonstrate self-advocacy. Students should expect to spend roughly an amount of time working outside of class equal to that spent in class. Lab reports and special projects may add to this time.

View the College Board AP Biology Course Description.