2025-26 Course Descriptions - Catalog - Page 18
SCIENCE
SCIENCE 8: FORCES AND IMPACT
In Science 8, students explore the question, “How
can science bring about a more innovative
and sustainable world?.” This course integrates
scienti昀椀c concepts with urban development and
planning, encouraging students to think like globalminded citizens and address real-world challenges.
Students begin by investigating the history and
evolution of cities, examining how urban areas
have developed and the factors that in昀氀uence their
growth. From there they delve into the concepts of
energy, space and geosystems, the science behind
traf昀椀c and transportation, electricity and urban
infrastructure including learning about circuits,
microgrids, how electricity is generated, and
human impacts on the environment. Throughout
the course, the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals, as well as the 8th grade class
trip to Costa Rica, are incorporated into each unit,
guiding students to think globally and consider
the broader implications of their learning. As part
of their studies, students participate in a mini
Model UN conference, proposing resolutions to
urban environmental issues based on real-world
case studies. The year culminates in a student-
driven independent project, where they apply their
skills and knowledge to address a speci昀椀c urban
planning challenge, integrating various scienti昀椀c
principles they have learned throughout middle
school.
BIOLOGY
How has the great diversity of life developed
through the process of evolution? Does biology
determine who we are as individuals? This inquirybased course explores the underlying processes
that connect all living organisms. Students
investigate the natural world and the amazing
diversity within it. They will also learn about human
body systems, trace the inheritance of differences
and disorders, and unpack dilemmas that confront
us in the age of biotechnology. Students design
multiple experiments and conduct observations
to practice the skills of biologists. The overarching
goal of the course is to understand humanity’s
relationship with the environment and all living
organisms as well as body systems and genetics,
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so students are equipped to make well-informed
decisions about these topics. The course focuses
on the application of concepts, illustrated through
data collection and analysis of results and
evidence, with emphasis on improving scienti昀椀c
writing and communication skills. Students
showcase these skills in culminating experiences
that include dissections, multiple experiments
which range from design to a 昀椀nal research lab
report, and debates around controversial dilemmas
such as the use of genetically-modi昀椀ed organisms.
Note: All 9th graders are enrolled in Biology.
