Coeducational College Preparatory Day School serving Grades 5-12

Upper School Curriculum

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Department

Science

MS Science 6

Science 6 is the first course in a three-year series of student-centered Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned science courses. Rooted in lab foundations, this course emphasizes developing a love of science through hands-on, exploratory learning. Utilizing NGSS’s three-dimensional approach to learning science, students will engage with disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices as they explore a variety of phenomena. Units in grade 6 encompass the standards as they pertain to the following themes: Light & Matter; Thermal Energy; Weather, Climate & Water Cycling; Plate Tectonics & Rock Cycling; Natural Hazards; and Cells & Systems.
MS Science 7

Science 7 is the second course in a three-year series of student-centered, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned science courses. Building on lab foundations, this course emphasizes fostering a love of science through exploratory, hands-on experiences. Utilizing NGSS’s three-dimensional approach to learning science, students will engage with disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices as they explore a variety of phenomena. Units in grade 7 encompass the standards as they pertain to the following themes: Chemical Reactions & Matter; Chemical Reactions & Energy; Metabolic Reactions; Matter Cycling & Photosynthesis; Ecosystem Dynamics & Biodiversity; and Earth’s Resources & Human Impact.
MS Science 8

Science 8 is the final course in a three-year series of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned science courses. Utilizing NGSS’s three-dimensional approach to learning science, students will engage with disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and science and engineering practices as they explore a variety of phenomena. Units in grade 8 encompass the standards as they pertain to the following six themes: Contact Forces; Sounds Waves; Forces at a Distance; Earth in Space; Genetics; and Natural Selection & Common Ancestry.
Pre-AP Biology

Pre-AP Biology is a year-long laboratory-based course that sparks student motivation and critical thinking about our living world as they engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving. Students engage deeply with science practices to construct and refine their biological knowledge and strengthen their cross-disciplinary reading, writing, and mathematical skills as they analyze data. Pre-AP Biology fosters student growth as they make meaningful connections among the structures, processes, and interactions that exist within and across living systems—from cells to ecological communities. Pre-AP Biology motivates students to be active participants in analyzing real-world phenomena and to collaborate productively with their peers in dialogue, investigations, and problem solving. This course prepares students for successful completion of the AP Biology course.
Chemistry

Pre-AP Chemistry is an introductory, high school-level course designed to build a strong foundation in chemistry principles and lab skills, preparing students for advanced chemistry courses, including AP Chemistry. In this course, students will explore fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and the properties of gases, liquids, and solids. The course emphasizes hands-on learning and inquiry-based investigations, encouraging students to actively explore and apply concepts through experiments, data analysis, and critical thinking. Students will also learn to communicate scientific ideas effectively and develop problem-solving skills that are essential in science and engineering fields. Pre-AP Chemistry aims to foster curiosity and confidence in scientific inquiry while providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in future chemistry courses.
Physics

This lab-based science course provides an understanding of why things happen in nature. It teaches the student how to analyze everyday phenomena and predict what will happen under specific conditions. Topics include measurement, motion, forces, momentum, gravity, energy, fluids, heat, electricity, and magnetism. The objective of the course is to afford the student an understanding of the concepts and mathematical tools available within the study of physics. The subject matter is designed to be taught to a broad range of students with varying abilities in math and science.

Prerequisites: Students have completed Pre-AP Chemistry and Algebra 1
AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activities, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves. Twenty-five percent of instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. This course prepares students to successfully pass the AP Physics 1 exam in May.

Prerequisites: Completion of Pre-AP Chemistry and successful completion of Algebra 2 or a higher math course
AP Physics 2

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based full year laboratory science course, equivalent to a second-semester introductory college course in physics. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: thermodynamics, electrical forces - field and potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, and quantum, atomic and nuclear physics.

Prerequisites: Completion of AP Physics 1 or Physics and concurrent enrollment in pre-calculus or higher
AP Biology

AP Biology is a rigorous, introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. At least twenty-five percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. This course prepares students to successfully pass the AP Biology exam in May.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is a rigorous, college-level course designed to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental chemical principles and the skills needed to succeed in a laboratory setting. This course covers a wide range of topics, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and acids and bases. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory experiments that reinforce theoretical concepts and develop essential analytical skills. Through inquiry-based investigations, they will learn how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively. AP Chemistry also emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students for further study in science and engineering fields. By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared for the AP Chemistry exam, where they could earn college credit or placement. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, environmental science, and other STEM fields.
Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry and Algebra 2
Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology is a year-long elective laboratory science course aimed at exploring the structure and function of the human body. Students will gain a deeper understanding of each body system on the macro and microscopic levels. This will lay the foundation for students to investigate the integrated functioning of the body as a whole as well as the causes, diagnosis, and treatments of various diseases. This course is appropriate for both students interested in pursuing careers and future study in science and medicine and those wanting to learn more about how their body functions.
Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a comprehensive laboratory-based course that introduces students to the complex interactions between human societies and the natural environment. Through scientific inquiry, hands-on investigations, and critical analysis, students will explore fundamental ecological principles, environmental challenges, and potential solutions to pressing environmental issues. The course combines scientific methodology with real-world applications, empowering students to become informed and engaged environmental stewards.
AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. At least twenty-five percent of instructional time engages students in hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory and/or fieldwork investigations. This course prepares students to successfully pass the AP Environmental Science exam in May. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Biotechnology

This year-long course is designed to teach students foundational concepts in molecular biology and research techniques through hands-on laboratory activities. Whether or not students plan to pursue scientific careers, this course provides an essential understanding of molecular biology techniques and their real-world applications. Units cover topics such as lab safety, research notebook use, laboratory skills, microbiology, cell culture, DNA structure and analysis, and bacterial transformation (genetic engineering). The course’s hands-on approach and emphasis on critical thinking develop college and career-ready skills that are essential in today’s global economy. The research skills gained will give students a competitive advantage in further education and careers in laboratory science and may also help them secure part-time work in university laboratories. By mastering these skills, students will gain confidence in laboratory techniques while exploring the fundamentals of molecular biology, preparing them to undertake more independent research. They will also gain a competitive edge by training on the same advanced equipment and tools used in university and industrial labs worldwide.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Marine Science

This is a year-long field-based course in marine science that fosters scientific curiosity and investigation of Maui’s unique aquatic resources. This course focuses on the study of marine and freshwater biodiversity, aquatic taxonomy, organism anatomy and physiology, marine ecology, and marine conservation. Hands-on student-centered investigations both in the lab and in the field are an integral part of this course. Students will conduct marine surveys and explore research techniques to apply to project based learning. Field trips before and during school hours are a required and vital part of this dynamic course.

Prerequisites: Students have completed Chemistry and Biology. Students must have a driver’s license, pass a swim test, and have a clean attendance and behavior record.