The NISD High School Science Department is dedicated to developing our students' creativity, innovative problem-solving, and critical thinking. In our laboratories, students collaborate in activities investigating natural phenomena using materials as new as wireless digital sensors and as old as billion-year-old Precambrian rocks. The curriculum not only includes foundational concepts developed by historical scientists such as Linnaeus, Newton, Leavitt, and Mendeleev, but also empowers students to see themselves as scientists and engineers in our ever-changing world.
The Brandeis Science Department combined has over 50 years of experience, and it provides students with daily opportunities to participate in thought-provoking class discussions and hands-on learning that reinforces essential skills and content knowledge. Our instruction consists of engaging labs, data collection and analysis, problem solving, all of which prepare students for life and learning beyond high school.
Advanced science courses for underclassmen and our Advanced Placement (AP) courses for upperclassmen consistently turn out some of the highest AP Exam scores in the district, and the courses are taught by experienced teachers who bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and experience to their students. In addition to our standard and advanced coursework, we also offer students opportunities to learn in anatomy and physiology, astronomy, aquatics science, environmental systems, food science, and forensics. We offer opportunities for students to connect with their peers through eco broncos, science bowl, aquatic science bowl, and health occupation student association club.
Beyond academics, the Science Department faculty works relentlessly to establish and maintain supportive and nurturing relationships with students, focusing on the whole child. Additionally, we work diligently to ensure that students have access to all the resources—social, emotional, and intellectual—that they need to thrive in our courses.
Some of the courses offered:
AP biology
APDC biology
AP chemistry
AP environmental science
APDC environmental science
AP physics
AP physics C
Anatomy and physiology
Astronomy
Aquatics science
Environmental systems
Food science
Forensics
Integrated physics and chemistry