High School Science
Welcome to Science at Smith, where curiosity meets discovery! Our comprehensive and dynamic science program is designed to ignite students' passion for the natural world, fostering a deep understanding of scientific principles and the skills needed to explore, experiment, and innovate.
Curriculum Highlights:
Chemistry: Our Chemistry course offers students a comprehensive understanding of the principles of chemistry, covering the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and the behavior of gasses, liquids, and solids. The course integrates lectures, laboratory experiments, and interactive activities to foster the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in science and engineering fields.
Biology: Biology is designed to immerse students in the study of life and living organisms. From the intricacies of cellular structures to the complexities of ecosystems, this course covers a broad spectrum of biological concepts. Through a blend of engaging lectures, hands-on laboratory experiments, and field studies, students will explore genetics, evolution, physiology, and environmental science. This comprehensive approach provides a solid foundation for understanding the natural world and prepares students for advanced studies in biological sciences.
Physics: Physics is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the physical world. Covering topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics, this course combines theoretical concepts with practical applications. Through engaging lectures, interactive problem-solving sessions, and hands-on laboratory experiments, students will develop a solid foundation in physics, preparing them for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields.
Environmental Science: Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program that explores the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment. This course covers a wide range of topics, including ecology, conservation, climate change, natural resource management, and environmental policy. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on laboratory work, field studies, and project-based learning, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
Anatomy and Physiology: Anatomy and Physiology offers an in-depth study of the human body's structure and function. This course covers the major organ systems, including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems. Through a blend of detailed lectures, interactive lab sessions, and hands-on dissections, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, medicine, and biological sciences.
Computer Science: In Smith’s Computer Science course, students develop essential skills—critical thinking, executive functioning, and collaboration—through project-based work in digital editing, coding, and game design. From crafting videos in Adobe Premiere and manipulating images in Photoshop to building interactive websites in Replit and shaping story-based experiences in Twine, they sharpen problem-solving strategies, exchange feedback on Slack, and stay accountable with weekly progress reports. Throughout the program, students also enhance digital literacy by practicing structured typing exercises and exploring text-based adventures that promote understanding semantic features of the content they read combined with the input they provide. By the time they’re ready to present at one of the bi-annual showcases, students have honed not just technical know-how, but also the ability to manage projects independently. They will leave the course with a polished portfolio of real-world projects, ready to impress colleges and future employers.
Robotics: Through Smith’s Robotics program, students gain practical experience with electronics, coding in Python, and hardware integration using the Raspberry Pi Pico, a compact microcontroller platform. Working in the Thonny IDE, they master tasks ranging from programming blinking LED lights and reading sensor data to building autonomous robots capable of obstacle avoidance. Along the way, students discover the thrill of bringing their ideas to life—like a robot that can find its way through a maze, act as a calculator, display text messages or favorite images like 8-bit video game characters, or even dance! Each lesson reinforces core technical skills such as wiring, programming, and troubleshooting, preparing students to design and construct a final project that they get to show off to friends and family at the bi-annual Smith School Showcase!
