Department Philosophy
The aim of the Hunter Science Department is that all students will become informed citizens who apply scientific thinking to problems, evaluate claims on the basis of evidence, and explore the connections between science and society. We provide a rich science curriculum that supports these goals while serving the needs of students who pursue careers in the sciences. We aim to inspire more of our students to study science at an advanced level and provide them with a strong foundation. Hands-on investigations and projects are central to science education. Therefore, all of our core courses include a laboratory component.
Five years of science are required. The middle school years focus on Earth and Life Systems in grade 7 and Physical Science in grade 8, each with a required science fair project. Our high school sequence includes one year each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each of these courses has a laboratory component. Physics may be taken in either junior or senior year. Elective science courses are offered in rotation and subject to enrollment and staff availability. In addition, we currently offer Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.