Science

The Science Department is committed to serving all Brookline High School students through a well-rounded, sequential, and content-rich program delivered in a stimulating and challenging environment. Each course is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the physical world.

The Science Program integrates skills in:

• Observation
• Critical thinking
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Use of scientific equipment
• Application of technology

The Science Department offers a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines and levels, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology for English Language Learners
• Applied Science I, II, and III
• Advanced Placement (AP) Science courses

Students may also enroll in specialized second-year courses ranging from Anatomy & Physiology to Engineering by Design Honors and additional advanced science electives.

The recommended course progression is:

Physics → Chemistry → Biology → Second-Year Science Course

These courses build upon one another in both content and level of abstraction. In some cases, an alternative sequence may be appropriate. Requests for exceptions to course prerequisites must be approved by the Science Curriculum Coordinator.

Core Science Course Selection

• Physics Course Selection (opens in a new window)
• Chemistry Course Selection (opens in a new window)
• Biology Course Selection (opens in a new window)
• Optional Course Descriptions for Grade 12 (opens in a new window)
  Available after completion of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

If you are considering taking a summer school course to “get ahead,” please note that even rigorous summer courses may not cover the material expected for Brookline High School Advanced Placement (AP) science courses.

For example, a student who completes a summer Biology course may feel prepared for Biology I but may still be underprepared for AP Biology. Students who have used summer courses to replace BHS science coursework have often found the transition more challenging than expected.

The Science Department strongly encourages students to pursue independent learning opportunities during the summer. Students are encouraged to:

• Explore topics of personal interest
• Conduct independent research
• Create projects or experiments
• Document and reflect on their learning

For students interested in summer coursework, the department recommends subjects that expand beyond the traditional high school curriculum, such as:

• Astronomy
• Electrical Engineering
• Game Theory
• Neuroscience
• Paleobiology
• Special Relativity
• Zoology

These courses allow students to explore engaging scientific topics while maintaining the recommended science course progression at Brookline High School.