Science and Technology

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This introductory course will allow students an insight into our water systems. Students will study the basic properties of freshwater (limnology) and seawater (oceanography), the general categories of organisms along with their environmental and ecological relationships, and the impacts of humans on the world’s aquatic systems. The course includes hands-on laboratory activities, comparative anatomy, occasional field trips, among other cooperative group assignments.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH210 and BI320

This year-long laboratory course will build on students’ knowledge of physics and chemistry to explore topics common and fundamental to AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and AP Biology. As a natural and logical progression from general chemistry, students will investigate topics starting with the chemistry of life and move to higher levels of analysis. Topics will include cell biology; energy and metabolism; chromosomes, inheritance, and DNA; evolution; biodiversity; human body systems; and ecology. Effort will be made to connect these topics to current issues in science and society whenever possible. The course will culminate with a research project to further explore topics of interest and instill a curiosity about the world around us. Through a series of different exercises including laboratory experiments, demonstrations, lectures, discussions, research projects, and group work, we hope that students will gain mastery in the six tenents of our Science Department Portrait of a Graduate.

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: CH210

Honors Biology is a rigorous survey course providing in-depth coverage of topic areas designed to prepare the student for future scientific study. Students will be encouraged to actively engage in the process of learning by developing individual and group projects for class presentations requiring clear, purposeful, and focused research and expression. Honors Biology places a strong emphasis on laboratory data collection, analysis, and reporting, which includes using the latest technologies available for the study of simple and complex biological systems. 

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: Honors grades in CH220 or CH260.

Want to know more about that outbreak you saw on your newsfeed? Not sure how bacteria and viruses are different? Want to know why you should get your flu vaccine annually? Infectious Diseases will explore various pathogens that exist and what it means to be infectious. In trying to understand infectious diseases we will study what they are, how they spread, and how they can be prevented. Epidemiology has changed over time and we will study historical cases to understand how our knowledge of certain diseases came to be and how differences in ecological, political, and social environments can affect the spread and treatment of various diseases. Students will also explore how cultural traditions can affect global public health. Advancements like vaccinations and the use of technology such as social media are shaping modern disease surveillance. Yet, despite incredible advancements in science, novel emerging diseases continue to pose a threat to public health, and diseases that were once considered eradicated are now on the rise. This course will use a variety of techniques to explore some of the most pressing global health concerns of our day, hoping to help students develop a stronger sense of scientific literacy. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: BI320

Want to know more about that outbreak you saw on your newsfeed? Not sure how bacteria and viruses are different? Want to know why you should get your flu vaccine annually? Infectious Diseases will explore various pathogens that exist and what it means to be infectious. In trying to understand infectious diseases we will study what they are, how they spread, and how they can be prevented. Epidemiology has changed over time and we will study historical cases to understand how our knowledge of certain diseases came to be and how differences in ecological, political, and social environments can affect the spread and treatment of various diseases. Students will also explore how cultural traditions can affect global public health. Advancements like vaccinations and the use of technology such as social media are shaping modern disease surveillance. Yet, despite incredible advancements in science, novel emerging diseases continue to pose a threat to public health, and diseases that were once considered eradicated are now on the rise. This course will use a variety of techniques to explore some of the most pressing global health concerns of our day, hoping to help students develop a stronger sense of scientific literacy. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: BI320

Honors Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary biology course that will investigate the connections between plants and humans at the intersection of history, food, culture, and agriculture. Botanical science and chemistry of botanical compounds will be examined at the basic level of plant and soil structure and functions. Students will grow plants, learn about heritage uses of plants and traditional farming techniques. Students will design and implement botanical projects and leave with cultural competency and skills to bring their skills with plants outside of the classroom. The course will culminate with an intersectional botanical project that includes the science of plants, human culture, art, history, and agriculture.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Honors grades in CH220 or CH260, BI330, and departmental permission.

The goal of this course is to continue the study of biology and further stoke students’ curiosity about the natural world. In this course, we will bridge the gap between theoretical and applied biology and the techniques that researchers employ to answer questions from a scientific perspective. Students will be guided through hands-on research in a small group format. As lab apprentices, students will develop critical thinking and applied skills needed to work in a research internship or lab apprenticeship in the future. Specific topics of research will be determined by group interest and faculty expertise. This project-based course is intended to allow students to design and carry out their own experiments and to conduct collaborative research projects. The majority of class time will be spent actively engaged in laboratory exercises, and experimental design. The culmination of the semester will include student presentations of independent research projects that will be presented publicly to the school via posters displayed in the Wu science building. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Honors grades in CH220 or CH260, BI330, and departmental permission.

This introductory course offers the student the fundamentals of chemistry. A conceptual understanding of chemistry is taught through lectures, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and seminar discussions. A diversified study format includes problem-solving sessions and small group presentations.

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: PH110

This introductory chemistry course integrates a conceptual understanding with a mathematical approach to chemistry. Topics covered will include safety in the laboratory, matter, nomenclature, chemical reactions and composition, energy, atomic theory, chemical quantities, solids, liquids and gases, and acids and bases. This chemistry course is taught through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments. 

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: 82 or higher in PH120.

Honors Chemistry is a year-long course and is the most challenging first year chemistry course offered at the Taft School. In the first semester of Honors Chemistry, students learn how to name chemical compounds before studying atomic theory, the writing and balancing of chemical equations, and stoichiometry. During the second semester, topics in Honors Chemistry include molecular structure, the properties of gases and liquids, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction reactions. The course concludes with brief examinations of nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. The students in Honors Chemistry are asked to apply their knowledge of the aforementioned concepts regularly in a laboratory setting and to write laboratory reports frequently.

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: 88 or higher in PH160, or 94 or higher in PH120 with departmental permission. 

Honors Chemistry 2: Thermodynamics is an advanced topics Chemistry course that builds on foundational topics from a prior chemistry course in the context of thermodynamics. Students will develop experimental and investigative skills in the chemistry laboratory and practice interpreting experimental data from both historical and contemporary experiments. Students will practice chemistry skills, explore theory, and learn analytical techniques to further understand thermodynamics, energy, equilibrium, and acids-bases. Students should expect numerous practical laboratory experiences and real-life exploration of contemporary techniques. This course provides the foundation for the second semester Honors Chemistry 2 courses. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH260, or a high honors grade in CH220 with departmental permission.

Honors Chemistry 2: Organic is an advanced topics Chemistry course that builds on foundational topics from Honors Chemistry 2: Thermodynamics to explore chemical principles in the context of organic chemistry and biology. Students will develop experimental and investigative skills in the chemistry laboratory and practice interpreting experimental data from both historical and contemporary experiments. Students will practice chemistry skills, explore theory, and learn analytical techniques to further understand organic and biochemistry. Students should expect numerous practical laboratory experiences and real-life exploration of contemporary biochemistry techniques. Following Honors Chemistry 2: Thermodynamics, students should elect to enroll in either Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Chemistry for the second semester.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH831; CH260 or a high honors grade in CH220 with departmental permission.

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

Honors Chemistry 2: Inorganic is an advanced topics Chemistry course that builds on foundational topics from Honors Chemistry 2: Thermodynamics. Students will develop experimental and investigative skills in the chemistry laboratory and practice interpreting experimental data from both historical and contemporary experiments. Students will practice chemistry skills, explore theory, and learn analytical techniques to further understand thermodynamics, energy, equilibrium, and acids-bases. Students should expect numerous practical laboratory experiences and real-life exploration of contemporary techniques. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH831; CH260 or a high honors grade in CH220 with departmental permission.

This is an introductory course in physics that emphasizes conceptual understanding and laboratory experience. Topics covered will include motion, Newton’s laws of mechanics, energy and momentum, thermodynamics and the description of gases, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and quantum phenomena. While conceptual understanding is emphasized, students will also be introduced to a precise, quantitative description of nature with a problem solving approach that uses elementary math skills. 

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: None.

This is an introductory course that integrates conceptual understanding with a rigorous mathematical approach to physics. Topics covered will include motion, Newton’s laws of mechanics, energy and momentum, electricity and magnetism, and wave motion. Laboratory work will be frequent and students will learn how precise observations are analyzed and interpreted. Quantitative problem solving using Algebra I skills will be emphasized. 

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: None.

Honors Physics introduces students to many of the major fields of physics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics (forces, motion, momentum, and mechanical energy), electrostatic and electric circuits, and wave motion. It is assumed that students are comfortable with basic algebraic manipulations and elementary trigonometric concepts are introduced within the course work. Emphasis is placed on both quantitative applications of the basic laws of physics and a conceptual understanding of these laws. Lab work is an important component of the course.

Note: Available to grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: None.

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This semester course is an introduction to the mysteries of the heavens. Readings in the course are centered on how we view the sky from Earth’s perspective. Using college-level simulations, we study the geometry of celestial systems. We start with the planetary configuration of our Solar System and Kepler’s Laws of Orbital Motion. We continue with the examination of the Celestial Sphere and use it to understand the seasons, the paths of the Sun, and the apparent motion of the night sky. Next, we take an in-depth look at how the Earth-Sun-Moon geometry gives rise to the phases of the Moon as seen from Earth. We continue with an examination of our Sun and move on to a more general study of stellar evolution, supernovae, white dwarfs, and black holes. Finally, we consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life and ponder the question: “Are we alone?”

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: PH110

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This semester course is an introduction to the mysteries of the heavens. Readings in the course are centered on how we view the sky from Earth’s perspective. Using college-level simulations, we study the geometry of celestial systems. We start with the planetary configuration of our Solar System and Kepler’s Laws of Orbital Motion. We continue with the examination of the Celestial Sphere and use it to understand the seasons, the paths of the Sun, and the apparent motion of the night sky. Next, we take an in-depth look at how the Earth-Sun-Moon geometry gives rise to the phases of the Moon as seen from Earth. We continue with an examination of our Sun and move on to a more general study of stellar evolution, supernovae, white dwarfs, and black holes. Finally, we consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life and ponder the question: “Are we alone?”

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: PH110

The climate crisis and our energy needs are of major concern. But how does our energy supply actually work? This course will study the basic physical principles of energy use (that is, the laws of thermodynamics) and how they relate to the operation of different engines, power plants, and alternative sources of energy. Assessment will be a mix of tests of physics understanding, some lab work, and library research projects into the human impact of or applications of thermodynamic theory. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: 88 or higher in PH160 or CH260, or 94 or higher in PH120 with departmental approval; MA320

This course will start with Galilean relativity (the true meaning of inertia) before exploring the discoveries that lead to the modifications that are Einstein's theory of Special Relativity and its consequences, including the famous equation E=mc^2 and its implications in understanding nuclear processes. We will then study some basic nuclear physics and some of its practical applications: the development of nuclear power and the different types of nuclear reactors, and nuclear medicine. Assessment will be a mix of tests of physics understanding and library research into applications of physics. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: 88 or higher in PH160 or CH260, or 94 or higher in PH120 with departmental approval; MA320

This course is a calculus-based introduction to physics and is an important prerequisite for later work in many science and engineering disciplines. The first semester covers classical mechanics, including such topics as: measurement, dimensional analysis, motion in one-dimension, vectors, motion in 2 and 3 dimensions, relative and circular motion, force and dynamics, Newton's Laws, friction, kinetic energy, work, potential energy, energy conservation, systems of particles, center of mass and momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions, rotation (moments of inertia), rolling motion, torque, angular momentum, static equilibrium, gravitational force, and Kepler's laws, gravitational potential energy, and oscillations. The second semester is an introduction to classical electricity and magnetism, including such topics as, electric charge and electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance, and circuits, magnetic fields, and fields due to currents, induction, and inductance, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic oscillations. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Completed or currently enrolled in MA520; Completed PH160 or completed PH120 with a 93 or higher.

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This course will study the fundamental concepts in field ecology. By the end of the course, students will have experience of field techniques in population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Specific skills that will be developed include field observation and hypothesis development, experimental design, field sampling techniques, statistics and data analysis, and written and oral presentations. We will work closely with the White Memorial Conservation Center for our local field sites and collaborate on both new and existing experiments. The outdoors will function as an observational and experimental laboratory to gain a working knowledge of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH210 and BI320

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

Should vaccines be mandatory? What are GMOs? Should we be able to genetically modify humans? Should individuals be able to end their lives if they are terminally ill? Is cloning ethical? These are a few of the topics we tackle in Scientific Ethics. We begin with understanding values, principles, and ethics and by analyzing several classical dilemmas. Then we move into a deep dive of philosophy as we learn the big five ethical theories. Combining historic cases and current events, the approach will be case-study based, using many forms of media that may include journals, magazines, newspapers, and movies. Students will be required to consider various viewpoints on each of the issues and will be challenged to defend their ideas both philosophically and scientifically. The goal of the class is to provide students with a framework to analyze difficult questions in science, using their own moral compasses and ethical theories as tools on their journeys to become scientifically literate, informed global citizens. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH210 and BI320

Forensic science is the application of various scientific disciplines to help enforce criminal and civil laws. Recently popularized by many new television programs, it draws from virtually all scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and anthropology. This class will examine many of the techniques used by forensic scientists as well as the understanding scientific principles; students will replicate those techniques in the lab whenever possible. Case studies of actual crimes and trials will often be used to illustrate how the science and techniques may be used in real life.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH210 and BI320

Forensic science is the application of various scientific disciplines to help enforce criminal and civil laws. Recently popularized by many new television programs, it draws from virtually all scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and anthropology. This class will examine many of the techniques used by forensic scientists as well as the understanding scientific principles; students will replicate those techniques in the lab whenever possible. Case studies of actual crimes and trials will often be used to illustrate how the science and techniques may be used in real life.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: CH210 and BI320

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This course will equip students with a fundamental understanding of our natural environment. This course will begin with a close examination of the basic ecological principles that govern the natural world, including topics around biogeochemical cycles, species relationships, ecosystem energy flow, disturbances, biodiversity, population ecology, and biomes. There will be a strong lab component to this course. Completion of biology course recommended, although concurrent biology enrollment will be considered with departmental approval.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Completed or currently enrolled in BI320 or BI330.

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

This course will equip students with a fundamental understanding of our natural environment. This course will begin with a close examination of the basic ecological principles that govern the natural world, including topics around biogeochemical cycles, species relationships, ecosystem energy flow, disturbances, biodiversity, population ecology, and biomes. There will be a strong lab component to this course. Completion of biology course recommended, although concurrent biology enrollment will be considered with departmental approval.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Completed or currently enrolled in BI320 or BI330.

This introductory course offers the student the fundamentals of Adolescent Psychology. A conceptual and applied understanding of adolescent psychology is taught through lectures, case studies, presentations, and personal memoirs and sharing discussions. Adolescent psychology will be studied through the lens of the individual and how our biological processes intertwin with our mental and cognitive processes affect changes within an individual. Adolescent psychology will conduct its knowledge from birth to 19 years of age. A diversified classroom format includes observational work, conducting interviews, and presenting research and reflective course materials using multimedia. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Completed or currently enrolled in BI320 or BI330.

Sports psychology is a 1 semester course that introduces psychological factors that influence performance in sports.  Students will research and learn theories about the mental aspects of performance with subcategories including: motivation, anxiety, confidence and concentration.  Interconnecting with performance of the individual; aspects of social-psychological dynamics like leadership, team atmosphere, and injury will play a role in performance.  The goal of the class is to connect theory and practice while offering techniques that can be applied by athletes and coaches during and away from athletic competitions.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Completed or currently enrolled in BI320 or BI330.

This one-term introductory course is designed to provide students with an overview of major engineering principles and applications, as well as an opportunity to implement those principles through experimentation, design-based projects, and presentations. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach that draws upon and develops skills from math, science, technology, and art. Students will use technology including Tinkercad to create 3-D models to be printed on an Ultimaker 3 3-D printer, SAM Lab kits for coding, and a Corel Draw for a laser engraver/cutter.

Note: Priority given to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: None.

This one-term course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to become more proficient in working with CAD programs to design with and the use of different modeling machines to produce prototypes. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach that draws upon and develops skills from math, science, technology, and art. Students will use technology such as computer-aided design software Fusion 360 to create designs that will be produced on a 3-D printer, CNC machine, and Laser Engraver. 

Note: Priority given to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: SC541

This one-term introductory course is designed to provide students with an overview of data collection and decision making based on data. This project-based class will use different technologies that include the Traxxis Ultimate Slash RC Car, Hittrax baseball analysis machine, and other technology based devices as a platform to collect data. Throughout the semester the students will have an opportunity to learn how to design experiments and collect data to help answer different questions, which may include head impact monitoring, what bat offers optimal performance for a specific batter, and how to optimize performance.

Note: Priority given to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: None.

Honors Psychology 1 aims to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to succeed in more subject-specific psychology courses. It will cover basic history and tenets of different psychological perspectives, research methods, basic biology, and states of consciousness. In addition to quizzes and tests, students will complete projects in this class that will involve class presentations and different research methods labs. The culminating project will be to complete and analyze the data from a study of one's own sleep habits. 

Note: Available to grade 12 only.

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in CH220 or CH260 and 93 or higher in BI320 or 90 or higher in BI330; Students can be concurrently enrolled in BI320 or BI330.

This course will equip students with a fundamental understanding of our natural environment. This course will begin with a close examination of the basic ecological principles that govern the natural world including topics around biogeochemical cycles, species relationships, ecosystem energy flow, disturbances, biodiversity, population ecology, and biomes. There will be a strong lab component to this course. 

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: Honors grades in BI330 and CH220 or CH260.

This course will explore how humans engage with and impact the natural world. This will include the topics of land and water use (including agriculture, mining, forestry, water diversion), fuel extraction and energy production, air and water pollution, waste management, and environmental policies. Students should select either Anthropocene or Climate Injustice in the second semester.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: SC733; CH220 or CH260; BI320 or BI330

**Not Offered for the 2026-27 Academic Year**

Climate change is arguably the most important global challenge of our time. This course will dive into the causes of climate change and evaluate the various impacts that climate change has had on routinely predictable things like weather, agriculture, and sea level. These environmental issues have a very strong social component as well, but the impact is disproportionally felt by vulnerable communities. After developing an understanding of the global environmental impacts of climate change, students will understand the inequalities of past and present environmental policies that have led to such disparity. Finally, the course will ask students to reconceptualize and reimagine our response to climate change, helping to derive solutions to this massive and complex problem. Students should select either Anthropocene or Climate Injustice in the second semester.

Note: Available to grades 11-12.

Prerequisites: SC733; CH220 or CH260; BI320 or BI330

Honors Psychology: The Individual will focus on the student examining the psychology of sensation and perception, learning, motivation, development, and social psychology before exploring the clinical and therapeutic components of mental health. In addition to many classroom activities and surveys to aid learning, students will also conduct a mini research project on changing the frequency of a personal habit and then complete a research paper with their results and analysis. Students will take periodic quizzes and will also complete tests or projects for each unit. After their exploration of mental health, students will complete a case studies assessment. 

Note: Available to grade 12 only.

Prerequisites: SC723

Honors Psychology 2: Decision Making aims to explore mental shortcuts and assumptions humans make in everyday life. It will also explore social factors that influence how we make decisions in order to equip students with the ability to make accurate judgments and identify their own biases. Some of the topics that will be covered are cognitive psychology, social psychology, motivation, emotion, ethics, and conditioning. Some of the activities and assessments in this class include analysis of social messages via media, designing an experiment, presentation projects (learning strategies/ conflict resolution), and practical application of concepts (teach a dog a trick/ stop a bad habit). The culminating project will explore group behavior and effective communication.

Note: Available to grade 12 only.

Prerequisites: SC723