High School Science
At Grey Eyed Owl, science is both a discipline and a delight — a means of understanding the natural world and our place within it. Whether analyzing the inner workings of a cell, tracing the path of a comet, or testing the laws of motion in the lab, students are encouraged to think like scientists: observant, curious, and bold.
Our courses follow a classical arc — biology, chemistry, physics — while also offering opportunities for deeper exploration in environmental science and interdisciplinary inquiry. From AP-level labs to philosophical wonderings inspired by A Short History of Nearly Everything, we treat science as both a rigorous intellectual pursuit and a poetic one. For our students, science becomes not just a body of knowledge, but a lens through which to wonder, question, and see the world anew.
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Equal parts science and storytelling, this course invites students on a breathtaking tour of the natural world as seen through the curious and comical lens of Bill Bryson. From the cosmic marvels of the Big Bang to the delicate machinery of DNA, students will explore astronomy, geology, biology, and more through vivid narrative and accessible scientific insight. It’s a perfect portal for inquisitive learners who wish to understand not only what we know about the world — but how we came to know it.
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This course unlocks the intricate architecture of life, from the cellular microcosm to the complex ecosystems that sustain our planet. Students explore topics such as genetics, evolution, body systems, and biodiversity through scientific inquiry and engaging lab work. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things, this course fosters both curiosity and care for the natural world.
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In this rigorous and relevant course, students uncover the molecular choreography that underpins the universe. Through experimentation and conceptual problem-solving, they study atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and more. This course builds a scientific foundation rooted in observation and inquiry, while always pointing back to the real-world applications of chemical understanding.
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This dynamic course guides students through the fundamental laws that govern matter and energy, from Newtonian mechanics to the principles of thermodynamics and electromagnetism. With real-world applications and a reverence for the historical figures who shaped our understanding, students learn not just how the world works — but how to think like physicists. It’s a challenging and rewarding journey through force, motion, and the elegant precision of the physical universe.
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Students embark on an awe-inspiring study of our planet’s structure, systems, and processes — from tectonic shifts and atmospheric dynamics to ocean currents and climate patterns. This course emphasizes the interdependence of Earth’s spheres and humankind’s growing responsibility to protect them. With a strong lab component and an eye toward sustainability, students become better stewards of the only world we call home.
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This advanced course invites students into the inner workings of life, diving deep into cell processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Through data analysis, experimental design, and essay writing, students gain the tools to think and act like biologists. The course prepares students to take the AP Biology exam and positions them for further study in the life sciences.
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Designed to mirror a first-year college chemistry course, AP Chemistry guides students through complex topics such as atomic theory, kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemical equilibrium. Students engage in rigorous experimentation and inquiry-based learning, cultivating a deep and nuanced understanding of matter in all its transformative states. Ideal for aspiring scientists, this course develops both practical lab skills and sophisticated scientific reasoning.
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This algebra-based physics course explores core topics like motion, force, energy, waves, and simple circuits — all through a conceptual lens. Students learn to model real-world phenomena, conduct labs, and solve problems with both creativity and precision. With an emphasis on inquiry and reasoning, this course equips students with a physicist’s mindset and prepares them for success on the AP exam.
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Students in this course investigate the delicate and dynamic systems of Earth, examining the intersection between human activity and ecological health. Through lab work, data interpretation, and policy evaluation, they tackle global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable resource use. With urgency and optimism, this course prepares students to think critically about the future of our planet.