Science

The science program at NMH introduces students to the process of scientific inquiry using laboratory investigations, research, demonstrations, discussions, lectures, and readings. Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, geology and astronomy are offered at introductory, honors, and advanced levels.

Ninth graders begin the science program in physics, which provides the skills and conceptual foundation on which the other scientific disciplines depend. Continuing as sophomores, students have a choice of taking either biology or chemistry. In the junior, senior, and postgraduate years, students choose from a number of options based on interest and demonstrated performance. All students must complete a laboratory biology credit before graduation from NMH.

Enrollment in upper-level courses is limited; in cases of over-enrollment, preference is given to four- and three-year seniors. Advanced placement courses have extended lab sessions once each week and assign at least two hours of homework a night.

The NMH graduation requirement in the sciences is one credit in biology, and two credits in lab science (one of which may be biology). Most students take a science course during each year of enrollment at NMH, and many students are able to take two science courses during a year thanks to our semester block schedule. Courses that meet the lab science requirement are indicated by *.