Rickards High

Science Department

The Science Department at James S. Rickards High School is committed to providing students with a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment grounded in inquiry-based instruction and real-world application. Rather than focusing on memorization alone, our science courses emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and evidence-based reasoning. Students actively explore scientific questions, conduct investigations, analyze data, and communicate their findings-developing skills that prepare them for college, careers, and informed citizenship. Through hands-on learning and authentic scientific practices, students learn science by doing science.

In addition to classroom instruction, students have opportunities to deepen their learning through participation in competitive science teams and academic challenges. These experiences promote leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and advanced content knowledge, while allowing students to pursue their interests and passions in science.

Science Competitions and Teams & Faculty Sponsors

• Robotics – A team-based engineering competition where students design, build, and program VEX robots to solve real-world challenges.
  Sponsors: Mr. Reedy & Mrs. Arguin
• Science Bowl – A fast-paced academic competition testing students’ knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and math.
  Sponsors: Dr. Hall & Mr. Reedy
• Science Fair – An independent research experience where students design experiments, analyze data, and present scientific findings.
  Sponsor: Dr. Hall
• Science Olympiad – A team competition featuring hands-on events and exams across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
  Sponsors: Dr. Hall & Mr. Reedy
• USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) – A prestigious, exam-based competition assessing advanced knowledge in cellular, molecular, and organismal biology.
  Sponsor: Dr. Hall
• USA Earth Science Olympiad (USESO) – A multidisciplinary competition focused on geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science through advanced content and data analysis.
  Sponsor: Mr. Reedy
• USA National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) – A national-level competition that challenges students with high-level chemical theory and problem-solving.
  Sponsor: Ms. Figueroa
• USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) – A rigorous physics competition emphasizing analytical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  Sponsor: Mr. Reedy

Science Course Offerings

Honors Level Courses

• Anatomy & Physiology – Explores the structure and function of the human body through hands-on labs and real-world health applications.
• Biology – Introduces living systems, cellular processes, genetics, and evolution using inquiry-based investigations.
• Chemistry – Examines the composition, properties, and interactions of matter through laboratory experimentation and problem-solving.
• Environmental Science – Investigates environmental systems, human impact, and sustainability using real-world case studies and data analysis.
• Forensics – Applies scientific principles to crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and problem-solving scenarios.
• Physical Science – Builds foundational knowledge of matter, energy, motion, and forces through inquiry and hands-on activities.
• Physics – Studies motion, forces, energy, waves, and electricity through mathematical modeling and laboratory investigation.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

• AP Biology – College-level study of biological systems emphasizing data analysis, inquiry, and scientific reasoning.
• AP Chemistry – Rigorous exploration of chemical principles, reactions, and laboratory techniques aligned with college expectations.
• AP Environmental Science – Interdisciplinary course examining environmental issues, ecosystems, and sustainability through scientific inquiry.
• AP Physics 1 – Algebra-based physics focusing on motion, forces, energy, and waves with an emphasis on conceptual understanding.
• AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism – Calculus-based study of electric and magnetic phenomena with advanced laboratory applications.
• AP Physics C: Mechanics – Calculus-based exploration of motion, forces, energy, and momentum in physical systems.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses

• IB Biology – In-depth investigation of living systems with an emphasis on experimentation, data analysis, and global perspectives.
• IB Chemistry – Comprehensive study of chemical concepts supported by laboratory inquiry and critical evaluation of data.
• IB Environmental Systems and Societies – Interdisciplinary course integrating environmental science with social and global perspectives.
• IB Physics – Advanced study of physical principles through mathematical analysis, experimentation, and real-world application.