High School STEM Course

Question 1: How does the structure and behavior of matter explain the world around us?

Question 2: How do fundamental physical principles explain and connect the diverse phenomena we observe in the universe, from everyday occurrences to cosmic events?

Resources for Science Learning

Arizona Science Standards - High School (PDF)

Back to Curriculum Family Landing

We will begin with a dive into the fascinating world of matter! Students will explore the physical and chemical properties that explain things like the colors of volcanic flames to determine, "Why is this volcano spewing blue flames?" We will learn how elements combine to form compounds, deepening their understanding of how volcanoes change materials. We will also discover the differences between mixtures and how to separate them.  

We will journey through early ideas about matter, defining atoms and learning about how they differ, even studying radioactive decay to answer, "What is matter made of?" We’ll explore light, energy, and quantum theory, understanding how different colors of light can reveal elements in stars to consider, "How do we know what stars are made of?" Students will also model how electrons are arranged in atoms and explore the development of the periodic table and its organization to discover. "What can we learn from the periodic table?" It’s going to be an exciting year full of discovery! 

We will explore the amazing world of chemical bonding and reactions! We’ll learn how ions form, how ionic bonds create compounds with unique crystal structures, and how bonding in metals affects their properties to answer the question, “Why do some crystals form cubes?” We will discover how atoms share electrons to gain stability and how we name molecules based on their structure and shape to consider, “Why does water expand when it freezes?” We’ll also dive into chemical reactions—learning to balance equations, classify reactions, and predict outcomes and seek to to answer, “What happens to food when you cook it?” As we study matter, we will ponder how counting pennies is like counting atoms as we convert between moles and particles, calculate molar mass, and connect moles to mass. Plus, we’ll deepen their understanding of stoichiometry and the relationships in balanced chemical equations as we seek to answer, “How much carbon dioxide does a field of corn need to grow?” 

It’s going to be an exciting journey through the world of chemistry! 

Next, we will embark on an exciting journey into the world of physics, where we'll explore how the world works through engaging, real-world examples! We'll start by thinking like physicists, learning to use tools like measurements and graphs to understand data. Then, we'll unravel the mysteries of motion, discovering how GPS pinpoints locations and why train tracks need cleaning. We'll investigate projectile motion, exploring why basketballs curve through the air, and delve into the forces behind circular motion. We'll even take to the skies, examining the physics of flight and how acceleration affects pilots. Throughout our explorations, we'll use mathematical tools to solve problems and analyze data, making physics accessible and sparking curiosity. We're looking forward to an engaging and wonder-filled learning experience together! 

Finally, we will embark on a thrilling journey through the world of motion and forces, exploring everything from the physics of extreme sports to the mechanics of space travel. We will explore the dynamic interplay of forces and motion, beginning with the physics of wing suits and how BASE jumpers manipulate drag to control their velocity using Newton's Laws and free-body diagrams. We will launch into space, investigating rocket propulsion through the lens of impulse, momentum, and recoil, understanding how these principles drive acceleration in a vacuum. Students will learn the theoretical aspects of physics but also apply them to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of how these principles shape our world. We've combined visual representations, problem-solving, and conceptual exploration to build a strong foundation in mechanics, preparing them to tackle more complex scientific concepts in the future.