Science

Science Department

The Science Department provides students authentic and meaningful science experiences in and out of the classroom. Inside, our science facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and a dedicated student research laboratory. Outside, our 220-acre campus boasts an extensive hardwood forest and lake used for labs as well as individual student research. Additional one-of-a-kind campus amenities include an astronomical observatory, trout hatchery, apiary, and maple sugar operation.

Our curricular offerings range from foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and physics to innovative semester- and year-long electives reflective of students’ strengths and interests. Available to students are AP courses along with rigorous elective opportunities, including post-AP options. Summer acceleration allows students to complete AP courses beginning as early as sophomore year. A student’s own unique curricular pathway is supported by a department faculty of accomplished and inspiring scientist-educators with a wealth of experience in research and industry as well as in secondary and collegiate teaching.

Complementing a student’s curricular work are extracurricular pursuits like Outdoor Projects, Astronomy, TARC Rocketry, and FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics. Our Strnad Fellowship and Anderson Scholars programs fund and facilitate independent scientific research. Students conduct research both on and off campus and can showcase their work beyond the walls of the school by presenting their work at science conferences, symposia, and fairs. These experiences help position upperclassmen for successful publication of their work in peer-reviewed journals and to be competitive in national science venues such as the Siemens Competition and Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Dr. Laux, Upper School Teacher

Teaching science empowers me to harness the curiosity of boys, encouraging them to explore questions about themselves and the world around them.

Independent Research Opportunities

University School students are encouraged to pursue a course of study in a variety of disciplines and to continue in those disciplines beyond the minimum requirements of the school. In addition to AP courses, independent research options are available in all disciplines through fellowship programs and internships.

Read more:

Centered Text

Post AP Mechanics II

Science Chair

List of 1 members.

Dr. Sara Laux

Science Chairperson, Director of Science Research, Science Teacher

216-831-2200 x7420

Science Electives

Applications of Fluid Mechanics: Project-Based Learning*
Conservation Biology: Project-Based Learning*
Geology*^†
Meteorology: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment*
Microbiology & Infectious Disease*
Oceanography*
Organic Chemistry*
Polymers and Materials Science*
Stream Geology: Project-Based Learning*
Summer Accelerator Courses
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
Biology (AP)
Chemistry (AP)
Environmental Science (AP)
Physics (AP)
Physics C: Mechanics (AP)
Biology: Anatomy and Physiology (Post-AP)*
Biology: Biotechnology (Post-AP)*
Physics: Mechanics II (Post-AP)

* Semester Course
^† Also offered as a summer course