Science & Engineering

About

The Barrington High School Science Department offers a broad, comprehensive selection of courses in the physical, biological, earth sciences, and domains that are designed to meet the academic and career needs and interests of the high school students of this community. The main goals of the BHS science program are to prepare our students for future activities in a technologically sophisticated work force, nurture positive attitudes in students toward science, and prepare a scientifically informed citizenry for the challenges of tomorrow. We feel that these goals are best met by providing an encouraging environment rich in opportunities to discover and experience the order of our universe.

All students are required to earn at least 1 credit in a life science course and 1 credit in a physical science course for graduation from Barrington High School. Science coursework completed prior to the beginning of high school may not be applied towards the fulfillment of this requirement. 

Advanced Placement Courses 

The Advanced Placement program in science is designed to provide students with the equivalent of first-year college level science courses. Qualified students may select from the following courses: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, AP Physics-C, AP Physics-1, or AP Physics-2. With the exception of AP Environmental Science, AP Physics-1 and AP Physics-2 , the above classes will meet two (2) consecutive periods per day and upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will earn two AP credits. AP Environmental Science, AP Physics-1 and AP Physics-2 will meet only one period per day and earn one AP credit. It is the prerogative of the student’s college of choice to determine the advanced placement credit, if any, that the student will receive on the basis of their test score.

Blended Learning

The science department is proud to offer several courses in a blended format. Blended learning is an instructional strategy that gives students shared ownership in the time, pace, path, or place of their learning. This initiative combines in-class student-centered learning strategies with occasional release from the classroom environment. Most courses offered in the blended format use release time as needed to allow for small group and individualized instruction. Students who are released participate in independent and small group work in supervised but less structured environments such as the library or commons. Blended offerings for younger students are more structured and have less release time than those offered to upper level students who are preparing for the rigors and independence of college. Check individual course offerings and talk to your counselor to find the blended offerings best suited for you.