Secondary Science in CHCCS
At Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, secondary science instruction is built on curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Guided by the North Carolina K–12 Science Standards, our middle and high school science programs engage students in real-world phenomena and hands-on investigations that reflect how science is practiced in the world today.
Through a focus on the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), students learn to ask questions, design and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, and construct scientific explanations. We prioritize equitable, inquiry-based learning experiences that support all students in becoming scientifically literate and prepared for college, careers, and civic life.
Whether exploring Earth's systems, investigating energy and matter, or analyzing biological change over time, CHCCS students are empowered to think and act like scientists.
Middle School Science
In CHCCS middle schools, students experience a three-year journey through science that blends physical, Earth, and life sciences each year—building knowledge through phenomena, investigation, and collaboration. Our curriculum is aligned to the 2023 North Carolina Science Standards and structured to support inquiry, data analysis, and scientific modeling.
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6th Grade: Students explore the structure and properties of matter, thermal and electrical energy, and wave behavior, while also studying space systems, Earth’s surface processes, and the structure and behavior of plants in ecosystems.
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7th Grade: Learners investigate weather and climate, the structure and function of living organisms, heredity and traits, as well as forces and motion, energy transfer, and the reciprocal relationship between the atmosphere and humans.
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8th Grade: Students deepen their understanding through units on the hydrosphere, Earth’s history and evolution, energy resources, matter interactions, and the impact of diseases and environmental changes on organisms and ecosystems.
Throughout middle school science, CHCCS students actively engage in asking questions, using models, carrying out investigations, analyzing data, and constructing explanations—developing the skills and confidence to think and act like scientists.
High School Science
CHCCS high school science courses are grounded in the 2023 North Carolina Science Standards, offering rigorous, real-world learning experiences across core disciplines: Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics. All students engage with the Science and Engineering Practices—asking questions, modeling, analyzing data, and constructing explanations—to develop scientific literacy and critical thinking.
Core Science Courses:
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Biology: Students investigate how organisms survive and change over time, focusing on ecosystems, evolution, cells, genetics, and biotechnology. Students use evidence to explain how structure supports function and how traits are passed across generations.
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Earth and Environmental Science (EES): Learners analyze how Earth’s systems—geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere—interact and impact climate, natural resources, and human activity. Topics include plate tectonics, weather patterns, resource use, and Earth’s place in the universe.
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Physical Science: This course blends chemistry and physics concepts. Students explore matter and its interactions, energy, forces and motion, electricity and magnetism, and waves, using models and investigations to understand everyday phenomena.
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Chemistry: Students analyze the structure of matter, chemical reactions, bonding, and solutions, while also exploring how temperature, pressure, and energy changes affect reactions in real-world systems.
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Physics: Students apply mathematical reasoning and experimentation to understand motion, forces, energy and momentum, waves, electricity, and magnetism, focusing on the laws that govern the physical world.
Each course includes opportunities for hands-on lab investigations, collaborative problem-solving, and the use of models and digital tools to simulate complex systems. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment pathways offer enrichment and acceleration aligned with students’ academic goals and future STEM aspirations.
🧭 Science Learning Beyond the Classroom: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
At CHCCS, we believe science learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Families, caregivers, teachers, and school leaders all play a vital role in helping students explore and make sense of the world around them. Together, we form a learning community that connects science instruction across home, school, and community spaces.
To support these important partnerships, the resources below offer grade-level overviews aligned to the 2023 North Carolina K–12 Science Standards. These guides help families and community members understand what students are learning in science and how they can stay engaged in the learning process throughout the year.
Secondary Science Contact
Valerie Sellars, Secondary Science Coach
Email: vsellars@chccs.k12.nc.us