Science
SHS Science
The Simsbury High School Science Department empowers every student to think critically, investigate authentic scientific questions, solve real-world problems, and develop the scientific literacy needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We believe science is more than a collection of facts—it is a way of thinking, questioning, investigating, and understanding the world around us. Through engaging instruction, laboratory investigations, engineering design, and collaborative learning, students develop the knowledge and skills needed for success in college, careers, and informed citizenship.
Our courses challenge students to analyze evidence, communicate scientific ideas, apply concepts to meaningful problems, and make connections between science and everyday life. We are committed to providing rigorous, engaging, and equitable learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and perseverance.
As a department, we continually refine our curriculum, instruction, and assessments through collaboration and reflection. Guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Simsbury Public Schools Vision of the Graduate, we strive to create learning environments where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Our Commitments
- Cultivate Curiosity – Students explore scientific phenomena by asking meaningful questions, investigating evidence, and developing explanations based on data.
- Promote Critical Thinking – Learning emphasizes analysis, problem-solving, modeling, and the application of scientific concepts to real-world situations.
- Support Every Learner – We provide engaging, challenging, and inclusive learning experiences that help all students succeed.
- Collaborate for Excellence – Our teachers work together to continuously improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment to best support student learning.
- Prepare Students for the Future – We develop the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Science Department Goals
- Inspire curiosity through meaningful scientific inquiry.
- Provide rigorous, NGSS-aligned instruction for all learners.
- Foster critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
- Prepare students for college, careers, and informed citizenship.
- Promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
What Students can Expect
- Hands-on laboratory experiences
- Engineering design challenges
- Inquiry-based investigations
- Collaboration and scientific discourse
- Opportunities to apply science to real-world issues
What Families can Expect
- High academic expectations paired with meaningful support
- Frequent opportunities for communication
- Safe, engaging laboratory experiences
- A curriculum aligned with NGSS and the Simsbury Vision of the Graduate
- A department committed to continuous improvement
