SCIENCE

MISSION OF THE NCSSM SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Provide our students with exceptional experimental, computational, and research learning experiences both within our school and through external extracurricular opportunities.

Prepare all of our students to become scientifically literate citizens and leaders in their local, state, national, and global communities, grounded in a broad foundation of scientific knowledge.

Develop the abilities of our students to ask testable questions, analyze data, solve problems, and evaluate ideas in light of scientific evidence.

Recruit and support a creative and diverse faculty with expertise in science, committed to teaching, advancing their profession, and lifelong learning.

The NCSSM Biology program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the life sciences, moving far beyond a standard high school curriculum. Student move beyond just memorizings facts—they become a working biologist. Students can tailor their studies, choosing from a wide range of specialized courses, like Molecular Genetics, Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, and AP Biology. Every course is packed with hands-on experience, utilizing methods like hypothesis testing, problem-based case studies, or independent research. A core feature of every course is meaningful practical experience in the lab setting, which allows students to have direct access to sophisticated equipment and advanced technology. Students receive expert training in microscopy, dissection, fieldwork and other methodologies. Students gain confidence in their ability to complete challenging work through active and engaging learning, giving them a competitive edge in their college applications and future careers.

• Discipline Chair  for Durham Campus - Dr. Amy Sheck

• Science Chair for Morganton Campus - Dr. Jennifer Williams

The NCSSM Chemistry program offers students a strong foundation in chemistry. Many of our courses use POGIL® activities, a student-centered instructional strategy where small teams work on structured activities designed to guide students toward constructing their own understanding of chemistry concepts. POGIL activities focus on both content mastery and the development of process and critical thinking skills. We also implement argumentation in our laboratory component, using the claim-evidence-reasoning framework to assist students in their scientific writing. For a deeper exploration, the program offers a broad selection of electives that cover advanced topics like organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, environmental chemistry, and computational chemistry. The program also has a comprehensive research program that offers valuable, hands-on experience for students to investigate a novel research idea, and present their findings (written reports, oral presentations, or posters) at conferences and competitions.

• Discipline Chair  for Durham Campus - Dr. Michael Bruno

• Science Chair for Morganton Campus - Dr. Jennifer Williams

The NCSSM Physics program offers courses to engage students in learning fundamental principles involving forces, energy and momentum to describe the natural world. All physics courses are lab-intensive and emphasize problem-solving and experimental investigation using appropriate mathematics and technology tools. The introductory courses cover applications of forces, energy and momentum in the areas of mechanics, electricity, magnetism and waves, with emphasis on phenomena encountered in everyday life. In elective courses, students can explore areas such as optics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, galaxies and cosmology, and may take a full second year of calculus-based mechanics and electromagnetism. There are also opportunities for students to design and carry out independent physics research projects and to participate in competitions such as the International Physics Olympiad. 

• Discipline Chair  for Durham Campus - Dr. Jonathan Bennett

• Science Chair for Morganton Campus - Dr. Jennifer Williams

The science curriculum at NCSSM moves beyond traditional textbook learning, offering a rich selection of courses, including honors, AP and specialization courses. These courses foster collaborative engagement with hands-on laboratory experience. Our courses challenge students to move beyond rote memorization to the development of process and critical thinking skills. 

The NCSSM Science department also offers structured, year-long research programs, collectively called the "RSci" courses. Students receive training in scientific literature review, experimental design, advanced laboratory techniques, and scientific communication. Past projects have included investigating potential treatments for neurological diseases, engineering materials for environmental clean-up, and analyzing genetic factors in various organisms. These programs are open to juniors and participation is by application.