Science is a way of gaining knowledge and understanding of natural phenomena through systematic approaches. The Science Department offers various courses designed to enable students to become active and productive members of a scientific/technological society. Students will observe, ask questions, identify problems, perform experiments, analyze data, and draw appropriate conclusions. All courses are college preparatory; however, many students select a course of study that prepares them to pursue advanced scientific studies in college and science-related careers. Three years of science are required for graduation. To meet the wide range of interests and abilities of our haumāna, we offer Advanced Placement courses and fundamental courses that emphasize investigative approaches to the subject matter. Four years of science are recommended for students interested in pursuing science-related careers, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, and engineering. Most colleges recommend two years of laboratory science: one biological science and one physical science. At the University of Hawai‘i, it is preferred that applicants complete three years of laboratory science. As a department, we recommend the course progression: biology, chemistry, and physics.
Kamehameha graduates are expected to understand and be able to apply:
- concepts, laws, and processes of physical, chemical, and biological sciences;
- methods of scientific inquiry and reasoning;
- scientific knowledge in everyday life; and
- social and environmental implications of scientific and technological development.
Science Department goals include the following:
- To teach students that science is relevant, engaging, exciting, and
educational in a comfortable, well-equipped, and supportive environment; - To prepare students to lead productive lives in a scientific/technological
society; - To provide students with a sufficient science background to succeed in a
school of higher learning after graduation from Kamehameha High School; - To develop skills of observing, hypothesizing, testing, analyzing,
concluding, and communicating; and - To help students develop personal values and an appreciation for
natural science.
The following information illustrates a recommended sequence of coursework in our science program.
Core – A foundation for all college-level studies. These college preparatory courses will encourage students to pursue science-related careers.
Biology —-> Chemistry —-> Physics
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) – Recommended as a preparation for science and engineering-related fields.
- Honors Biology
- AP Biology
- Honors Chemistry
- AP Chemistry
- Honors Physics
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Physics C
- AP Environmental Science
Enrichment Courses – Designed to build upon the scientific foundations learned in the core and honors classes, with the opportunity to explore the subject in more detail.
- Honors Science Research
- Ethnobotany
- Conservation Biology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Kilo Hōkū
- Marine Science
- Honors ʻEpekema Kai
