SCIENCE The science program provides students with a variety of experiences in life, physical, and earth and space science that teaches an understanding of scientific methods and terminology. Courses are designed to help students become active problem-solvers. Methodologies: To achieve these goals, students learn to think critically, understand science as a process, explore the nature of experimental design, and recognize and understand the unifying themes in science. Helping students understand the role of mathematics in science is crucial to the process, therefore students learn unit analysis and become competent in the uses of technology. The W.M. Keck Math/Science Institute at Crossroads enables the faculty to explore with students the intersection between math and science. THE W.M. KECK MATH/SCIENCE INSTITUTE offers motivated and independent students an opportunity to explore research in astronomy, holography, climate, molecular biology, and other on-going research projects. These projects allow students to work with university researchers in a variety of fields through either class work or an independent study program. Sophisticated technology and equipment, including a scanning electronic microscope, a scanning tunneling microscope, a weather station, and a complete set of networked computers in every lab, complement the instruction students receive in all subjects. In addition, The W.M. Keck Math/Science Institute’s relationship with university and research labs throughout Los Angeles allows Crossroads to bring in guest speakers who conduct lectures or assist with research for interested students. NINTH GRADE STUDENTS begin high school science with Biology, an activity-based laboratory science focusing on the unique properties of living organisms. Tenth graders move on to study either Chemistry or Physics. The former is designed as a general introduction to the properties and interaction of all forms of matter, while the latter attempts to answer "Why?" by developing a theory that explains and predicts experimental results in the physical world. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH GRADE STUDENTS can choose from among a rich array of offerings. More advanced students will continue their study of Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics in Advanced Placement Science courses. Students may also take science elective courses in Ecology and Marine Biology, Earth and Space Science, and Human Anatomy and Physiology.