The vision for science in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System is to empower students to become inquiry-driven problem solvers who can navigate and innovate within a dynamic, technological world. The mission at CTECS is to provide a rigorous, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of the natural and designed world while preparing students for success in the global workforce. The science program in Grades 9-12 supports the Vision of a Graduate by engaging students in Science and Engineering Practices, such as asking questions, developing models, and constructing explanations based on evidence.

Through a multidisciplinary sequence, including General Science, Biology, and Chemistry and/or Physics, students apply data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills to complex phenomena. Students in the 12th grade further their learning through elective pathways such as Astronomy, Environmental Science, Forensics, Biotechnology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Science at CTECS is not taught in isolation; instead, instructors are encouraged to integrate learning tasks that consider trade relevance, interest, and real-world application, ensuring that scientific literacy is actively practiced across both academic and technical disciplines. By synthesizing Cross-Cutting Concepts like cause and effect, structure and function, and energy and matter, CTECS graduates emerge as work-ready individuals equipped to lead and adapt in Connecticut’s workforce.

For more information about our programs please view CTECS Program of Studies.

Science Course Sequence

3 credits are required for graduation

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
General Science with Lab

Honors General Science 9 with Lab

Biology I

Honors Biology I

Chemistry

Honors Chemistry

Advanced Topics in General Science

Chemistry

Honors Chemistry

Physics

Honors Physics

General Physics – UCONN

Biology – UCONN

Ethics and Science

Astronomy

Environmental Science

Forensics

Human Anatomy and

Physiology