9-12 Science
High School Science
Volusia County Schools offers a strong, standards-aligned high school science program that sparks curiosity, builds scientific thinking, and prepares students for success beyond graduation. Through engaging coursework, laboratory experiences, advanced pathways, and real-world connections, Volusia County Schools' science curriculum helps students explore, solve problems, and connect science to college, careers, their communities, and the future.
Science Instruction
High school science instruction in Volusia County Schools is active, engaging, and connected to the world students experience every day. Through hands-on laboratory investigations, collaborative learning, scientific modeling, data analysis, reading and writing in science, and purposeful use of technology, students ask meaningful questions, investigate phenomena, evaluate evidence, and communicate scientific ideas with confidence.
High School Science Courses
Volusia County Schools offers high school science courses that support student interests, graduation requirements, and future goals. Students on Florida's standard 24-credit diploma pathway complete three science credits, including Biology 1, a physical science course, and one other equally rigorous science course. At least two credits must include a laboratory component.
Course options vary by school and may include Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Earth/Space Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Marine Science, and Environmental Science.
Students seeking additional challenges may also pursue advanced science opportunities through AP, Cambridge AICE, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment programs. These pathways help students deepen learning and prepare for college, careers, and science-related fields. Availability varies by school and program.
VCS STEM Field Study: Outdoor Classroom
Volusia County Schools is home to one of the few science outdoor classrooms in Florida. Located at Spruce Creek Park on Rose Bay, the VCS STEM Field Study Program gives students an engaging, hands-on opportunity to explore local estuary ecosystems.
During this field experience, students connect classroom learning to the natural world through water-quality testing, wildlife observation, and real environmental science investigations. This immersive program builds curiosity, strengthens scientific thinking, and deepens students' appreciation for the natural habitats of the Spruce Creek watershed. This field study is free for Volusia County students.
Florida Biology 1
EOC Requirement
EOC Requirement
All students enrolled in and completing Biology 1, or a state-designated equivalent course, must participate in the Florida Biology 1 End-of-Course Assessment. For students enrolled in the course, the EOC result constitutes 30 percent of the final course grade.