Academics

Science at Webb

Science at Webb utilizes classroom learning and the many opportunities Southern California offers for experiential learning. From Webb’s state-of-the-art science laboratory, Bonnie Johnson Hall, and The Alf, our Paleontology Museum, to our new Innovation Lab in Fawcett Library, to Catalina Island and Joshua Tree National Park, students engage in problem-solving and real-world examples in their study of science.

Science helps us make sense of the world, and Webb’s program teaches students how to ask intelligent questions and design experiments to answer those questions through inquiry-based learning. Students’ first two years introduce the essentials of biology, chemistry, and physics preparing them for advanced study in their junior and senior years. Our unique advanced studies courses and partnerships with professors at the Claremont Colleges offer unparalleled opportunities for college-level students and deep exploration into areas of specific interest.

List of 4 items.

The Alf Museum and Earth Science

The science department utilizes the unique resources of the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, located on Webb’s campus. It is the only Paleontology museum on a high school campus in the world. Day trips to area digs and longer trips to procure and study fossils are frequent. Museum studies in research and specimen preparation are also offered.

Earth Science takes advantage of Webb’s unique location, which offers easy access to Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Catalina Island, LA beaches, and the San Gabriel Mountains in our backyard.
Advanced Computer Science Courses

Advanced Computer Science courses are available through a partnership with Harvey Mudd College. Students can begin with CS5, Harvey Mudd’s introductory course, and then progress to more advanced offerings based on their interests. Harvey Mudd faculty and students provide support to Webb students both on our campus and at Harvey Mudd’s facilities. The specific courses offered each year depend on student interest.
Engineering & Robotics

Through an affiliation with the FIRST Tech Challenge national robotics program, Webb’s robotics teams design, build, program, and operate robots for head-to-head competitions in an alliance format. Often described as "the hardest fun you’ll ever have," and a favorite weekend activity, students develop skills and practice engineering principles while appreciating the value of hard work, innovation, teamwork, and idea-sharing. Robots are built from the ground up using stock materials and can be programmed in various languages, including Java. Teams also create and market their brand and engage in community outreach, earning awards for their efforts. Each season culminates in regional championship events and a FIRST National Championship.

Webb’s Science & Engineering course inspires students to become thoughtful citizens who create transformative products, experiences, and systems. Through both individual and team projects, students apply design thinking to address local challenges, honing their practical skills to benefit others. Projects like building an electric guitar give students a deep understanding of how design choices affect user experience and satisfaction. This insight is crucial when tackling real-world problems, such as developing low-cost shelters or creating solutions for the Webb community. The personal act of building fosters empathy-driven design, while the hands-on application of science and engineering empowers students to shape the world for the betterment of others.
The AI Project@Webb
The AI Project@Webb project is an exciting new addition to Webb’s STEAM offerings that engage students in the design of their own education, bringing them into the conversations about how AI will transform education. Faculty and students will collaborate to develop a series of initiatives focused on emerging technologies. The new Huang Innovation Lab is designed to be a hub for academic innovation on campus. The AI Project will create programs for this new space, including:
- Design and build a WebbGPT
- Develop and launch a new Technology and Innovation course
- Develop AI and Ethics Guidelines for Webb educators and students
- Develop a multi-disciplinary elective on Ethics and Technology

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Department

Meet Our Science Teachers

List of 14 members.

Mairin Balisi

UC Berkeley - B.A.
UCLA - Ph.D.
University of Michigan - M.S.
Brendan Beikmann

Teacher

Colorado State College - B.A.
Penn State - Ph.D.
Sawyer Belville

Durham University - M.S.
Whittier College - B.A.
John Choi

Director of Culture & Community

Northwestern University - M.S. Ed.
University of Illinois - B.S.
Andrew "Andy" Farke

Director of the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Palenotology

South Dakota School of Mines - B.S.
State University of New York, Stony Brook - Ph.D.
Amanda "Billie" Guerrero

Museum Assistant

CSU San Bernardino - M.S.
University of La Verne - B.S.
Nika Haleftiras

California Institute of Technology - B.S.
University of Miami - M.A.
Andrew Hamilton

Teacher

Dalhousie University - B.Sc., M.Sc.
University of Toronto - B.Ed.
Mr. Michael "Mike" Hoe 04

Assistant Head of School

Brown University, RI - B.S.
Harvard University, MA - Ed.M
Brown University - B.S.
Harvard University - Ed.M.
Mr. Brian Kays

Teacher

Mount St. Mary's College - M.S.
San Diego State University - B.A.
Joe "Joe" Martin

UC Berkeley - Ph.D.
University of North Carolina - B.S.
Melissa A "Lisa" Nacionales

Teacher, Science Department Chair

Johns Hopkins - M.A.
University of Tampa - B.A.
Annalise Reynosa

University of California, Merced - B.A.
Hanna Towers

UC Davis - B.S.