This progression includes all 5 Strands spanning both levels, and meets the equivalence of these lab-based courses: Biology I, Chemistry I, Conceptual Physics, and Environmental Science. This progression is best started in 8th grade, 9th grade or 10th grade. Students who begin in 8th grade can register the 10th grade course as AP Environmental Science, and are well-prepared for IB/DP in 11th grade. A 9th grade start prepares students for 11th grade AP Environmental Science and other 12th grade AP science classes. The 4th year provides an option for students not pursuing IB/DP, AP, or other exam-based science courses AND/OR who wish to pursue independent STEAM projects and publish their work.