By Iman Howard, Group Manager of STEM Content
Khan Academy is buzzing with excitement to announce the updates to our high school biology and physics courses for the 2024-25 school year. These new courses are comprehensive, rich in phenomena, accessible to all learners, and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
We’ve taken everything you loved about our previous courses and enhanced them, creating an engaging, standards-aligned journey that sparks curiosity and fuels scientific discovery. These revamped courses offer a rigorous pathway designed to help students grow into the brilliant scientists of tomorrow. Get ready for an exciting exploration through the worlds of biology and physics!
Biology: Exploring life from molecules to ecosystems
Our new high school biology course examines the core principles and complex systems that shape life on Earth, from genetics and biodiversity to ecosystems and evolutionary processes. Through new articles and videos, learners will explore how biological structures support life’s functions at multiple levels, ranging from individual cells to entire organisms and ecosystems. They will also be able to explain genetic-inheritance mechanisms, use models to analyze energy flow and matter cycling within ecosystems, and apply scientific reasoning to understand how evolutionary processes drive life’s diversity.
In addition to covering foundational biological concepts, this course also connects students to pressing, real-world issues, such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. With more than 40 new exercise sets, students can develop a well-rounded mastery of biology through conceptual and applied problem types. Whether they’re explaining the biology behind medical innovations like gene therapy or they’re discussing the impacts of invasive species, our instructional content ensures students are engaged and ready to apply their knowledge in meaningful and relevant contexts.
Physics: Unraveling the universe’s mysteries
Our new high school physics course invites students to explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from forces and energy to electromagnetism. Learners will examine and be able to explain everyday observations, such as the motion of a ball, static electricity, and why the sky is blue. They will also investigate the physics underlying engineering feats like space rockets, vehicle safety, and electricity generation.
With more than 50 new exercise sets, this course provides ample opportunities for students to check their understanding and apply their knowledge. By connecting physics to real-world phenomena and engineering achievements, this course ensures that students not only understand theoretical principles but also appreciate their practical applications. Additionally, our new, hands-on physics activities, which use simple, low-cost materials, engage students in meaningful science exploration, making learning accessible to everyone, anywhere.
Revamp your Biology and Physics classes
Khan Academy’s NGSS-aligned biology and physics courses are resources that science teachers across the country can use to enhance learning and engagement and provide students with opportunities to explore and apply their understanding of key content and concepts. More fundamentally, these courses can help inspire students to explore the wonders of science and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to investigate the wonders of natural phenomena.