STEM Marin is a dynamic, four-year program designed for students who are deeply curious and passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum, students engage in Project-Based Learning—a model that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application. Students actively build knowledge by designing and executing projects, fostering both independence and collaboration.
Engineering Pathway
Do you dream of discovering new innovations, designing impressive structures, or tackling real-world challenges? The Engineering Pathway is an ideal fit for students who love to think creatively, build with purpose, and explore the powerful connection between science and engineering. As a CTE (Career Technical Education) certified program, this pathway offers a deep dive into STEM while equipping you with the skills and experiences needed for college and future careers. Just like professional engineers, you’ll follow the design cycle—planning, testing, and refining your ideas—while learning to manage critical resources like time, materials, and team collaboration. Along the way, you’ll explore how engineering can solve global problems and make a real impact in diverse communities, helping you develop a broader understanding of the world.
Below is a year-by-year breakdown of the STEM courses students take in the Engineering Pathway.
9TH GRADE – PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
During their first year, students will complete the following courses:


10TH GRADE – Biology & STEM Ecology
Students taking the Environmental Engineering course will focus on four essential human needs: Land, Water, Air and Energy. Students will study nutrient cycling, food and agriculture and the water cycle. Climate change, energy use and urban design will also be topics of study. Students will understand how all life is connected on our planet and hopefully leave the course as even better stewards of the environment and advocates for positive change in their communities.
11TH GRADE – CHEMISTRY
As Juniors, all students will focus on the following courses:


12TH GRADE – ENGINEERING
In their final year, all students will complete the following courses:
Biotech Pathway
Whether you’re aiming to be a scientist, healthcare professional, or researcher, the Biotech Pathway gives you the tools, experience, and connections to launch your future. The Biotech Pathway is a college and career prep program for students passionate about making a difference in a rapidly evolving industry. As a CTE (Career Technical Education) certified pathway, Biotech blends academic, technical, and occupational learning to prepare students for high-demand, livable-wage careers in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. The hands-on, project-based curriculum covers everything from basic lab techniques and safety protocols to cutting-edge breakthroughs and bioethics. Students explore the role of science in society, gain insights into emerging biotech careers, and develop core skills such as using industry-standard lab equipment and applying scientific methods. In junior and senior years, students can earn college credit through articulated courses with Solano Community College.
Below is a year-by-year breakdown of the STEM courses students take in the Biotech Pathway.
9TH GRADE – TECHNOLOGY OF BIOLOGY/STEM BIOLOGY
This course covers Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, the Human Body, and Cells and Molecules. Projects and labs include:


10TH GRADE – APPLIED CHEMISTRY AND CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS FOR BIOTECH
Projects in Chemistry include:
Projects in Physics include:
11TH GRADE – BIOTECH 1
The course will cover the following topics:
Labs will include electrophoresis, DNA isolation, restriction digestion and plasmid mapping, bacterial transformation, protein purification, and culture of microorganisms


12TH GRADE – BIOTECH 2
The course will prepare students to work in Biotechnology laboratory and to continue in further studies in Biotechnology. The course will cover the same basic information covered in Biotech 1 with more advanced labs, techniques and agricultural biotechnology.
Labs will include:
Students will create a resume and cover letter and practice interview skills, do an internship or a research project in collaboration with a scientist in industry or academia, complete an electronic portfolio and present a primary research paper.
Art In Science
This four-year program integrates the visual arts and sciences to offer a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to learning. Art & Science units on the steam pathway are designed to align and reinforce each other. Students will have the opportunity to explore the connections between the two fields, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of both. Curriculum is hands-on, project based, and crafted for left and right brain exploration. Work-based opportunities may include guest artist presentations, studio visits, and museum field trips.
9TH GRADE – ART IN SCIENCE BIOLOGY
Biological Illustration
Units of Study:


10TH GRADE – CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Sculpture (STEAM)
Units of Study:
11TH GRADE – ART IN SCIENCE CHEMISTRY
Ceramics (STEAM)
Units of Study:


12TH GRADE – SCIENCE ELECTIVE
Art Elective ( + Art In Science Senior Capstone)
Units of Study:
Comprehensive Science
Our Comprehensive Science Program offers San Marin students a more traditional science path that is A-G compliant and meets all standards for graduation.
9TH GRADE – BIOLOGY
Biology is a lab oriented, concept building course that provides important basic information for students. Biology covers cells, all processes, body systems, anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution and ecology.


10TH – 12TH GRADE – CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
This course provides a conceptually-based study of the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Topics include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter and the universe. Students learn essential concepts of physics through demonstrations, laboratory work, and discussion. Careful gathering and analysis of quantitative data is stressed.
11TH – 12TH GRADE – CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the study of the properties and structure of matter. Topics include atomic theory, atomic structure, organization of the periodic table, writing chemical formulas and naming compounds, chemical reactions, states of matter, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, acid/base chemistry, and nuclear and organic chemistry. Course includes lecture and lab components.
