This year Junior High School students are using a project-based and field trip-focused science curriculum.  This focus on learning through hands-on experience and research, was developed in collaboration wtih Marti Starry, an Eanes middle school science teacher.

A wide range of trips and projects are planned. One upcoming field trip will take students to learn about and experience exotic animals with a local expert.  Students are also participating in labs regularly at West Ridge Middle School and are also planning on undertaking extended science field trips to the Texas Gulf Coast as well as McDonald Observatory in west Texas.

Regarding the lab classes at West Ridge Middle School, SAMS Director Pattye Henderson said, "It is a good experience for our students to see what a public middle school looks like and experience that classroom environment.  Not only are they learning through the labs, but they are also gaining new social experiences in their interactions with public school teachers and students."