By Leslie Fuentes
Public Communications
Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, Humble High School expanded its International Baccalaureate (IB) Program into a four-year Advanced Academic Academy, providing 9th and 10th grade students a seamless pathway to the IB Diploma Program.
This enhancement allows students to complete foundational coursework during their first two years of high school before advancing to the IB Diploma Program curriculum in 11th and 12th grades.
“This is only our second year including 9th and 10th grade students in the IB program,” Humble ISD IB Coordinator Renee Lane explained. “The goal is to help them form a cohesive community and understand they are all tackling a unique and rewarding challenge here in Humble ISD.”
The IB Academy recently held its Collaborative Science Project Symposium, bringing together students from all grade levels within the academy.
The Collaborative Science Project required students to draw on skills learned across their respective science courses. Ninth graders contributed knowledge from IB Biology, 10th graders from IB Chemistry, 11th graders from Environmental Systems and Societies, and seniors from IB Physics.
“Now, I have a broader understanding of the sciences and how they apply,” Senior IB student Rhys Rogers said. “I’m a physics student, but I’ve learned so much from my peers about other sciences. This project also helped me improve my leadership and presentation skills.”
Upperclassmen served as mentors for freshmen and sophomores as the students worked in groups to develop a research topic, formulate questions, and investigate
how their scientific disciplines intersect within their chosen topic. Freshmen and sophomores also gained insight into what they can look forward to learning and experiencing in the IB Diploma Program.
Students were then challenged to create a presentation they delivered to administrators, parents and other students during the symposium in late November.
“So far, it’s been amazing,” Freshman Dev Barad said about his first year in the Advanced Academic Academy. “And today, I’ve enjoyed presenting to people who are willing to listen to us and ask questions, and I love having the chance to teach them.”
The symposium featured a wide range of research topics. One group explored the science of diets, examining how nutrition impacts the body, brain function, and the environment. Their research included analyzing food chemicals, the impact of livestock farming on nutrients, and identifying energy-dense foods from a biological perspective.
Another standout project for Lane investigated the tensile strength of superhero webs. Students analyzed movie clips, calculated tensile strength through mathematics, and examined the chemical and biological implications of such abilities on human DNA.
Looking ahead, Lane is optimistic about the program’s growth and is eager to welcome bilingual students.
The IB Program offers a bilingual diploma option, allowing students to take one of their exams in their native language, which can alleviate concerns about articulating complex concepts in English.
“This is very helpful for students whose second language is English,” Lane said. “With this option, they can perform the best on exams. We want our bilingual students to know that there are many different opportunities within the IB program.”
Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Academy and Diploma Program at Humble High School.