Science
The Science Department’s goal is to ensure our graduates are well equipped to pursue science at the college level, to succeed in science-related careers, and to be scientifi cally literate global citizens. After the graduation requirements have been fulfi lled, students are strongly encouraged to continue their science education by choosing from the rich selections offered.
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Seventh grade students will embark on an immersive exploration of the living world. Girls will work individually and collaboratively to study the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, as well as the building blocks and processes that lead to their function and survival. This life science course includes topics such as the scientific method, cells, genetics, diversity of life, and ecology. Through interactive investigations, hands-on experiments, and engaging discussions, students will develop a strong foundation in key biological concepts. As developing scientists, seventh graders will build confidence in exercising the real-world skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This course will leave girls with an expanded appreciation for the world around them!
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In Science 6, we begin with an overview of scientific thinking and how the girls may observe and test the world around them. We then move into an in-depth study of life science, beginning with ecology and ending with the human body. Throughout the year the students participate in student-directed inquiry which encourages them to make connections between science and the world around them. Science is taught using traditional tools such as lab books for note taking and organization. Students use iPads to access outside sources for research, document learning, and participate in group and individual projects through the G Suite. This full year course is required in Grade 6.
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Sixth grade students will explore Earth's unique place in the universe and how Earth's systems, processes, and characteristics support life on our planet. Students will start with an understanding of the structure of the universe and zoom in to study planet Earth's subsystems, or spheres, to learn about the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Throughout the year, students will participate in inquiry-based learning, which encourages them to make connections between science and the world around them through questioning and investigation. Lessons and activities will focus on developing students' real-world skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This course will encourage girls to stay curious about the world around them and develop skills and confidence as learners and scientists!
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The Physical Science 8 curriculum provides extensive opportunities to practice and master science processing and laboratory skills. The emphasis is on acquiring these skills through the study of the physical sciences as a preparation for advanced work in the Upper School. The topics include lab safety, measurement, precision, graphing, the scientific method, and various topics rooted in chemistry and physics. Students will explore the concepts of energy, simple machines, forces and motion, atomic structure, small particle theory, atomic bonding, and chemical reactions. This full year course is required in Grade 8.
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In Science 6, we begin with an overview of scientific thinking and how the girls may observe and test the world around them. We then move into an in-depth study of life science, beginning with ecology and ending with the human body. Throughout the year the students participate in student-directed inquiry which encourages them to make connections between science and the world around them. Science is taught using traditional tools such as lab books for note taking and organization. Students use iPads to access outside sources for research, document learning, and participate in group and individual projects through the G Suite. This full year course is required in Grade 6.
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Seventh grade students continue to refine their work with the scientific method through their exploration of topics in Earth science. These topics are investigated with experiments and activities using science skills such as reading graphs and using scientific instruments. Activities, discussions and assessments reinforce critical thinking and problem solving abilities. As developing scientists, seventh graders have the opportunity to more deeply explore a topic of as they do an investigative project. This full year course is required for Grade 7.
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The Physical Science 8 curriculum provides extensive opportunities to practice and master science processing and laboratory skills. The emphasis is on acquiring these skills through the study of the physical sciences as a preparation for advanced work in the Upper School. The topics include lab safety, measurement, precision, graphing, the scientific method, and various topics rooted in chemistry and physics. Students will explore the concepts of energy, simple machines, forces and motion, atomic structure, small particle theory, atomic bonding, and chemical reactions. This full year course is required in Grade 8.
Reed Solly
