Science Department

Although the specific topics of science courses differ, they all have a common purpose: to prepare the student to think scientifically. The student's understanding of nature and the ability to handle the tools of science develop as the courses become increasingly sophisticated.				Charles W. Coe Department Chair Physics, AP Physics William W. Bourne Faculty Honors Physics, Science for the 21st Century Drew B. Burns Faculty Honors Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Physics Lucas De Faculty Biology, Chemistry Lisa Fung-Kee-Fung Faculty Biology, Chemistry Timothy A. Grant Faculty Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry Amy Greenleaf Faculty Chemistry Tommie S. Hata Faculty Biology, Chemistry, Introduction to Scientific Research Jeffrey J. Jenkins Faculty Physics, AP Physics David L. Maxwell Faculty Chemistry, AP Biology Deidre O'Mara Faculty Biology, Chemistry Ronalee Newman Faculty Physics, Conceptual Physics Michele E. Parvensky Faculty Chemistry, Honors Chemistry Liliana M. Torres Faculty Biology, Anatomy and Physiology Charles W. Coe Department Chair Lisa Fung-Kee-Fung Faculty Science 6 Arlene Jangaard Faculty Science 7, Science 8 Patricia A. Lowery Faculty Science 7, Science 8 Ronalee Newman Faculty Science 7 Bruce P. Rahter Faculty Science 7 Ramsay W. Vehslage, Jr. Faculty Science 6 Mary Lou Cilli Faculty Grades K-3 Science David Szelingowski Faculty Grades 4-5 Science
Upper School students are exposed to an extensive cross-section of biology, chemistry, and physics, creating a solid conceptual framework and factual foundation. A variety of skills are emphasized in each discipline, including the acquisition of facts, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving. Students are enabled to proceed with confidence to an advanced course, and to effectively approach scientific issues in their lives. The science offerings in the Middle School are designed to answer many of the questions that arise from the unfettered curiosity of Middle School students, and to further stimulate the development of more sophisticated questions about the natural world. Students will be introduced to the foundations and organizational structure of particular disciplines through lab exercises, multimedia presentations, and other exciting visual and/or hands-on techniques used to stimulate an interest and appreciation for the complexity and beauty of science. In the Lower School, the science program offers a balance of hands-on experiences and science content. Each year, students study topics in three major areas: life science, earth science, and physical science. The processes of observation, investigation, collection of relevant data, discussion, and confirmation of findings, and experimentation are emphasized throughout the program.