Science

Guided discovery

The Lower School Science program aims to spark each student’s curiosity and knowledge by introducing the skills to think, question, and discover like scientists. Guided by our lower school science specialist, our pre-K through fourth grade students participate in the process of scientific inquiry by independently and collaboratively observing, measuring, classifying, predicting, testing, and communicating. Students are introduced to skills and concepts in a hands-on fashion, sequentially progressing from year to year, within the physical, life, and earth sciences. Additionally, for one trimester each year, students in the second and third grades participate in laboratory classes taught at the Academy of Natural Sciences, where students learn about paleontology and freshwater ecosystems, areas in which the Academy is world-renowned.

Active inquiry

The Middle School Science program combines content with hands-on learning inside and outside of the classroom. Through careful observation, experimentation, and the use of technology and research, students are guided to use an inquiry-based approach to answer questions about the natural and human-made world.

In our fifth grade Science of the City course, students take a unique look at our city of Philadelphia with a scientific lens, focusing on it’s physical, life, and earth science features. In sixth grade’s Science of the Environment, students are challenged to investigate their footprint on the planet as they study topics like plant biology, matter, energy, and ecology.  In Science of Life, our seventh graders take a deeper dive into the biological principles of science, from cell biology to organisms to evolution.  In our eighth grade Science of the Earth, students deepen their understanding of the principles of chemistry and physics by applying them to key earth science issues, including global water availability and climate change.

 

Independent investigations and thinking

The Upper School Science program strives to provide students with a thorough appreciation of the required-for-graduation core sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), as well as an opportunity to explore more individualized interests through our variety of electives and independent studies, from Engineering to Anatomy to Environmental Science. Through dynamic discussions, problem-solving activities, and skill-building laboratory experiences, we aim to foster each student's critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and appreciation for scientific discovery and design. In the city and of the city, we extend our laboratories beyond the classroom into the museums, streets, and science institutions of Philadelphia to show students how science relates to their lives in practical and inspiring ways.

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Science Courses

Physics

This course is a conceptual introduction to the principles of physics, with emphasis on problem-solving using basic algebra skills. Students strengthen their algebraic and geometric reasoning skills by connecting equations to the physical world. Through hands-on explorations and group activities, students gain a deeper understanding of principles of physics that affect them every day. Topics include motion, forces, energy, rotation, electricity, and magnetism or waves. They are guided through the practice of scientific investigation through activities that require graphing, writing laboratory reports, and analyzing data.

Chemistry

This course provides a basic foundation in chemistry while emphasizing the role of chemistry in our surrounding world and the importance of scientific inquiry for learning and innovation. The chemical and physical properties of elements and compounds as they are related to atomic structure, bonding, and the modern periodic table are examined. Mass relationships in chemical reactions and some common types of reactions are also covered.

Biology

This yearlong course explores the big picture and nuances of introductory biology.  Through daily class discussions, interpretation of scientific text, and laboratory investigation, this class challenges students to sharpen their critical thinking and analytical abilities.  During laboratory activities, students apply their scientific method skills to the study of life. Topics covered include: evolution, cellular and molecular biology, plant and animal biology, genetics, populations, and ecology.

Advanced Physics

This class is a calculus-based study of physics intended for students with a high level of mathematical skills who are interested in applying those skills to the principles of physics. Topics include motion, forces, energy, and electricity. The rigorous mathematical study of the subject is balanced with hands-on explorations and experiments where students design apparatus and procedures. Students are encouraged to become independent problem-solvers, connecting observations, intuitions, principles, and mathematics. Prerequisite: Calculus (may be a co-requisite).

Advanced Chemistry

The Advanced Chemistry course is designed to apply greater mathematical rigor to the principles and concepts that were introduced in Chemistry.  A larger emphasis will be placed on student inquiry and problem solving to further investigate many of these principles, and a greater emphasis will be placed on possible careers in chemistry. Electronic structure and chemical bonding is studied in greater depth.  Chemical reactions are studied in terms of both kinetics and thermodynamics.  The concept of chemical equilibrium is introduced using specific examples of acid/base and solubility equilibria, and equilibrium considerations will be connected to thermodynamic principles.  Prerequisite: B+ or higher in Chemistry.

Computer Science

The aim of this course is to provide a foundation in computer science both to students interested in pursuing software engineering as a career, as well as to students who are interested in experimenting with new media. Students will learn to write programs in Python that can solve math problems, sort data, communicate with the internet, and generate interactive experiences. By working with hardware such as Arduino microcontrollers, students will develop an understanding of how information is collected, routed, and changed as it passes through a computer program. A firm grasp of Algebra is an advantage to students taking Computer Science, but this course will value creativity and collaboration as much as logic and clarity. In addition to creating programs to solve problems, we will be discussing social issues around encryption, digitization, and technology.

Advanced Computer Science

Students with a strong interest in computers who have completed our introductory Computer Science course will continue their study of programming methodology, data structures, and algorithms using the language Java. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement test in computer science.

Advanced Biology                                         

Advanced Biology is a yearlong course that is designed for students who have a deep interest in the life sciences and have a solid understanding of biology from a previous high school level course.  In addition to learning about basic biological themes in greater depth, students are exposed to more advanced subject matters such as biotechnology, microbiology, and biostatistics.  Emphasis is placed on experimentation and advanced laboratory activities.   Prerequisite:  Chemistry and B+ or higher in Biology.
 

Semester Electives

Anatomy and Physiology                                   

In this semester course, students study the human body’s structures and functions.  Associated diseases and pathology are also explored, often through case studies. Through laboratory activities, various field trips, and guest speakers, students achieve a deeper understanding of the human body, diseases, and medicine.   Please note, there will be six required walking visits to the College of Physicians, which will impact part of your lunch break.

Astronomy and Cosmology               

In Astronomy, students will investigate the most ancient questions that humans have been asking since they first looked into the sky.  What are the objects we see in the sky? Why do they appear to move throughout the night and seasons, and can their movements be predicted? How can these movements be explained and how do they influence life on Earth? How did it all get started and what will eventually become of these celestial bodies? By the course’s end, students should be able to provide reasonable answers to these questions and hopefully be inspired to share their answers and insights with others.  We will also be going on three field trips during this course (two of them during the late afternoon/early evening, so that we can make night sky observations through our telescopes).

Chemistry of Materials   

This first-semester course explores the science behind our perception and preparation of various artistic media.  We’ll look at how artists have used chemistry to develop and manipulate new tools and materials.  The course will include many hands-on opportunities to make your own dyes, painting media, and various forms of three-dimensional artwork.  More specific topics include color, paints and dyes, textiles, plastics, clay, glass, photography, metals, and art conservation and restoration.

Second Semester

Anatomy and Physiology                

In this semester course, students study the human body’s structures and functions.  Associated diseases and pathology are also explored, often through case studies. Through laboratory activities, various field trips, and guest speakers, students achieve a deeper understanding of the human body, diseases, and medicine.   Please note, there will be six required walking visits to the College of Physicians, which will impact part of your lunch break.  

 

 

Engineering                   

Engineers are experts at breaking complex problems down into manageable, solvable parts. When they recombine their solutions into something nobody has ever seen before, we call it innovation. By combining NASA's Engineering Design Process and Stanford’s Design Thinking Process, students will develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Students will learn how to develop ideas from drawings to models to full-scale prototypes. We will use both computer-aided design and hands-on prototyping with a variety of materials in this heavily collaborative course. 

Environmental Science     

How does nature sustain life?  How do we interact with our natural environment?  How can we live in a sustainable fashion?  These are the broad questions students explore in the semester-long environmental science course. Students utilize their knowledge of general biology and chemistry to study the dynamics of ecosystems.  In an effort to understand the benefits and challenges of sustainability, students analyze the causes and consequences of major environmental problems, as well as discuss possible solutions.  We will also investigate how proposed and established public policy directly affects consumerism, consumption, production, land use, and ultimately the health or degradation of the environment. Students conduct laboratory experiments, work collaboratively on problem solving activities, go on field trips, and complete an independent research project.