Science
The science program is based on the philosophy that guided inquiry is important to understanding scientific phenomena, including how biological, chemical, and physical interactions contribute to our daily lives. Stimulating class discussion and hands-on experimentation help students develop skills to connect scientific principles, collaborate with peers, process and evaluate scientific information, draw conclusions, and communicate their work orally and in writing. Emphasis is placed on data collection and interpretation, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, problem solving, and the use of evidence to support claims.
Girls in Grades 7 and 8, and Upper School students participating in Independent Research, present their projects to a group of judges at the annual Science and Engineering Fair.
Middle School
Middle School Science is an exciting journey of inquiry and discovery, built on the idea that every student can become a scientist. Our curriculum fosters curiosity, encourages questioning, promotes critical thinking, and cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural world, while also emphasizing the essential contributions of women in science and engineering.
Essential Skills
Throughout the Middle School Science journey, students are encouraged to observe, question, and think critically about the world around them. They develop essential skills such as organization, communication, persistence, analysis, and collaboration, preparing them to become informed global citizens and lifelong learners in the pursuit of scientific understanding.
- Questioning and curiosity
- Creativity and innovation
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Public speaking and science writing
- Organization and research skills
- Scientific inquiry and analysis
- Experimentation, data collection, and data analysis
- Engineering design and prototyping
- Interpretation of graphical representations of data
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Grade 5: Ecology and the Environment
- Grade 6: Astronomy and Geology
- Grade 7: Life Science
- Grade 8: Physical Science
Grade 5: Ecology and the Environment
- Biotic and abiotic factors in Earth's biomes
- Populations, communities, and ecosystems
- Water properties and cycles
- Human impact on the environment
Signature Activities
- Voyagers Excursions: travel to the EcoTarium, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Crane Estate for real-world observations, data collection, and appreciation of Earth's beauty
- Living Invention Project: creatively display the components of living things
- Microscope Mania Lab: visualize characteristics of microscopic, unicellular organisms
- Blossoming Beans Lab: analyze plant growth and adaptations in different biomes
- Mini-Science Fair: study experimental design, collect and analyze data, and present results using Daphnia Magna as a model organism
- Caterpillar Chronicles: examine the impact of different food sources on caterpillar growth and development
Text and Other Resource Materials
- Pearson Elevate Science Module: Relationships Within Ecosystems
- Materials provided by the Middle School Science Department
Grade 6: Astronomy and Geology
- Distances in space and space travel
- Moon and its phases
- Solar System and the Universe
- Layers of the Earth and Earth processes
- Rocks, minerals, fossils, and geologic time
Signature Activities
- Design a Spacesuit Project: creatively think about modernizing spacesuits to allow for travel to and sustained life on Mars
- Mission to Mars Field Trip: engage in an interactive exploration to Mars and a visit to the Planetarium at the Christa McAuliffe Center
- Planet Poster Project: create a poster about future space travel to a planet
- Space Travel and Moon Landing History: take a historical look into the Moon Landing of 1969, manned and unmanned missions, and life on the International Space Station
- Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Investigation Labs: engage in hands-on lab activities to identify samples
- Geologic Time Project: complete a collaborative project describing life during different time periods
Texts and Other Resource Materials
- Pearson Elevate Science Module: Earth's Place in the Universe
- Pearson Elevate Science Module: Earth Systems
- Materials created by the Middle School Science Department
Grade 7: Life Science
In this course, students embark on a deep dive into the natural world, in preparation for the study of biology in the Upper School. Engaging in scientific inquiry, collaboration, and discovery, students progressively build their understanding of the natural world, from the theory of evolution to cellular biology. Students learn to design and analyze their own experiments, laying the groundwork for future scientific inquiry. Through labs, field trips, research projects, and presentations, students are guided to develop their scientific reasoning and communication skills, while exploring how biological principles relate to real-world environmental and health issues. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of life science topics and are prepared to approach new scientific challenges with curiosity, persistence, and confidence.
Overview of Topics
- Evolution and adaptation
- Scientific process and experimentation
- Cellular biology and genetics
- Human health and diseases
Signature Activities
- Design an Organism Project: creatively design organisms with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in specific ecosystems
- Excursion to the New England Aquarium: observe and analyze the adaptations of aquatic species
- Bee Houses: apply key features of healthy landscapes for sustaining bee populations to design an ideal bee habitat
- Science Fair Project: conduct independent research, present findings, and receive feedback from experts in the field
- Microscopy Lab and Cell Models: examine plant and animal cells under the microscope and construct cell models using clay
- DNA and Genetics Labs: explore the genetic code and its implications for health and disease through hands-on activities, build a "Twizzler/marshmallow" model of DNA
- Infectious Disease Project: select an infectious disease, explore its historical impact, symptoms, treatment, and the mode of transmission; this cross-curricular project intersects with History 7 and emphasizes skills in analytical writing
Texts and Other Resource Materials
- Pearson Elevate Science Module: Diversity of Life
- Materials created by the Middle School Science Department
Grade 8: Physical Science
This course integrates an introduction to topics of physics and chemistry to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. Students apply scientific principles to hands-on investigations of motion, forces, energy, and matter. Positioning themselves as engineers, students tackle real-world problems by applying their knowledge in inquiry-based projects. By honing their skills in critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and collaboration, students are well prepared for Upper School science courses.
Overview of Topics
- Forces and motion
- Work and energy
- Engineering design process
- Matter and its properties
- Atoms, elements, and the Periodic Table
- Chemical reactions and bonding
Signature Activities
- Engineering Design Projects: design a zipline device and an egg-carrying car
- Engineering Fair Project: engage in a student-directed, collaborative project to design and test a prototype, utilize the iterative engineering design process to modify the prototype, present findings, and receive feedback from experts in the field
- Laboratory Investigations: observe and understand physical and chemical changes and the field of forensics
- Hands-On Experiments: create and interpret motion graphs, forces, force diagrams
Texts and Other Resources
- Pearson Elevate Science Module: Physical Science (Middle School)
- PhET Interactive Simulations
- Materials created by the Middle School Science Department
Upper School
The Upper School Science curriculum fosters a deep exploration of the natural world through inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking. With a strong emphasis on developing scientific literacy, students engage in hands-on learning, collaborative innovation, and theoretical study, honing skills in observation, data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and communication. Whether exploring the complexities of biology, the properties of matter in chemistry, the forces that govern the physical world, or the impact of human activities on the environment, students are encouraged to think holistically, analyze data critically, make connections across concepts, and devise innovative solutions to real-world challenges. By the end of their Upper School science journey, students are empowered to tackle challenges with a rigorous, open-minded, and solution-focused approach to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community and beyond.
Essential Skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Scientific inquiry and experimentation
- Collaboration and active engagement
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Modeling and visualization
- Scientific communication
- Application of theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts
- Independent research
- Adaptability and persistence
- Biology
- Advanced Placement Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Advanced Placement Chemistry
- Advanced Placement Environmental Science
- Physics
- Honors Physics
- Advanced Placement Physics 1
- Advanced Placement Physics 2
- Engineering Design
- Independent Research in Science and Engineering
Biology
Biology is the study of life. In this course, students explore the diverse characteristics of living things, from the tiny atoms and molecules that comprise cells to the complexity of organisms and ecosystems. Course topics include ecology, evolution, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell membranes and transport, the cell cycle and mitosis, DNA, and patterns of genetic inheritance. Through collaborative laboratory investigations and inquiry-based activities, students practice posing scientific questions, interpreting data, reading and generating graphs and data tables, and drawing conclusions. Projects, writing prompts, and study guide assignments help students engage in substantiating claims with evidence, connecting new details to overarching themes, effectively organizing information, using models, and synthesizing concepts.
Open to students with no prior experience in Biology
Advanced Placement Biology
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body, its constituent parts, and how these parts are related to one another; physiology is the study of how our anatomy functions. In this course, students explore the human body beginning with small-scale structures (cells, tissues, organs) and building up to organ systems. Themes that are addressed with each system include the close relationship between anatomical structures and their function, homeostasis, the connections between levels of organization within systems, and the integration of systems. Students learn through collaborative inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences, such as manipulatives, model building, and dissections. Students also analyze case studies, wherein they investigate a patient case in order to apply, connect, and extend what they have learned about an organ system to understand a health condition. Students demonstrate their understanding of content through creative projects, case study reports, learning reflections, and quizzes. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry. Open to students in grades 11 and 12
Chemistry
This course aims to explain the physical world through the study of matter and its changes. The first semester focuses on reactions; it begins with an overview of chemical change and atomic structure and cumulatively builds content to include bonding, the effect of structure on properties, the prediction of products, and visual models of atom movement throughout changes. The second semester covers the mathematical and cross-disciplinary aspects of chemistry. Study includes measurement and unit conversion through stoichiometry, acids, bases, and solutions through environmental chemistry, and thermochemistry and organic chemistry through the chemistry of cooking. Throughout the year, logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills are emphasized. In each unit, students are assessed through weekly quizzes, class engagement, a significant lab analysis and a unit test. Each term students engage in creative displays of mastery such as the creation of rain-activated art, “the chemistry of…” topic presentations, stop-motion animations, infographics, and material prototypes. Open to students with no prior experience in Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
This is a student-driven, challenging course that provides a real-world study of the fundamental principles of structure, behavior, and change of matter. Students derive their own learning through a carefully scaffolded curriculum. Students make observations of phenomena, engage in thoughtful discussions in collaborative groups, plan investigations, and collect and interpret data. Pacing is rigorous and strong mathematical skills are required. Skills are honed in independence, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, scientific inquiry, problem solving, and precision in the use of evidence to support claims. A guided questioning approach is used to learn and construct information. The laboratory program challenges students to think critically, design and carry out experiments, collect and evaluate data, draw conclusions, and communicate in scientific writing. Students are assessed based on application of their understanding to novel situations to demonstrate their mastery of content and skills. Grading is based on a year-long mastery of content and skills with the perspective of a growth mindset. Open to students with no prior experience in Chemistry with departmental approval
Advanced Placement Chemistry
This course is a study of the properties of matter and principles governing chemical reactions, commonly covered in a first year college course in general chemistry. The course explores key topics of chemistry in depth and promotes students’ mastery of the quantitative aspects of chemistry by enhancing their qualitative understanding and visualization of the particulate nature of matter. Students are encouraged to test, evaluate, and refine explanations and predictions of natural phenomena through science practices. These practices include generating representations and models, engaging in guided inquiry in the laboratory, developing strategies for collecting data, and making connections across concepts and domains. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and assume ownership of their own learning. Pacing is vigorous and strong mathematical skills are required. This course prepares students to take the AP Chemistry exam. Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with departmental approval
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
This course is equivalent to a first year college course in Environmental Science. Students focus on the interconnectedness of living things and the Earth. Students are introduced to the concepts of ecosystems, natural cycles, resource allocation and usage, and human impact on natural systems. These concepts are explored through case studies, laboratory investigations, fieldwork, and projects. Students are encouraged to explore and propose solutions for environmental issues in their home community, their state, their country, and around the world. Through collaborative activities, students practice posing scientific questions, interpreting data, reading and generating graphs and tables, drawing conclusions, and answering free response and multiple choice questions in the AP exam format. This course prepares students to take the AP Environmental Science exam. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with departmental approval
Physics
Honors Physics
In this course, students with strong mathematical skills explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe through practical examples and laboratory experience. Pacing is rapid and content coverage is deeper than in Physics. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed and emphasized to a greater extent as students explore the concepts of motion, forces and energy as they relate to the workings of the world around them. Students explore the process of scientific inquiry with significant independence by designing and carrying out experiments, analyzing data, and creating and interpreting graphs. Various sensors and software are often used in lab activities to record data and to enhance the analysis of relationships and patterns. Students apply the concepts to real-world phenomena and scenarios. Topics include experimental design and measurement, kinematics in 2D, forces and Newton’s laws of motion in 2D, work and energy, momentum, circular motion, gravitation, harmonic motion, torque and rotation, and light and optics. Open to students in grades 11 and 12 with departmental approval
Advanced Placement Physics 1
Advanced Placement Physics 2
This course is a broad study of physics that complements the content of AP Physics 1. This non-calculus based course is equivalent to a second semester college course that emphasizes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve problems. Students develop deeper skills to construct, critique, analyze, and evaluate scientific hypotheses in hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Students apply physics concepts in an increasingly sophisticated manner using experimental evidence, symbolic notation, and proportional reasoning. Various sensors and software are often used in lab activities to record data and to enhance the analysis of relationships and patterns. Topics include waves and sound, RC electric circuits, electromagnetism, geometrical and physical optics, thermodynamics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course prepares students to take the AP Physics 2 exam. Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Physics 1 or equivalent with departmental approval
Engineering Design
Independent Research in Science and Engineering
This course provides an opportunity to pursue an independent scientific research or engineering design project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students are required to propose a topic, research the proposal, develop a hypothesis or design goal, design and execute an experiment or prototype, and use statistical tests to analyze data and draw conclusions. The experimental and prototyping phase may occur either at home, at school, or at a scientific research institute outside of the school. Students present their work at scientific forums, including the Newton Country Day Science and Engineering Fair, the Massachusetts State Fair, and the New England Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Students hone skills in planning and conducting research projects, collecting and analyzing data, and engaging in scientific writing and public speaking. A significant time commitment is involved both during and outside of school hours, especially in the months of November through February. The ability to work independently along with organizational and time-management skills are necessary for success in this course.