Science

At every age experimentation is stressed. Understanding the scientific method and the various ways of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data are considered crucial areas to foster. In each year between third and tenth grade, students carry out a multitude of experiments, some of them long-term, which they frequently help to design. Field trips are often taken to supplement classroom learning. Mathematical, statistical, and writing skills are constantly reinforced. Students learn that math and science are virtually inseparable. In addition, they see that the ability to explain ideas in clear, uncluttered prose is of great value.

A formal introduction to science begins in the final year of the Lower School; members of the Science Department meet once a week with these classes. In the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, students learn the basic assumptions of the scientific method and are exposed to a broad range of ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics. This is done by using a general "umbrella" topic over the course of a year.

The overall area of focus for the fourth grade is Change. Insect metamorphosis, plant growth and development, geologic activity, and simple chemical reactions are a few examples of the topics that are covered. Fourth graders begin to use microscopes, balances, and other laboratory equipment; they also keep a detailed lab notebook _ a practice that they will continue throughout most of their years at Saint Ann's.

In fifth grade, the general topic of concern is Water. Students spend the first term investigating the chemical and physical properties of water through rigorous experimentation. Surface tension, buoyancy, and factors affecting boiling and freezing points are just some of the topics considered. During the spring term, students concentrate on a study of marine biology and come to appreciate the diversity and the delicate balance of life in the oceans.

Energy, the sixth grade "umbrella," involves our students in a study of motion, heat, sound, optics, and thermodynamics. Largely through experimentation, the students come to see the role of "waves" in physical science, while also learning about the mechanics of photography, holography, lasers, and their own eyes and ears.

Physical science continues to be emphasized in the seventh grade, albeit with an emphasis on chemistry and the intricacies of the Periodic Table. Students' laboratory and analytic skills are sharpened while they gather critical data on a number of elements throughout the year. Armed with this knowledge, students will spend the last few weeks of school thoroughly and independently analyzing a mixture of unknown substances.

Human biology, in all of its complexity and detail, is presented in the eighth grade. The major organs and body systems are examined from the standpoints of both their morphology and physiology. Some genetics, health, and pathology topics are also investigated over the course of the year. Many labs, experiments, and demonstrations augment the students' work as they learn to understand the human body in a manner that satisfies their immense natural curiosity. In addition to their regular science class, students in the 7th and 8th grades who have completed Algebra I may also take an elective, which will investigate selected topics in physics.

In the ninth grade, students engage in a rigorous full year study of biology. In this fast-paced and dense course, students cover the entire panoply of essential topics including basic biochemistry, the cell, taxonomy, cellular respiration, organisimic (including human ) anatomy, plant biology, mitosis, meiosis, animal development, genetics (Mendelian, modern, and molecular), evolution, behavior, and ecology. It is expected that all freshmen will take the SAT II Biology test at the conclusion of this course.

In addition to biology, ninth graders may elect to take the Independent Research course, which is open to all highly motivated high school students. Meeting four times a week before the regular school day begins, students will learn how to design, execute, and analyze critically independent research projects. Research done for this class is presented in a Spring Science Fair. Students are encouraged to sign up for a second year of Independent Research, during which they will each carry out a rigorous, year-long experiment.

In the tenth grade and beyond, students may choose from among any of the offered electives but must take at least one course in a physical science.

Many of the elective courses vary from year to year, depending on student interest and faculty expertise. They may be either one or two semesters long and differ in their level of difficulty. Electives which are currently being offered or have been offered in the last year include Physics I, Physics II, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Geology, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Advanced Biology, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, Recombinant DNA Technology, Neuroscience, and Electronics. Although three years of science are required in the High School, most students take at least four full-year science courses.

Students are encouraged to participate in research beyond the scope of school facilities by internships arranged with hospitals, research centers, and colleges. General interest in the sciences is fostered by encouraging participation in the Junior Academy of the New York Academy of Sciences, in laboratory and university programs, in summer research programs, and in city, state, and national science competitions, including the Westinghouse Science Talent Search.

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