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| Science Department Philosophy Statement
The school’s philosophy and motto “not for school, but for life” are well reflected in the science department’s philosophy and amplified through: TRADITION - CONTEMPORARY
DISCIPLINE - CREATIVITY
INDIVIDUAL - COMMUNITY
Traditionally, the time-tested methods of scientific inquiry are valued and taught to the student. At the same time, contemporary topics and their implications for the student are explored as well as increasing uses of and for technology.
Discipline, especially self-discipline, is paramount to the successful use of the scientific method. Creativity in new approaches to problem solving and exploration are encouraged as our students’ progress through the science curriculum.
Individuality of expression and endeavor are highly regarded and encouraged as they bring the community to a truer and fuller understanding of the nature of our environment.
Our students ultimately need to be prepared to face and cope with ever increasing stores of information. They need the cognitive and interpretive skills to collect and understand the vast amounts of sensory input they will encounter not only throughout their years of formal education, but also throughout their entire lives.
Science Department Goals
| ATTITUDES: | of curiosity and involvement with the phenomena in the students’ learning environment.
of concern for and protection of the natural environment.
of appreciation for the contribution science has made to their daily lives.
of valuing and using the scientific method to solve problems. | | PROCESSES: | of intellectual inquiry by which scientific problems are solved through
experimental design using observation, explained predictions, data collection, and analysis.
| KNOWLEDGE:
| of exploring the implications of scientific results of facts, terms,
concepts, models, generalizations, and principles drawing from various disciplines which aid the student in studying and
interpreting her environment.
| | SKILLS: | of using technology and computers for data gathering, analyzing,
organizing, and conducting research beyond the classroom.
of handling, constructing, and manipulating materials and equipment in a safe and effective manner.
of measuring, organizing, and analyzing data, thus allowing the student to draw logical conclusions.
of appropriate mathematical usage in science. | | |
In the ninth through twelfth grades, the above efforts are uniquely
executed in an all girls’ setting where the student can take a
leadership role in problem solving and be exposed to women role models.
We believe, to paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, If our students are to see
further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. It is the dream
of the science department that said giants be our students. |
