Academic Departments
Science
What's happening? Why? How can you explain it?
mma Willard students work to answer these questions. As educated people they should understand natural processes and know how to approach problems rationally and methodically. To this end, the science program engages students in discussion, group work, computer-based laboratories and simulations, experimental design, and long-term research projects.
Students in science classes learn to read, understand, and interpret verbal, mathematical, and graphical scientific information. They learn to analyze and describe scientific phenomena and problems through a series of steps including modeling, recognition and application of fundamental principles, and interpretation of the results. Students develop mathematical reasoning skills within a scientific context using arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, or calculus-based methods. Finally, they perform experiments, interpret the results, and assess experimental uncertainties.
In fulfilling the science requirements, students master the groundwork for college study in the natural and physical sciences. Those who intend to major in science in college may begin advanced work through advanced placement courses.
