In science classes at Emma Willard School, students can use colorimeters to measure light intensity, microscopes to examine the natural world, and lasers to dive into the world of physics.
Students can expect to see a variety of discussion and lab-based classes in well-appointed and state-of-the-art spaces. Through the help of donors, the science classrooms are dynamic workspaces that allow individual experiments, small group discussions, and the ability to move from stations easily. Students can use Vernier probes and state-of-the-art camera and time-lapse equipment that allows timed experiments, advanced chemical analysis, movies, video and data collection.
In usual Emma fashion, science instructors teach students to use hands-on work and open-ended questions along with conventional research methods to learn.
Students take offerings from a strong program of the three core sciences: physics, chemistry, and biology. Students begin their study of science by investigating physics in the 9th grade. We believe that studying physics in a hands-on, inquiry-based fashion will allow for better understanding of subsequent science courses.
Beyond the core courses, students often choose to continue their study of science through an extensive elective program, including three Advanced Placement offerings. Students may explore ethics in science, neuroscience, forensic science, astrobiology, or environmental science. There is also the opportunity to participate in scientific research through an internship program which places girls in laboratories throughout the capital district. Girls have been engaged with projects studying such areas as spinal cord regeneration, microgravity, environmentally-friendly packing materials, and the spread of tuberculosis.
