Science

In our science classrooms, students tap into their curiosity about the world around them, ask thought-provoking questions, and employ scientific processes to make predictions, collect and analyze data, and share conclusions about scientific phenomena. This intentional design of the curriculum seeks to foster a sense of purpose in each student by emphasizing relevance, impact, and connection to the larger scientific community.

Emma Willard’s science program engages students in hands-on labs and activities, live demonstrations, discussions, group work, computer-based simulations, experimental design, and long-term projects. Utilizing these methodologies, students are asked to consider big questions and work to solve big problems. For example, students contextualize the amount of energy associated with the combustion of fossil fuels while learning about concepts in Chemistry. At all levels, from graduation-level classes to advanced studies courses, students encounter challenging texts, grapple with difficult problems, and write about complex ideas.

Students interpret verbal, mathematical, and graphical scientific information. They learn to analyze and describe scientific phenomena and problems through a series of steps including asking questions, modeling, applying fundamental principles, and interpreting results. Students develop mathematical reasoning skills within a scientific context using arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, or calculus-based methods. They perform experiments, analyze their data, and assess experimental uncertainties. The experimental process includes trial and error. Through reflection and revision, our teachers guide students to take risks and navigate moments of failure with humor and resilience.

In fulfilling their science requirements, students master the foundational knowledge that lays the groundwork for advanced study in the life and physical sciences. Beyond their graduation requirements, students can choose to continue their study of science through an extensive elective program that includes Advanced Studies courses and an array of elective classes designed around the teacher's personal scientific passions. These classes cover specific topics within a major scientific discipline or approach science from an interdisciplinary lens.

In partnership with the Experiential Learning Department, our school also offers students the opportunity to participate in scientific research through a research program which places students in laboratories throughout the Capital District. In the past, students have completed projects studying spinal cord regeneration, microgravity, environmentally-friendly packing materials, and the spread of disease.

Research placement and coursework introduces students to experimental design, scientific literature, graphical interpretation, public speaking, the act of creating presentations, and finding connections between science and other disciplines. Student researchers also learn to connect the work they are doing in a laboratory setting to the larger, exciting “big picture” of where scientific research is today.