Science Department
The study of science in the Wardlaw+Hartridge Upper School deals with natural systems, with observations and methods of inquiry using the scientific method, and with specific content areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Our students are guided through the quest of science to find increasingly accurate explanatory models of how the universe functions. Students learn about current models and some of the questions that remain unanswered. Within this context, the science curriculum utilizes and reinforces mathematical skills learned in other courses, as well as modes of technology for data collection and analysis.
The Science Faculty at Wardlaw+Hartridge believes that all students should have broad general knowledge and hands-on experience in the sciences. In addition, we believe that there should be a variety of experiences available in the sciences for those who want to dive in deeper and also to accommodate many interests and abilities.
Ninth and Tenth Grade students are introduced to the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through their individual science courses. In addition, every Ninth and Tenth Grade student completes a science fair project that requires identifying a question or problem, researching, and applying principles of STEM. These are faculty-mentored, long-term projects that students have approximately four months to complete. They are encouraged to work in small teams, problem solve using backward design and/or systems design approaches, design experiments, engineer working models, identify questions their work leaves unresolved, and proffer logical next steps.
Wardlaw+Hartridge students graduate to be pioneering thinkers in a high-tech, global economy. Providing our Upper School students with opportunities to integrate the sciences, mathematics, and technology in creative problem solving will give them the ability to use critical thinking and creativity in their approach to challenges in college and in careers.
Our students are guided through the quest of science to find increasingly accurate explanatory models of how the universe functions. Wardlaw+Hartridge students graduate to be pioneering thinkers in a high-tech, global economy.
