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Science Department
Members
Marjorie Lucks
Laura Reeve, Chair
Annick Theoret
Overview
The Girls' Middle School science curriculum emphasizes “Great Ideas in Science,” ideas that fundamentally changed the way scientists understand the natural world. Each year focuses on different content areas and includes a “History of Science” unit that traces how understanding of a specific concept has evolved from ancient times to the present. In sixth grade, students begin to use scientific inquiry and explore earth science concepts. The students' study of the natural world continues in seventh grade with an emphasis on the structure and organization of life. Eighth grade students delve into the more abstract disciplines of physics, chemistry and engineering. Inquiry and hands-on explorations throughout their three years at GMS connect student learning to the outside world.
Philosophy
Albert Einstein said, "the whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking." We believe that each child's inquisitive mind makes her a scientist. Science is a natural process of observing phenomena, wondering how the world works, and searching for answers in order to make sense of the world. Every student at The Girls’ Middle School is a scientist who learns and practices the skills that professional scientists use in their daily endeavors. Because science is a way of understanding the world around us (rather than a collection of vocabulary words and facts), the students engage in many hands-on explorations, inquiries and projects as they explore the natural world.
Courses
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