Science 

 

FOCUS AND PHILOSOPHY

The Upper School Science curriculum offers a program of studies by which students will gain a firm foundation in life science and physical science. The science staff is highly trained and delivers a rigorous science curriculum to their students. There is a three-year laboratory science graduation requirement, and all students must take biology, chemistry, and physics (research exception). Students are encouraged to continue their study of science beyond the three-year requirement. A variety of recommended courses that go beyond the requirements include A.P. Biology, A.P. Chemistry (students receive 10 hours of college credit from Wichita State University), A.P. Physics, Environmental Science, and Advanced Chemical Research (experimental lab work using Gas Chromatograph (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and UV Visible Spectroscopy). There are other offerings in science that are extracurricular which will appeal to students according to the individual descriptions below.

 

We strive to:

• prepare our students to compete globally in science.
• stay current in our field by attending professional conferences annually
• pique student interest by offering an innovative hands-on laboratory      program.
• use advanced scientific technology such as Lab Pros, Gas Chromatographs, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, and DNA electrophoresis.

 

We believe:

• all students should become scientifically literate.
• all students should become keenly aware of how they learn best.
• all students should be able to enjoy the wonders of science through inquiry activities.

 

We hope to:

• instill in our students a curiosity of the wonders of science.
• allow students to see how science works everyday in their lives.

 

UPPER SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS

To encourage student success, the staff uses various teaching modalities to pique student interest. Teaching students to think critically is emphasized. The entire science staff supports hands-on learning as a great method for students to retain the information they have learned. The A.P. Science exams taken by students each year has a successful number of 5's, 4's, and 3's. It is our intent to prepare students for any science related career they wish to pursue.

There are special activities sponsored by the science department which include Science Olympiad (teams have qualified two times to compete in National Tournaments), and Science Wizards (upper school students who perform science demonstrations to lower school students).