Science

An overview of our science curriculum

The science program is aimed to encourage students to notice and, more importantly, to question the world around them and in them. It seeks to accommodate the variety of learning strengths and needs of the students, while emphasizing the importance of learning new skills and methods with which to acquire knowledge. The overall purposes and objectives of the science program at Rock Point School are to help students develop in the following ways:

• to be able to think critically and analytically about their world

• to learn the logical reasoning of “how” and “why”

• to engage and interact with the natural world
• to learn the importance of accuracy and preciseness in experimentation

• to gain experience in scientific research and writing, including but not limited to using the scientific method, learning experimental design,observation skills and learning safety procedures in the lab and outdoors

• to have fun in learning

We work with many students who don’t come from a background of strong scientific knowledge, skills or curiosities. The science program believes that this is due in part to science being too abstract or detached from the present experiences of the students. This program’s curriculum was designed to offer topics that are more tangible and applicable, or obvious, to the students, hopefully resulting in greater student interest and intrigue in science.

Earth Science

This class focuses on the looking at and learning about the physical Earth as a system. This investigation begins with learning about the layers of the Earth. As we work our way from the inside out, students gain an understanding of what our landscapes are made of and the forces that continually sculpt them. A key component of this course is getting the students outside so they can synthesize and apply the concepts they read about in textbooks to what is right outside their door.

Biology 1

This class gives our core 1 students exposure to the more tangible topics in biology. Throughout the year, students will gain knowledge about the fundamentals of biology and the threads that connect all life. They will learn about various anatomical systems, with particular focus put on the central nervous system and the reproductive systems. And they will explore the connections within an ecosystem. This course content is supported by both labs and outdoor adventures.

Chemistry

This is an introductory inorganic chemistry course. Throughout the year students will learn the abstract language of chemistry. Students will gain an understanding as to why binary compounds form and the factors that influence chemical reactions. Concepts learned in the classroom are routinely reinforced with labs. The course is designed to promote comprehension and problem-solving skills.

Biology 2

Biology 2 focuses largely on two major topics: the environment and sustainability and evolution. Concerning the environment, the main topic of study is climate change. In our evolution unit students will not only learn about the mechanisms of evolution, but how humans may be influencing the direction that it takes. This is a reading intensive, college-prep course that provides ample opportunities for students to think about and make connections to the natural world and their roles and responsibilities in it.