Form B Science Class

    The Form B science course focuses on life science with students engaging in a variety of lab activities to present a broad view of life on Earth and the methods of biology. Students begin by studying the building block of life, the cell, and its components. They compare and contrast the similarities between plant and animal cells. Students look in depth at different types of plants and the energy-conversion process of photosynthesis. Students attend a field trip to the US Botanical Garden as a capstone to their plant unit. Students begin their animal study by looking at simple organisms like sponges and sea stars. They progress to looking at more complex invertebrates like insects. Finally they finish the year understanding various types of vertebrates. To understand better the similarities and differences between animal species, students dissect a variety of specimens ranging from the earthworm to the frog.
​    Each student keeps a science binder with his lab observations and conclusions for each activity. In the spring, students participate in the Form B Science Fair. Students design their own experiment to answer a question and present their findings.  Science meets three times in our seven-day cycle for the entire year.
    Science class is also complemented by a life-skills program. This multisession continuation of the Form C component—taught by various Lower School teachers—addresses responsible decision-making, healthful living, and the dangers of tobacco use.