The Science Department
The Mission of the Science Department at Classical is rooted in the commitment to academic rigor, through scientific inquiry, at all levels of learning. Student learning is rooted in the Paideia model of instruction and is enhanced by national and state standards that are carefully embedded in Paideia based learning experience. Our sophisticated, inquiry based curriculum is designed to foster the Classical student’s ability to grapple with new technology, theories and understandings while having a solid understanding of classical theory. Knowing the balance of knowledge and learning skills is a critical one.
Through Didactic teaching, we will ensure the effective conveyance of essential knowledge, share knowledge related to standards and to content based knowledge. Using Coached projects, we will foster the intellectual rigor that is the hallmark of our Classical Paideia schools. Using Seminars, we will support students as they use their learning to conceptualize, organize, justify and communicate. Targeting high achievement for all schools, our science teachers will work with students on the critical mission of creating lifelong learners.
Mr. Tom Holloway |
Mr. Eric Strattman |
Ms. Renata Kaluzny-Blaszczyk |
Ms. Angela Kumm |
Ms. Monica Brase |
Ms. Pam Drew |
Ms. Paula Koenig |
Science Course Descriptions
6 th Grade-Earth Science:
Throughout sixth grade, Classical Magnet students use Inquiry investigations centered on major environmental and astronomy related concepts. Specifically, their inquiry centers on investigation of Ecosystems and Astronomy. Engaged learning targets integrating mathematics with major theories and understandings. Within the Paideia model, students use coached projects to personalize their learning. Socratic seminars foster the development of higher order thinking skills, promoting communication and articulation of scientific issues.
7 th Grade-Physical Science:
Seventh grade students center their learning experiences on linking their Classical learning to the world with a scientific perspective. Beginning with Matter and Energy, students move on to examine Energy Transfer and Transformation as well as Forces and Motion. This comprehensive course fosters emerging, sophisticated science inquiry skills of Classical students’ ability to design and conduct investigations.
8 th Grade-Life Science:
Classical Magnet students engage in active investigation and inquiry throughout their 8 th grade science course. Learning standards center on Structure and Function, Properties of Matter, Heredity, Evolution and Physical Science. As students move to an increasingly analytical scientific stance, analysis becomes more quantitative in nature. Students, through coached projects and Seminars, learn to examine data, assess reliability and determine investigational focus.
9 th Grade: Biology
Classical Magnet students use an inquiry model to explore the biological world. Socratic and scientific questioning are the hallmarks of this college prep course. Using the Paideia learning framework, student learning includes topics and standards including cell biology, genetics, chemistry of life, biodiversity and evolution. This living course blends current science understanding with historical classical science history.
10 th Grade: Chemistry
In Chemistry, Classical Magnet students will inquire about chemical phenomena through substantial laboratory work. Students will come to know and understand the nature of interactions with properties of matter, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and states of matter. Unlike a traditional science course, Classical Magnet students will use in-depth Classical readings to provide a venue for discussion of scientific findings and understandings.
11 th Grade: Physics
This college prepatory course is designed to facilitate student experiences in physics. Topics include student learning related to creation and conducting of in-depth investigations related to law’s of motion, gravitation, conservation of energy and momentum, electromagnetism, waves and heat transfer. Classical students will use high level math skills to quantify and examine scientific theory and relationships.
12 th Grade: Anatomy and Physiology
Classical Magnet’s Anatomy and Physiology course centers its instructional focus on the organizational relationship between cells, tissue and organs. Students use inquiry based to learning to examine normal functions and body systems. In addition to lab work, students use coached projects to frame their learning and Socratic seminars to enhance their understanding and higher order thinking.
