Science
Introduced in kindergarten and evolving through high school, science at Maret is inspiring, rigorous, and directly connected to the world in which we live.
Goals
Maret’s science program is based on an inquiry model; students experiment, observe, make predictions, and test their hypotheses. They design experiments, collect accurate data, and analyze results, comparing the experimental findings to the theory learned in class. Our goal is to give the students both the opportunity and the desire to understand the natural and physical world around them.
How We Teach
At every level in science, students use tools and techniques that are new to them to discover the principles underlying the field. Once these principles are understood, we ask students to apply their newfound knowledge to novel problems and situations. Throughout their scientific career at Maret, students continue to develop their abilities to solve complex problems and spend a great deal of time in the lab, where they practice how to thoughtfully and carefully collect, analyze, and evaluate data, notice patterns, and develop strong scientific arguments that are always supported by evidence.
Science at Maret
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Curriculum Snapshot
LOWER SCHOOL
The science program in Lower School focuses on process: making observations, asking questions, setting up experiments, and analyzing data for patterns. Classes are small and are grounded in direct experience.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The middle school science program weaves foundational principles in earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics into project-based, problem-focused classes.
UPPER SCHOOL
Upper school science students take a deeper dive into the scientific fields and are expected to solve increasingly complex problems and make connections across concepts. They take classes in physics, chemistry, and biology and then branch out into upper-level electives that are wide ranging—from modern physics to biotechnology.
Signature Programs
These highlights show the excitement and challenges students experience in Maret's Science Program.
Science Internships
Maret continues to promote and encourage upper school students to gain real-life, out-of-classroom experience in scientific areas. Faculty members support students in crafting résumés and cover letters directed toward specific summer internships and programs that position them to pursue their scientific curiosity and passions.
- Recently, a student worked in the Data Science Lab of the National Cancer Institute where she researched the availability of usable breast cancer clinical trial data.
- Another student interned at a defense and space innovation company where he modeled and implemented AI systems for a classified project.
- Still another interned at the Glasgow Lab at the Georgetown University Medical Center Department of Oncology and wrote a paper published in the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research that examined the image processing of zebrafish used in human cancer treatment.
Climate Conference (Grade 8)
In an activity best described as “Climate science meets Model UN,” students represent countries and organizations (ranging from Exxon/Mobil to Greenpeace) who have a strong interest in climate policy. Students use their knowledge of the carbon cycle to craft and present policies to mitigate climate change. On the day of the event, students represent their countries or organizations in front of judges who are climate science experts.
Science Day (K-4)
On Science Day, every Lower School student presents an investigation, experiment, or demonstration on a scientific topic. To prepare, each student chooses a topic that particularly interests them, then gathers materials and creates the project at home before presenting what they learned to the rest of the class. Not only do the students take full ownership of their project and proudly present it to their peers, but they have a chance to see themselves as scientists, one of our most important goals throughout their years at Maret.