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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. Students design experiments, collect accurate data, and analyze results. 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, to thoughtfully and carefully analyze and evaluate data, and to develop strong scientific arguments that are always supported by evidence. [See below re: note about science labs.]

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 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 biology, chemistry, and physics in a sequence that best suits their interests and learning styles and then branch out into upper-level electives that are wide ranging—from gravitational astrophysics to biotechnology.

Signature Programs

These highlights show the excitement and challenges students experience in Maret's Science Program.

Subtropical Zone Ecology Summer Program  in Puerto Rico

The group will fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, tour the area as well as the El Yunque Rainforest before traveling by ferry to the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico where the group will spend the bulk of their time.

Learn more

student and teacher

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.

Student presenting at the conference

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.  

Maret Chemistry Lab

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 obtain internships.