Science

The Science curriculum at Solebury School provides students with diverse and challenging opportunities to explore the world of Science.

Our required courses of Conceptual Physics, taken in the 9th or 10th grade, and Biology, taken in the 11th grade, teach students to think like scientists.

Students develop their critical thinking skills through analysis, problem-solving, observation and experimentation. In addition, these courses give students a basic understanding of our physical universe, and of human beings as physical, biological and psychological beings, so that they can make informed decisions about society and themselves.

As with many of the programs at Solebury, the Science curriculum allows students to follow their own individual interests as they choose courses beyond the graduation requirements. It also allows for flexibility within the core sequence of classes. For students interested in a rigorous academic track, our Honors Science sequence takes a “Physics First” approach. Students take:

• Honors Conceptual Physics
• Honors Chemistry
• Honors Biology

During the General level sequence, students will take Conceptual Physics in the 9th grade, but for those needing more math support in their freshman year, we have Chemistry in the Community as an option. This is a conceptual chemistry class, with minimal math demands, designed for 9th graders. Many taking “ChemComm” as 9th graders will take Conceptual Physics in the 10th grade, followed by General Biology. Most students taking Conceptual Physics in the 9th grade will take General Chemistry in the 10th grade, followed by General Biology in grade 11. However, it is possible to take "ChemComm" in the 10th grade for those wanting or needing a less demanding chemistry class.

Electives

Elective options include AP Chemistry, Honors Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Robotics and various trimester electives that change regularly in order to provide Solebury students with an incredibly diverse choice of classes. Past elective courses have included Forensic Science, Genetics, Climatology, Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition, and Field Natural History.

If you have any questions about Solebury School’s Science Department, please contact department chair Kayla Hutwelker at khutwelker@solebury.org.