Lower School

In the Lower School Science program, students explore scientific theory and the scientific method through hands-on activities, experiments, and observations. All units in lower school science focus on the three sciences: Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. Students learn how to communicate scientifically with peers through science journals, presentations, and projects. All girls in 1st through 4th grades participate in the annual Science Fair. Questions for each project are completely student-focused: the girls are encouraged to ask a question for which they do not have an answer, and through scientific observation and experimentation strive to find an answer for their question. Every step of this project, from question formulation to poster board design, is done at school. The final piece of the project is the girls' presentation of their findings to students, parents and faculty.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Science is an engaging and hands-on experience of ideas and explanations on how the world works around us. Children will use prior knowledge, make predictions, and begin to apply the processes involved in the scientific method, while investigating a variety of topics including: plants/seeds/leaves, nutrition, animals, simple machines, and sinking/floating. The goal is to expose the girls to a wide range of science concepts, so that they will have a good base of understanding upon which to build in future grades.

First Grade

Life Science
In 1st grade Science girls examine the three different components of soil (sand, clay, and humus), focusing particularly on the types of soils found in and around Central Texas. Another unit on organisms explores the basic needs for all living things (food, water, shelter, and space) through the study of guppies and pill bugs.

Earth Science
During a detailed weather study, students discover how temperature changes over time while becoming familiar with the tools used to monitor weather conditions. A habitat unit then concentrates on the cold deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic.

Physical Science
Topics include properties of solid and liquid matter, as well as an exploration of balance and motion through many hands-on activities such as spinning tops, balls and ramps and roller coaster building.

Second Grade

Life Science
Girls in 2nd grade study the plant and animal life in hot desert climates, paying particular attention to our native Texas desert plants, survival adaptations of plants, and the lifecycles of butterflies.

Earth Science
Students learn about constellations, the Earth's moon, and our solar system's planets through an interdisciplinary unit with Language Arts that explores not only the physical characteristics, but also the Greek and Roman mythologies behind each planet. The study of planet Earth shifts to a more in-depth focus on the water cycle, seasons, and weather.

Physical Science
Through experimentation with freezing, melting, evaporation, and condensation of water, the Physical Science component concentrates on the states of matter and the changes between those states. Also included is a unit on famous inventors and inventions, in which the girls' final project is to create their own invention that solves a problem of their choice.

Third Grade

Life Science
In the 3rd grade Science program students learn about plant growth and development, with emphasis on plant stem structure, by creating individual terrariums and exploring Texas trees and plants. They also study the habitats of marine life by comparing/contrasting what is known about ocean and pond habitats, and by creating their own fresh water habitat using fish, tadpoles, and different larvae.

Earth Science
Through observation and investigation, students learn to distinguish between classifications of rocks and minerals from both local and global sources, and become familiar with their various properties.

Physical Science
Students investigate elements of matter directly by studying the substance Oobleck in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the properties of liquids and solids through their molecular and atomic structures. Another matter exploration unit entitled “Mysteries” is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn fingerprinting skills and chromatography, while experimenting with numerous substances, and culminates in a challenge to solve two mysteries by using their developing scientific skills.

Fourth Grade

4th grade Science is an entirely hands-on program using laboratory experimentation and discovery. Utilizing the scientific method, the students analyze information, make accurate notes, keep a Science journal, and employ a variety of materials to support scientific investigations.

Life Science
Students use microscopes and other magnifiers to observe living and non-living things through a study of “Microworlds.”

Earth Science
During a detailed study of various “Ecosystems,” the girls explore the idea that no organisms live cut off and independent from all others.

Physical Science
Students investigate nutrients in common foods during a “Food Chemistry” study. Another unit on matter is “Floating and Sinking,” in which the girls study concepts related to the property of buoyancy.

Middle School

Fifth Grade

5th grade Science explores topics in Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. Students begin by examining the structures and diversity of plant and animal life, then proceed smoothly to a second unit that focuses on the various interactions of living things. Physical Science units focus on sound and light energy, properties of matter and energy, and Newton's laws of motion. 5th grade girls then turn their attention to a study of the Earth and its resources, with particular emphasis on rocks, minerals, air, water, and energy. They finish the year with a unit on weather phenomena/patterns and climate. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 5th grade girl submits a science fair project (created mostly at school and consisting of student-only work) to the annual school-wide GSA Science Fair, held in December.

Sixth Grade

The 6th grade year is devoted to Earth Science. The course begins with a study of rocks and minerals, followed by an examination of the effects of weathering and erosion. Students investigate the formation of soil, water cycles, ground water sources, water pollution, and waste water treatment. The girls then shift their focus to a review of the fundamentals of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, mountain building, geologic time and Earth's planetary history, oceans, the atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate. An Astronomy unit rounds out the course with a tour of the solar system, stars, and galaxies. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 6th grade girl submits a science fair project (created mostly at school and consisting of student-only work) to the annual school-wide GSA Science Fair, held in December.

Seventh Grade

7th grade students begin their year's focus on Physical Science by reviewing both the S.I. system of measurement and atomic structure. This is followed by a detailed examination of the properties and structure of matter, and the forms of both matter and energy. During these units the girls test Newton's laws and learn about work/power/simple machines. Through study and experimentation, students explore the characteristics of waves, the design and use of the periodic table, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, chemical equations, space technology, the nature of light and optics, the electromagnetic spectrum, and sound. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 7th grade girl submits a science fair project (created mostly at school and consisting of student-only work) to the annual school-wide GSA Science Fair, held in December.

Eighth Grade

8th grade students concentrate on Life Science, beginning with a study of acids/bases/pH, important organic compounds, nucleic acids and proteins, cell structure, and both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Students follow this study with a review of classification and taxonomy, human body systems, plants, mitosis and meiosis, and animal kingdom diversity (beginning with viruses and bacteria, then moving up the phylogenetic ladder). This portion of the course includes evidence of evolution and involves discussions of human origins and animal behaviors. The course concludes with an exploration of genetics, biomes, populations, and conservation. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 8th grade girl submits a science fair project (created mostly at school and consisting of student-only work) to the annual school-wide GSA Science Fair, held in December.