Look Inside
Curriculum

Science

Science at Shady Hill begins in Kindergarten and is designed to provide students of all ages with the skills and content they will need to become scientifically literate. It is a hands-on curriculum, including laboratory experiences, project-based work, and skill-building in both writing and the use of mathematics for data analysis. Most importantly, all of the work done in science is carefully designed to instill in the students a love for science and a better understanding of the world around them.

LOWER SCHOOL

  • Experiences designed to expose students to scientific thinking, data collection and analysis, and a variety of lab tools and materials
  • Content designed to complement and enrich Thematic Studies and Central Subject at each grade level
  • Hands-on work forms the basis for learning content
  • Encouraging curiosity and an appreciation for the natural world and the important role that STEM plays in our world

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Experiences designed to build on skills and content from lower school science classes
  • Focus on quantitative vs. qualitative analysis of data
  • Experience designing and carrying out experiments
  • Use of advanced lab tools and materials
  • Lab report writing

MAKERSPACE

  • Students learn design and problem-solving skills using high-tech and low-tech materials
  • Coding classes for Grades I and II
  • STEAM class for Grade III
  • Other classes may sign up to do curriculum-related or stand-alone projects
  • Open for middle schoolers during recess

OUR SCIENCE TEACHERS

List of 7 members.

  • Photo of Tracy Polte

    Tracy Polte 

    Science Department Chair, Kindergarten, Grade I & II Science Teacher
  • Photo of Barbara Bratzel

    Barbara Bratzel 

    Coding/STEAM/Makerspace Teacher
  • Photo of Johanna Mendillo

    Johanna Mendillo 

    Grade VI Science Teacher
  • Photo of Mary Patterson

    Mary Patterson 

    Grade IV & V Science Teacher
  • Photo of Emma Shoemaker

    Emma Shoemaker 

    Grade VII & VIII Science Teacher
  • Photo of Siqi Wei

    Siqi Wei 

    Grade V & VIII Science Teacher
  • Photo of Laura Cappio-Frost

    Laura Cappio-Frost 

    Grade III & VII Science Teacher
617.520.5260      178 Coolidge Hill  Cambridge MA 02138           Association of Independent Schools in New England