Curriculum Detail

Upper School Science

The Science Department believes that science is a process rooted in curiosity, awe, understanding and respect for the natural world in which we live. Students are encouraged to become autonomous learners in a
collaborative environment. We teach students to be critical thinkers who use logic, experimental design, and problem solving as vehicles for discovery. Through a carefully constructed curriculum, our students develop scientific literacy, understand the research process, and hone effective communication skills. We apply the scientific method throughout a student’s experience at St. Margaret’s and empower budding scientists to formulate interesting questions, develop a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze results, and report a thoughtful conclusion. Our students learn to think logically and critically and to transfer scientific knowledge and skills to other disciplines. It is our hope that students will mature into responsible stewards of the Earth and build lifelong interest in science.
 
The Science Department seeks to impart to its students through its curriculum, an enduring understanding of how to approach problems or questions of interest. Our students learn how to:
  • Apply the scientific method.
  • Utilize the principles of Design Thinking.
  • Build the foundations of scientific literacy and work to make bridges across the curriculum.
  • Think logically and critically.
  • Become independent learners while recognizing the value of collaboration and communication.
  • Make connections to their inner and outer environments.
Graduation Requirements: Three years, including one year of physical and one year of biological science.
 
Physical Sciences that fulfill the requirement include: Conceptual Physics, Physics, Chemistry, Chemistry Honors. Biological Sciences that fulfill the requirement include: Biology, AP Biology.
 
The traditional course of study begins with Physics in Grade 9 followed by Biology in Grade 10 and Chemistry in Grade 11. Students, with the help of Department consultation, may then branch out into elective or Advanced Placement courses. Alternate routes of progression may occur after Physics in Grade 9 with department approval.
 
Click here to view the department overview.
  • Mr. Edmund Herlihy
    US Science; Department Chair; Swimming & Diving Coach
    University of California, Irvine - M.A.
    University of the Pacific - B.A.
    Credentialed
  • Dr. Stephanie Capen
    Director of Institutional Research & Astronomy Teacher
    University of Hawaii, Manoa - PhD
    University of Hawaii, Manoa - M.Ed.
    Eastern Nazarene College - B.S.
  • Ms. Andrea Chou
    US Chemistry
    University of California, Berkeley - B.S.
    University of Texas at Austin - M.A.
  • J Horton
    US Science Lab Tech
    San Jose State University - B.S.
  • Mr. Christian Kim
    US Science; US Mathematics
    University of California, Irvine - M.S.
    Franklin and Marshall College - B.A.
  • Dr. Jennifer Ross-Viola
    US Science
    University of Notre Dame - Ph.D.
    University of San Diego - B.A.
  • Ms. Anza Spinelli
    US Biology
    University of California, Santa Barbara - B.S.
  • Mr. Steve Sprecher
    US Physics
    University of California, Los Angeles - J.D.
    University of California, Los Angeles - MBA
    United States Naval Academy - B.S.
  • Dr. Eric Trumbauer
    US Science & Engineering
    University of California, Irvine - PhD
    University of California, Irvine - M.S.
    University of California, Berkeley - B.A.
  • Mrs. Staciana Winfield
    US Physiology; Head Swimming & Diving Coach; MS Health; Personal Fitness & Wellness
    Concordia University - M.A.
    University of California, Berkeley - B.S.
    Credential - Multiple Subject

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

31641 La Novia Avenue
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-0108
 
Translation? ¿Traducción? 翻译?:

An Independent Preschool Through Grade 12 College-Preparatory Day School in Orange County California

Non-Discrimination Policy
St. Margaret's Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, hiring and athletic policies or in other school-administered programs.