Scientific Curiosities

As Nobel Prize-winning chemist Irving Langmuir said, "The scientist is motivated primarily by curiosity." Fay's ninth grade biology students embraced that spirit of curiosity during the winter term by designing their own course of study and scientific experimentation. Working in small groups or individually,  students planned, refined, and carried out research projects on various topics, such as how pheromones influence photosynthesis in plants, how different hitting techniques affect the spin rate and rotation of a tennis ball, and how climate change impacts coral. Throughout the process, students deepened their scientific knowledge while also developing essential research and project management skills. 

The process started with students brainstorming topics they were interested in exploring. "We don't limit the possible topics," says science teacher Chris O'Connor. "The requirement is that there has to be a science component to the project, but everything in the universe has a connection to science." Once students developed their proposal, they fleshed it out into a complete project prospectus with a timeline and deliverables they will be responsible for along the way. Deliverables included written tasks like outlines and visual tasks like creating a "coming attractions" style poster that advertises their project topic. Throughout the process, students engaged in a series of updates and reflections. Students gave public updates to their classmates, discussing their progress and problems they may have encountered. 

The final deliverables for each project include a research paper documenting their work and findings and an additional expression of their learning, which can take various forms. Students created comic books, posters, podcasts, children's books, and documentary films this year. Chris and fellow ninth grade biology teacher Xiaohu Zhao appreciate it when students take the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone in designing their projects. One student with little experience with video editing decided to create a mini-documentary on her topic, which turned out very well. "I like it when they step out of their comfort zone and learn something about themselves and whatever it is they're exploring," says Chris. As a final step, students will create a web page about their project to share with the Upper School community.