Mathematics
Language of the Universe
Mathematical thinking is developed through the use of an inquiry-based model. Our students benefit from rigorous, high-quality mathematics instruction, allowing them to learn important mathematical concepts and procedures with genuine understanding. Content areas include number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability. We encourage deep, intellectual engagement with complex and meaningful problems so that our young mathematicians are able to see, understand and apply mathematics in the real world. Through problem solving, reasoning, connections and communication, our students are empowered to function effectively in the twenty-first century.
Physics
The Magic of Reality
Project work may be “live” laboratory work with real instruments and glassware or it might be “virtual” lab work that has been provided to us by our university partners. Additionally, several engineering projects are tackled each year to promote student creativity in the application of math and science principles. Students improve their project planning skill sets and increase their acumen for synthesizing information and conveying project results to others. Garden Street Academy students benefit from using the robust inventory of technological tools made available to them. High School students enrolling in physics and chemistry classes should come prepared to roll up their sleeves and don safety glasses and lab coats in order to “do” real science!
Chemistry
Molecules Matter
Science literacy and evidence-based decisions are critical for tomorrow’s leaders. Through regular experiments in our fully equipped science laboratory, students learn how chemistry is essential to the infrastructure around them, from clean drinking water to the manufacture of money and plastics, and from powering our transportation systems to cleaning the exhaust from cars, power stations and factories. Laboratory work builds physical skills, observation power and logical thinking, while teaching good safety practices to handle flames and reactive chemicals.
Biology
Everything but Rocks
The study of biology allows students to explore and discover how living things have evolved, function and interact with their natural environment. The ecologically rich Mission Creek runs through our campus, providing one of many opportunities for biological inquiry in the local area. With a bridge across the creek linking the campus to the Natural History Museum, our students enjoy a unique opportunity to participate in special programs in cooperation with the museum. Our state-of-the art laboratory provides an ideal setting for specimen dissections, biologically controlled conditions, and video microscopy, to support the field work of students in grades 7-12.