Science

Curriculum 

The Fenway Science curriculum is based on the philosophy that students learn science best when the disciplines of biology, chemistry, earth science, ecology, and physics are integrated together and learned in the context of real world problems.  The goal of this philosophy is twofold: 1) to engage the students with activities that they can relate to real life experiences and, by virtue of their engagement, 2) allow students to understand the connections and complexities between the different scientific fields that make up our natural and physical world.  Students tackle various scientific endeavors such as researching questions, testing hypotheses, and hands on lab work while simultaneously exploring scientific concepts from multiple perspectives.

Assessment

Students have opportunities to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and skills through projects, performances, presentations, papers, tests and quizzes.  All forms of assessment encourage students to articulate their understanding clearly to others and engage in true scientific inquiry.

Rubrics show the step-by-step process one must take to successfully complete an assignment.  Students refer to the rubric  to track their  progress, realize their strengths, eliminate weak points, and know the expectations.   With a clearly established objective, students remain focused and motivated throughout the course of an assignment.

Portfolios provide an assessment tool that presents a visual opportunity for students to see their growth during the course of their high school careers.  Portfolios help students reflect on past difficulties, and what will be necessary for their future development.  Portfolios also give students a sense of identity and a strong pivot point from which they can confidently take their next steps.

Science Fair is a school-wide exhibition of projects, independently researched and conducted by every student in the school.  Each student chooses a scientific topic and then designs and conducts experiment(s) to study a self-proposed hypothesis related to that topic.  Students  present their work by creating exhibition boards, writing research papers, and refining their presentation skills.  A group of approximately 100 judges from the professional, academic and scientific community are  invited to evaluate the students' work and engage them in  discussions about their specific projects and science in general.  During senior year Science Fair is the basis of the Senior Portfolio.  Successful completion of a science fair project each year is a graduation requirement.