Science

Department Chair: Lisa Orenstein
email | phone:425-868-6191 ext. 662

Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the world by learning the principles of science. They apply these principles and use the processes of inquiry in experimental work to develop their critical thinking ability. Students learn to question information through careful observation and collection of data and through forming and testing hypotheses. They then practice responsible and objective communication of results.

The US program begins with a two year sequence of lab courses that investigate topics in biology, physics, and chemistry before moving on to a third year of elective courses. Many choose to continue their science studies into a fourth year as well. Electives include an advanced lab science course as well as zoology, botany, primatology, forensics, environmental science, and Advanced Placement courses in biology chemistry, and physics.

The Science Department's goal for middle school students is to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to investigate the world around them. The middle school program begins with an introduction to the three main disciplines of science studied at Overlake, then progresses into an in-depth study of physical science. Central to each of these courses is the idea of experimentation.

Fifth Grade