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Science

Experience-based learning is at the core of our instruction. Our goal is to provide students with a variety of learning opportunities and experiences. Students are engaged in real-world applications of knowledge and skills, which builds understanding and confidence.

Failure is an integral part of learning. Viewing failure as unacceptable discourages risk taking and creativity. Growth comes from struggle, mistakes, and challenges. Students should feel safe to make mistakes.

Research Program Areas

Science Research Program

AMSA’s flagship science research program offers students the opportunity to conduct graduate school-level research in the 10th-12th grades. Students conduct independent research in:
 
Molecular Biology - Students are concentrated on studying a cancer marker gene in combination with a GFP reporter. They are employing various laboratory techniques like: transformation, plasmid design, oligonucleotide design, electrophoresis, PAGE, protein expression and purification
 
Geochemistry - Students map heavy metal contamination of the Assabet River using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (XRF). Differentiated program paths allow for reinforcement and practical application of chemistry skills.
 
Wildlife Management - Students survey the immediate area for wildlife diversity and map the data.
 
Engineering - Building upon skills and lessons developed in Intro to CADD, students delve into the integration of CADD and physics concepts.

Science Dept. News

Students Tour Quest Diagnostics

Students in the biochemistry research, AP chemistry and instrument research classes recently visited Quest Diagnostics with Mr. Bengiovanni and Dr. Mortimer. The Marlborough site is the second largest automated specimen testing facility in the world! The participants toured the laboratories, saw the conveyor belt sample handling in action and learned how samples are tracked and analyzed in a wide array of tests to inform patient treatment and disease diagnosis. Quest Diagnostics employees described how employees have a range of skill sets and answered students' questions.  photo 

Science Bowl Teams at UConn

Two AMSA teams won championship rounds in the high school Northeast Regional Science Bowl at University of Connecticut on March 5. In each matchup, the teams go head-to-head answering fast-paced questions on biology, chemistry, earth science, energy, math and physics. Team members as seen in photo: Vatsal Patel, Darshan Giriraj, Ian Gifford, Jackson Molloy, Abhinav Divi, Akhil Divi, Vaishak Pulkayath, Gabe Hurez-Soler. Contact Dr. Mortimer if you'd like more information.  photo

Science Bowl Regionals

On February 25th, AMSA Science Bowl club members competed in the Northeastern Regional Middle School Science Bowl Competition at MIT. Srivibhu Piratla, Andrei Jadormio, Anikait Mazumder, Richard Yan and Darshil Selvaraj (left to right) went head-to-head with other teams answering fast-paced questions on biology, chemistry, earth science, energy, math and physics. All team members gained points and they held their own against the top schools in the Northeast. Contact Dr. Mortimer if you'd like more information. 

Night Out With the Astronomy Club

Members of the Astronomy Club brave the cold to view the night sky. Objects viewed included Jupiter, Mars, Venus, the Moon, Orion Nebula, Comet C/2020 E3 (ZTF), and the Andromeda Galaxy. We also saw a flyover of the space station, and took pictures of the comet and the Orion Nebula. The Orion Nebula is the closest star-forming Nebula to Earth but is still over 1300 light years away!

Making Waves

Hands-on Physics lesson! Everything in the known Universe has wave properties. Musical instruments work with what are called Standing Waves. Dr. Clarage's 11th grade Physics students were learning how to make standing waves with various weight strings and ropes. It's not so easy.  video

StemClassroom

Members of the Leaders of Tomorrow club visited Kane School as part of their ongoing STEM in the Classroom program.

Students Visit Quest Diagnostics

Ms. Jagielski’s Biotech Research and AP Chemistry students recently visited the Quest Diagnostics facility across the street from AMSA!

BreakingBridges

Mr. Brandes challenged his Physics students to construct bridges that could support 20 pounds or more of weight without breaking.

Building 3D Models of Atoms

Dr. Mortimer’s 10th grade chemistry students worked in groups to build 3D models of atoms, which have been described as tiny solar systems.

2019 Science Night

After months of hard work, students in AMSA’s Science Research program proudly displayed their projects.

Electron Microscope Training

Thermo Fisher Scientific led a class discussion today about how scanning electron microscopes work and their many uses.

Physics Drop Test

The question is whether a coffee filter laden with paper clips can reach Terminal Velocity in the Upper School lobby.

Building Bridges

Mr. Brandes’ 8th grade Physics class spent the last two weeks building bridges… literally.

2018 Science Night

At Science Night this week, 10th-12th graders involved in AMSA’s renowned science research program presented their latest research projects.

Experience-based learning is at the core of our instruction. Our goal is to provide students with a variety of learning opportunities and experiences. Students are engaged in real-world applications of knowledge and skills, which builds understanding and confidence.

Failure is an integral part of learning. Viewing failure as unacceptable discourages risk taking and creativity. Growth comes from struggle, mistakes, and challenges. Students should feel safe to make mistakes.

Research Program Areas

Science Research Program

AMSA’s flagship science research program offers students the opportunity to conduct graduate school-level research in the 10th-12th grades. Students conduct independent research in:
 
Molecular Biology - Students are concentrated on studying a cancer marker gene in combination with a GFP reporter. They are employing various laboratory techniques like: transformation, plasmid design, oligonucleotide design, electrophoresis, PAGE, protein expression and purification
 
Geochemistry - Students map heavy metal contamination of the Assabet River using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (XRF). Differentiated program paths allow for reinforcement and practical application of chemistry skills.
 
Wildlife Management - Students survey the immediate area for wildlife diversity and map the data.
 
Engineering - Building upon skills and lessons developed in Intro to CADD, students delve into the integration of CADD and physics concepts.
Science Night

Science Night

Every spring, 10th-12th graders in the Science Research Program present their latest research projects. Previous topics have included DNA extraction, microorganisms, aquatic diversity, biochemistry, cybersecurity, and electromagnetic transmissions.
2019 Science Night
2018 Science Night