| SCIENCE IN THE NEW BUILDING
Following the move to the new Olney facility, the science department is going
to get, to say the least, “a real shot in the arm." Currently, the Wheaton
facility has a total of 3 laboratories (1 Physics, 1 Chemistry, and 1
Biology) shared by the teachers in the science department. For the past
several years the science teachers have done a wonderful job sharing the use
of these labs throughout the year. Obviously, due to the space constraints in
Wheaton, the number of laboratory investigations that teachers can do are
somewhat limited.
Fortunately, the new Olney facility will provide a more extensive set up.
Located on the second floor is a series of instructional classrooms for each
of the science courses. Each of these classrooms will have a smart board
projection system which enables teachers to present material with multiple
types of audio-video media. In addition, each smart board is internet
equipped with projection capabilities as well. The entire system is centrally
located in the front of each classroom for teacher and student use. Many
thanks to the technology department, who played an instrumental role in the
approval and financing for this new venue in instructional technology.
Additionally, the second floor houses seven separate laboratories (2
Chemistry, 2 Physics, 2 Biology, and 1 Environmental Science). All
laboratories will be dedicated to lab exercises with the exception of the
Physics Labs, which serve as both classrooms and laboratories. Dedicated labs
are used for lab instruction only, creating greater opportunity for lab
experimentation. Connecting the labs are spacious storage rooms for
equipment, supplies and chemicals. Biology and Chemistry each have two
dedicated labs, of which one will be dedicated to the standard level courses
and the other will be reserved to advanced studies (AP courses, IB courses,
etc.). As in the conventional classrooms, the laboratories are provided with
the same smart board technology and state of the art lab equipment.
The News Continues to Get Better...
For the past 2 years, the science deptartment has made every effort to ensure
that each of the new laboratories will be totally equipped for the lab
instruction of all standard and advanced courses. For example, the following
materials have been acquired from the capital budget and by the financial
donations of the Hoopes Family during the 2004-2005/2005-2006 academic school
years:
1. Classroom set of standard level microscopes
2. Classroom set of advanced level microscopes with oil immersion
capabilities.
3. Classroom set of stereo-microscopes for macroscopic specimens.
4. Classroom set of Spectrophotometers.
5. Classroom set of Gel Electrophoresis equipment for DNA studies.
16 Boxes for use in both Biology Labs.
6. Two Thermal Recyclers for advanced genomic studies.
7. Physics laboratory supplies including an advanced wave ripple tank.
8. Environmental science equipment for water, air, and soil testing.
9. Complex aquarium/terrarium tank for environmental class studies.
10. Glassware and supplies for the additional chemistry lab.
11. Biology models/kits and audiovisuals for the new junior/senior level
Biology program.
12. Human body torso, skeletons, skulls, anatomical models, slides for
our future Anatomy and Physiology program and current AP/IB courses.
During this current fall semester, there will be absolutely every effort to
ensure that each of the ongoing programs are enhanced both in the classroom
as well as in the laboratories.
What About the Future???
In the future, Good Counsel Science will continue to grow. It is anticipated
that our AB/IB enrollment will increase. Due to our increased laboratory
capability, the development of additional lab based courses will be provided.
In addition, there is a growing likelihood in providing summer science
enrichment programs for our students and the Olney community.
FAQ???????
When will the labs in Olney be equipped to perform laboratory investigations?
Over the past two years, materials and equipment have been purchased. As it
stands now (July 2006) all labs will be operational on the day students move
to the new building in January 2007.
GO TO THE PHOTO PAGE OF THIS WEB SITE (EINSTEIN)AND CHECK OUT THE NEW LABS!!
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