Science

Our Vision

At Berwick Academy, scientific pursuits are about understanding the natural world for both its diversity and unity; developing critical inquiry, reasoning, experimentation and communication skills; providing opportunity for problem solving and innovation; and fostering a life-long curiosity about the world. 
By engaging with the natural world through hands-on exploration and experimentation, scientific inquiry is valued as a dynamic, creative approach for the development of understanding. In each classroom, particular emphasis is placed on designing learning experiences that encourage the application of mathematics and technology as a means for modeling scientific hypotheses.

Science Scope and Sequence

Our Upper School science sequence is IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry), IBC (Integrated Biology and Chemistry), plus one additional credit earned through completion of a Pinnacle course, year-long elective (i.e. Anatomy and Physiology), or sequence of three trimester electives. With guidance from the science department chair, new students in Grades 10-12 will choose from the menu of IPC/IBC trimester topics in order to fill gaps in their previous learning and adequately meet the department expectations for enrollment in elective and Pinnacle courses.

List of 3 items.

  • IPC/IBC Overview

    The IPC/IBC framework is designed to provide a smooth transition to upper school science as well as emphasize development of the skills, knowledge, confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm essential to future success in the science program at Berwick Academy and beyond.
  • IPC - Integrated Physics and Chemistry

    The Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) progression fosters a deeper appreciation for the physical laws of nature with emphasis on forces and motion in trimester 1, gravity and electricity in trimester 2 and atoms and bonding in trimester 3.
  • IBC - Integrated Biology and Chemistry

    The Investigations Biology and Chemistry (IBC) progression fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s diversity and its chemical origins with emphasis on the molecular basis for life in trimester 1, energetics and adaptation in trimester 2, and ecology and conservation in trimester 3.

Explore The Upper School:

Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.