Explore our Curriculum

School Level

Department

Science

The Middle School Science program introduces students to the skills of the scientific method and engages them in activities and lessons that encourage an awareness of the scientific thought process. Students systematically investigate, analyze, and experiment with many of the fundamental concepts that will lead to a greater understanding of the world around them, with the goal of developing an appreciation of science. The program provides a foundation of hands-on explorations that build curiosity and engagement with the world. The goal of the Middle School Science program is to build students’ academic aptitude by instilling a sense of accomplishment brought about by challenge and discovery, thereby empowering them not only to see the world clearly, but also to imagine what could be and how it might be achieved.

Each Upper School science course at St. Luke's runs along two parallel paths, one leading students to the scientific facts and understandings of our world, and the other leading students to use scientific logic to analyze and describe new phenomena and to solve new problems. Scientific facts and understandings, whether they are the laws of motion described by Newton, the structure of atoms as explained by Rutherford and Bohr, or the enormous interrelated web of life explained by Darwin, are integral to developing basic scientific literacy. To gain this scientific literacy, students at St. Luke's explore the concepts that describe the workings of the world. However, to go beyond basic literacy, to become college-ready, St. Luke’s science students must also learn how these ideas became known, how they were tested, and how they were later changed or refined. As they pursue this college-ready level of understanding, students will regularly use the experimental method, with its hypotheses, observations, and analyses, to answer questions. Demonstrations and virtual laboratories may also be used to enhance the understanding of scientific principles.

Science 5

Fifth-grade science is centered on experiential learning adventures that provide a balance of hands-on activities, real-world exploration, and engaging content resources. Students develop scientific literacy and are exposed to resources and ideas that challenge them to use processing, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning skills. Through projects and lab-based activities, students are immersed in the main content areas of the curriculum: chemistry, physics, and life science. Signature experiences in the fifth grade include: The Great Paper Airplane Experiment, VR Simple Machines, Cut The Rope, and an exploration of environments and habitats.
Earth Systems

The sixth-grade science program stresses the fundamentals of Earth Science focusing specifically on land, air, water, and space. Each hands-on investigation is structured to challenge the student to think about the purpose and meaning of the activity, as they hypothesize possible outcomes. Students explore the scientific method in depth and are encouraged to ask questions and give suggestions while conducting experiments and evaluating their results. Investigations and projects are done in small collaborative groups where students learn to share ideas, data, and experiences and sharpen their presentation skills. Topics of study include plate tectonics, topography and erosion, meteorology, and the effects of human impact on the environment.
Life Science

Life Science offers seventh-grade students a practical approach to the study of living things by thinking critically about the classification and common characteristics of life. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach, focusing on the scientific inquiry process and thinking like a scientist. This inquiry-based approach challenges students to observe patterns and generalize relationships in acquiring a solid understanding of scientific ideas. Laboratory activities utilizing microscopes and other basic lab equipment are regularly scheduled. The objective of seventh-grade science is for students to not only comprehend scientific concepts, but also to analyze and synthesize information to make sense of the world around them. The course is divided into five sections: diversity of life, classification, human body, cell and microscopes, and plants.
Physics & Engineering

Eighth-grade science is an inquiry-based course that stresses the scientific process, critical thinking, and fundamental concepts of physics through hands-on laboratory investigations and project-based engineering activities. The students learn how to work both independently and collaboratively as they cultivate their scientific thinking skills. The course emphasizes the development of observation, experimentation, and analytical skills applicable to successive laboratory courses in the Upper School. Eighth graders will acquire an understanding of topics including motion, forces, Newton’s Laws, and energy. Each unit culminates with the students engaging in the design thinking process to engineer a project that incorporates the concepts learned in class. Projects include: Pasta Race Cars, Trebuchet building, the Balsa Bridge Engineering Challenge, and the Roller Coaster Exploration.

Department Faculty

Susan Meryl Bralower

Science

Middle School Science Teacher, Department Chair

(203) 801-4842

Cornell University - B.S.
Teachers College - M.A.

bralowers@stlukesct.org

2010
Janet Jochem

Science

Upper School Science Teacher, Science Department Chair

(203) 801-4965

Penn State University - B.A.
Boston College - M.S.T.

jochemj@stlukesct.org

2014
Bio
Janet started at St. Luke’s in the fall of 2014 after teaching at Wooster School in Danbury, CT for 23 years. While at Wooster she taught General and Honors Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, and a Marine Biology elective. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she served as the Chair of the Science Department, Dean of Students, Director of Community Service and Admissions Committee member.

At St. Luke’s, Janet is the Chair of the Science Department and teaches Honors Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology and a new Environmental Science elective. In the afternoons she helps the athletic department with the score clock and driving student athletes.

Janet and her husband Dave of 24 years live in New Milford, CT. Their two daughters, Kate and Jamie, are both in college. Far from an empty nest, they host an International student, care for 2 cats and a dog, and tend to their fish pond and extensive gardens.
Mya Berretta

Science

Upper School Science Teaching Fellow

(203) 801-4950

Berrettam@stlukesct.org

2023
Mark E. Chuhta

Science, Administration

Director of MS Special Programs. Science Teacher

(203) 801-4871

Central Connecticut State University - B.S.
Sacred Heart University - M.A.

chuhtam@stlukesct.org

1994
Bio

A science teacher since 1992, Mark Chuhta has taught classes in Physical Science, Environmental Science, General Science, Biology, Meteorology, Earth Science, and Astronomy. He joined the faculty of St. Luke’s in 1994 as a Middle School Science teacher. He has served as the Assistant Department Chair for the Science Department, the Director of Summer Programs, and currently serves as the Assistant Head of the Middle School.

For over and above his teaching responsibilities and his service to the St. Luke’s community, Mark earned the “Crusader of the Year” award in 2002. He was named to “Who’s Who of American Teachers” for three consecutive years starting in 2003. Further, in 2004 the Beta Chapter of the National Honor Society at St. Luke’s School inducted Mark as a member in recognition of strength of character and his skill as a leader.

Mark has coached numerous sports including Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, and Lacrosse. He started the Girls’ Varsity Soccer program in Fall 2000. Throughout his tenure as Girls’ Soccer Head Coach, the team achieved nine championship titles, including 5 FAA league titles and 2 New England Championships. In 2003 Mark was named Coach of the Year by the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association and nominated for the NSCAA National Coach of the Year in 2004.
Susanna Blithe Clavelli

Science

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4964

Fairfield University - B.S.
Coleman High School
Fairfield University (BS)

clavellis@stlukesct.org

2016
Hannah Galos

Science

Upper School Biology Teacher

(203) 801-4827

galosh@stlukesct.org

2021
Dr. John E. Higgins III

Science

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4882

Providence College - B.S.
University of South Alabama - Ph.D.

higginsj@stlukesct.org

2013
Bio
Dr. John E. Higgins III is a new member of the science department. He will be teaching AP Biology and General Biology. Dr. Higgins is a native of Massachusetts but has spent the last thirteen years living in Mobile, AL. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Providence College, he moved south to work on his doctorate. Dr. Higgins earned his PhD in Marine Sciences in 2005 and shortly thereafter began teaching part time at the University of South Alabama and full time at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, both in Mobile. During his time in the south John participated in international research projects that brought him to Croatia and numerous locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico. John also volunteered as a youth leader for 8 years at a local church that catalyzed and propelled his career as a teacher. While at UMSWright John served as the science department chair for 5 years, helped spearhead various technological advances, helped restructure and strengthen the Middle and Upper School science curricula, and started the Mobile chapter of the Science National Honor Society. In addition, John enthusiastically embraced his co-curricular responsibilities by building up the existing Fellowship for Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Key Club service group. During the summers John has been involved in Youth Camps, Professional Development meetings, and for the past two years as an AP Biology reader. John is enthused and humbled at the opportunity to join the St. Luke’s family and is looking forward to expanding his teaching repertoire within a constructive and limitless environment! John is also overwhelmed and thrilled to be back closer to home and near his family who all reside in New England. John lives in Norwalk, CT.
Laura Jones

Science

Middle School 5th Grade Science

jonesl@stlukesct.org

2024
Rachel Lang

Science

Middle School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4921

Concordia College
College of New Rochelle

langr@stlukesct.org

2020
Alec P. LeBris '95

Science

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4883

Bowdoin College - B.A.
University of Rhode Island - M.S.

lebrisa@stlukesct.org

2009
Bio
The School clearly has some “pull” with Alec, since he’s a 1995 St. Luke’s alum and former teacher here and he has returned to teach at his alma mater. Alec decided to pursue his graduate studies two years ago and has completed his Masters in Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island and has returned to independent secondary school life, where he has already proven his ability to motivate and inspire students in and out of the classroom. As a Bowdoin college grad, he re-joins the ranks of so many NESCAC alums here on the Hilltop. Alec will teach Chemistry and Physics this year, and he also will coach Football and Lacrosse.
Jenny Lee

Science

Upper School Chemistry Teacher

(203) 801-4894

leej@stlukesct.org

2024
Joshua Schneider

Science

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4867

schneiderj@stlukesct.org

2018
Jeanette Thompson

Science

Middle School Science Teacher

203-801-4840

thompsonj@stlukesct.org

2021

St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.

377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5612 | admissions@stlukesct.org

Explore our Curriculum

Science

Science 5

Earth Systems

Life Science

Physics & Engineering

Department Faculty