Middle School designLab—students design and piece together custom soccer balls.
Middle School makers construct a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Students use power drills to construct project in designLab.
St. Luke's 9th-grade history students design and build interactive hieroglyphics project.

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.

Biology

This course is designed to expose students to the major topical science concepts and issues of the modern world that they will encounter as adults. Inquiry-, discovery-, and project-based learning coupled with the application of obtained knowledge will define a new pedagogy to teaching science that eliminates the need for rote memorization. In short, students will focus their efforts on scientific practices in order to develop a mastery of the course material. Through the lens of three major units (Ecology and Energetics, Cellular Biology, and DNA, Genetics, and Evolution), all ninth-graders will explore the dynamic and energetic interactions that make life possible, the confluence of chemical and cellular life, and the connection between inheritance and evolution. By the end of the year, students will have gained a new appreciation for life in the world in which they live, and they will be able to apply the proper tools to make positive changes in the world.
Honors Biology

This course is designed to expose students to the major topical science concepts and issues of the modern world that they will encounter as adults. While Honors Biology covers the same pedagogical practices as Biology, the material covered will have greater depth and breadth with more emphasis on the quantitative and technical processes of biology and higher-order thinking skills. The major units covered in this course include Scientific Inquiry, Ecology and Energetics, Chemistry of Life, Cellular Biology, Inheritance, DNA, and Evolution.

Prerequisite: recommendation of the student’s current instructor or (for new students) strong performance on a diagnostic placement test.
Advanced Biology

This is a college-level course designed to challenge and engage motivated students who want to study Biology at the next level. This course will delve into central biological concepts through intensive lab experiences; Harkness-style scholarly discourse and debate; seminar-style critique and evaluation of timely peer-reviewed research; lab practicals and reports; and in-depth class discussion. A student wishing to enroll in Advanced Biology should have: (1) solid knowledge of the facts, principles, and processes of biology; (2) experiential understanding of scientific inquiry with the ability to propose and conduct novel research experiments; and (3) a desire to view science as a human endeavor with significant social consequences.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (one of which should be at the Honors level), and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: students enrolled in Advanced Biology will be adequately prepared for the science section of the ACT and the AP Biology exam (with some additional preparation required) in May, but taking these exams is not a requirement of the course.
Chemistry

This course introduces students to the basic structure of the atom and the nature of matter. Emphasis is placed on the general properties of matter, measurements and calculations, the periodic law, nomenclature, chemical reactions, formulas, equations, and stoichiometry. Additional topics include chemical bonding, quantum mechanics, gas laws, thermochemistry, equilibrium, and acids and bases. Laboratory exercises will stress the development of experimental skills and reinforce the chemical concepts taught in class. Clear written communication and data collection and analysis are integral components of the lab section of this course.

Prerequisite: Biology and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.
Honors Chemistry

The goal of this course is to provide a broad survey of the major topics in chemistry, at an accelerated pace for the student who seeks a more rigorous treatment of the subject. Specifically, the course examines the structure of matter (i.e., atomic theory and chemical bonding) and the interactions of matter (i.e., chemical reactions and the condition of chemical equilibrium). Topics include: classification of matter, atomic and electronic structure, the mole concept and stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, states of matter and their properties, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Concepts and theory are stressed in lectures, while application of content is done through demonstration and laboratory experiments. The course is mathematically rigorous and prospective students should be comfortable with using applied algebraic methods.

Prerequisite: Biology; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II with Trigonometry; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.
Advanced Chemistry

This is a college-level survey course covering major topics in the first two semesters of general chemistry. The course is taught at an accelerated pace with a focus on developing quantitative reasoning skills and problem-solving techniques; performing qualitative and quantitative analysis through verification and inquiry-based laboratory work; and an introduction to examining peer-reviewed research. The curriculum consists of two distinct areas: chemical structure and chemical behavior from an “atoms first” perspective. Topics include models of atomic and quantum electronic structure; chemical bonding, molecules, and intermolecular forces; chemical reactions; the mole concept and stoichiometry; solutions and their properties; characterization of chemical systems at equilibrium: thermodynamics and spontaneous processes; the rates of chemical reactions; and special topics depending on student interest and time. Students interested in taking Advanced Chemistry should have a strong foundation in chemistry and be comfortable with quantitative rigor.

Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: students enrolled in Advanced Chemistry will be adequately prepared for the AP Chemistry exam (with some additional preparation required) in May, but taking this exam is not a requirement of the course.
Advanced Organic Chemistry

This course examines the structure and reactivity of organic molecules--those containing carbon as their base atom. We begin describing the bonding, conformations, and stereochemistry of small organic molecules developing the proper nomenclature as needed. Next, the mechanisms of the basic reactions of substitution, elimination, addition, and rearrangement are formulated from kinetic and thermodynamic data. Reactions of hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, and alcohols, as well as aromatic, carbonyl-containing, and amine functional groups are explored. The year ends with either a look at the chemistry of simple biological molecules, namely the structure of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids as well as an in-depth look at carbohydrate metabolism in plant and animal species or a study in methods of synthetic organic chemistry. This is not a laboratory course.

Prerequisites: Advanced Chemistry and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course is generally offered every other year, based on student interest, and will be offered again during the 2024-2025 school year.
Advanced Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

This course follows the historical development of thermodynamic principles examining the relationship between heat, temperature, energy, and work. We begin with the behavior of gases; a study of the ideal gas is used to generate the laws of thermodynamics and the associated thermodynamic potentials. Thermodynamic principles are then extended to describe chemical systems at equilibrium.

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus, and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course is generally offered every other year, based on student interest, and will be offered during the 2023-2024 school year.
Advanced Physical Chemistry: Waves & Quanta

The quantum mechanical revolution of the early 20th century turned the established truths of physics upside down. We begin at the Bohr model of the atom rationalizing quantization via the uncertainty principle and wave-particle duality. The postulates of quantum mechanics are developed using several simple systems as models, including the particle in a box and the hydrogen atom, with the latter serving as a vector to understand basic chemical bonding. Our final study of statistical mechanics shows that quantum mechanical outcomes converge to the bulk thermodynamic laws in the macroscopic limit. This is not a laboratory course.

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus, and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course is generally offered every other year, based on student interest, and will be offered during the 2023-2024 school year.
Classical Physics

This course will focus on the fundamental laws that govern the world around them. During the first semester, students will focus on Newtonian mechanics and learn about the fundamentals: motion, forces, momentum, and energy. During the second semester, students will explore material properties, thermodynamics, and radioactivity. While the course uses mathematical expressions frequently as a guide to understanding, it places emphasis on conceptual understanding and problem-solving. During regular lab experiments, students work in teams to test relationships between physical quantities, gather and organize data, and analyze the data to draw conclusions. It also involves project work as a way to apply students’ understanding to real-world challenges. The goal of this course is to sharpen students' critical thinking and experimental skills while exposing them to the wide variety of topics that physics holds.

Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in either Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry (FST) or Pre-Calculus.
Honors Classical Physics

This course will advance skills of conceptual thinking, analytical thinking, problem-solving and technical collaboration via exploration of mechanical phenomena observed in daily life (e.g., the flight of a softball, or a car’s acceleration on the way to school). A fundamental understanding of these mechanics, through largely visible to the energy, momentum, classical thermodynamics, and basic statistical mechanics. The course is mathematically rigorous, using algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus to analyze and apply the governing physics laws. Weekly homework assignments and detailed laboratory investigations require independent work, teamwork, data analysis, and technical communications skills.

Prerequisites: completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus; recommendation of the student’s current instructor.
Advanced Modern Physics: A

Advanced Modern Physics: A is a college-level, algebra-based exploration of the world of physics. This course involves an in-depth and mathematically rigorous study of electromagnetic fields. This course covers electric forces and fields, electric potential and capacitance, electrical current and resistance, DC circuits, magnetic forces and fields, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, wave motion, the electromagnetic spectrum, and geometrical and physical optics. The goal of Advanced Modern Physics: A is a full conceptual understanding of physical principles, applications of these principles in new situations, and testing these principles through experimental design. Through problem-solving, observation, measurement, and computer simulations, students will be guided through thoughtful discussions, building understanding through hands-on exploration, and critical thinking while developing a deep appreciation for experimental and theoretical investigations.

Prerequisites: Classical Physics or Honors Classical Physics; completion of Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.
Advanced Modern Physics: C

Advanced Modern Physics: C is a college-level, calculus-based exploration of the world of physics. This course involves an in-depth and mathematically rigorous study of electromagnetic fields. This course covers electric forces and fields, electric potential and capacitance, electrical current and resistance, DC circuits, magnetic forces and fields, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits,and the electromagnetic spectrum. The goal of Advanced Modern Physics: C is a full conceptual understanding of physical principles, applications of these principles in new situations, and testing these principles through experimental design. Through problem-solving, observation, measurement, and computer simulations students will be guided through thoughtful discussions, building understanding through hands-on exploration, and critical thinking while developing a deep appreciation for experimental and theoretical investigations.

Prerequisites: Honors Classical Physics; completion of AP Calculus AB; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: students enrolled in Advanced Physics will be adequately prepared for the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism exam (with some additional preparation required) in May, but taking this exam is not a requirement of the course.
Marine Science

This course gives students an opportunity to explore the diverse array of marine ecosystems, processes, and organisms. With shorelines nearby, students can literally and figuratively get their feet wet as they collect live specimens, design field, and lab experiments, and discover the variety of local marine life. Some features of this course include seasonal collections with the Maritime Aquarium, tracking marine animals using real-time web-based data, Project: Octopus, Sea the Future, and chemical, ecological, and biological monitoring of the class marine aquarium. Students will have the opportunity to apply their understanding of the Scientific Method, strengthen their data-analysis and processing skills, learn aquaculture and field research techniques, and demonstrate scientific oral and written presentation skills. Marine Science is designed for students who are curious about what lurks beneath the surface, intrigued by the processes (and organisms) that shape the shores and are in awe of the oceans and seas.

Prerequisite: Biology

Note: this course may not be offered every year, based on enrollment.
Environmental Science

This course aims to introduce students to the study of the natural world, its modification by human activity, and the importance of securing a sustainable future. The course content explores the following topics; the complexity of natural ecosystems with a special emphasis on the SLS campus, biodiversity, public policy, and environmental ethics, the impact of human population growth on resource consumption, global warming and climate change, agricultural practices, urban ecosystems, and environmental justice. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web-based investigations, class discussions, projects, and research. By developing a wide range of scientific practices students will become better able to engage in decision-making, public discourse, and debate about matters of environmental significance.

Prerequisite: Biology; either Chemistry or Physics; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course may not be offered every year, based on enrollment.
Anatomy & Physiology

This course is designed for students to explore the anatomy and physiology of the human body in an applied manner. Anatomy is the study of the location, appearance, and relationship of body parts while physiology explains the chemical and functional processes throughout the body. Topics of study will begin with cellular structure and continue through the different systems of the body, including the developmental aspects and dysfunctionality of each system. Using discussions, lab activities, projects, designLab collaboration, and dissection, students will increase their understanding of the anatomy of the human body and how the different systems work together. Anatomy and Physiology is recommended for those interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences.

Prerequisite: minimum grade of B+ in Biology and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course may not be offered every year, based on enrollment.
Geoscience

This course is designed to interpret and understand the physical world. Students will investigate and study the interactions between the four major Earth spheres, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere in order to explain Earth’s formation, processes, history, landscapes, and how and why Earth changes over time. The course will also explore how current human actions interact and affect Earth’s spheres leading to local and global changes. Topics may include but are not limited to, the scientific method, mapping Earth’s surface, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, and meteorology. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web-based investigations, class discussions, projects, and research.

Prerequisite: Biology
Genetics

This one-semester elective will focus on molecular genetics, starting with the structure of DNA. Throughout the course, students will learn about chromosomes, protein synthesis, and how genes control the expression of traits in organisms. In addition, the topics of heredity, genetic variation, and mutations will allow students to see how traits are influenced by both genes and environmental factors. Weekly discussions around topics of genetics currently in the news will round out the course, allowing students to see the connection between genetics, economics, government policy, and other fields.

Prerequisite: Biology; either Chemistry or Physics; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course may not be offered every year, based on enrollment.
Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including, but not limited to, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and algae. Microorganisms inhabit every ecosystem on Earth and are vital to the processes that occur in and around us. There are more microorganisms in our digestive system alone than there are cells in our entire body. While they are agents of disease and illness, they also perform many critical roles in processes such as digestion and nutrient cycles and are essential in making life-saving vaccines and medications. In this one-semester course, students will learn about the classification of microorganisms, their growth and metabolism, the principles of disease, and the immune response. In addition, current topics such as COVID-19, pandemics, and vaccines will be explored.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; and recommendation of the student’s current instructor.

Note: this course may not be offered every year, based on enrollment.
Advanced STEM Scholars Seminar

This course serves as a vehicle for effective engagement in the scientific research process. Skills and topics will include, but are not limited to: conducting formal literature searches; literature review summary writing exercises; presentation of literature research on a topic of interest; attending research presentations of other STEM Scholars; discussion-based and written summative evaluations of peer work; and a capstone project of faculty-mentored novel research on a STEM project of interest. A formal presentation is required at the SLS Scholars Symposium in April, and the written summary in the style appropriate to peer-reviewed journals is due by the end of the course in May.
Prerequisite: acceptance into the STEM Scholars program.

School Level

All Areas of Study

Faculty

Susan Bralower

Middle School Science Teacher, Department Chair

(203) 801-4842

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

bralowers@stlukesct.org

2010
Janet Jochem

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

Upper School Science Teaching Fellow

(203) 801-4950

Berrettam@stlukesct.org

2023
Mark Chuhta

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 Clavelli

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4964

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

clavellis@stlukesct.org

2016
Hannah Galos

Upper School Biology Teacher

(203) 801-4827

galosh@stlukesct.org

2021
John Higgins

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

Middle School 5th Grade Science

jonesl@stlukesct.org

2024
Rachel Lang

Middle School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4921

Concordia College
College of New Rochelle

langr@stlukesct.org

2020
Alexis LeBris '95

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

Upper School Chemistry Teacher

(203) 801-4894

leej@stlukesct.org

2024
Joshua Schneider

Upper School Science Teacher

(203) 801-4867

schneiderj@stlukesct.org

2018
Jeanette Thompson

Middle School Science Teacher

203-801-4840

thompsonj@stlukesct.org

2021

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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