Science The Lower School science curriculum explores life science, earth and space science, and the human body. Students participate in inquiry-based classes that focus on the scientific method, which they use in reporting on hands-on experiments. Science topics vary from grade to grade and include topics such as the life cycle of insects, plants, animal adaptations, chick embryology, rockets, electricity, weather systems, the environment, and the solar system. We take advantage of the wonderful natural setting of Portledge School as well as the beautiful insect garden, pond and the nature preserve that surrounds our campus to to understand our local ecosystems and enrich the learning experience. All students in third, fourth, and fifth grade participate in the all-school Science Fair each spring by developing and completing an experiment that is presented to the entire school community.

2010 Opportunities for Students in Science Opportunities in Science for Students: 2010 Community Summer Science Program at Brookhaven National Labs and Columbia University's Science Honors Program for 2010-2011 school year Columbia University Science Honors Program offers enrichment courses in Science and Math on Saturday mornings throughout the school year. It is a highly selective program. Students currently in 9th, 10th or 11th grade with strong interest and exceptional ability in science and math can apply. Download the application. Students also need to request an official transcript be sent and get a letter of recommendation from a teacher. There is a three-hour entrance examination on April 10th or 24th. Application deadline in March 3, 2010. Brookhaven National Lab offers a Community Summer Science Program from July 19 -August 20, 2010. Advanced Math and Science students currently in grades 10 or 11 are eligible to apply. This is a five week, full-time program that includes lectures and hands-on workshops that reinforce the science research being conducted at the Laboratory. Topics can include physical, biomedical, and environmental science and selected energy technologies. Download application materials Science Department Head Sonna Allen is available to help any students who are interested in applying for these programs.