The Science Department seeks to create an educational experience that will develop in its students a deep appreciation and thorough understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the physical universe. In formulating its program of study, the department acknowledges that scientific investigation is a process, and it aims to lead students from the experiential encounters with nature so necessary to an elementary school child to more empirical investigations appropriate for middle school students and finally to a deeper understanding of the theoretical bases of science during the upper school years. The curriculum is designed to reflect the hierarchy of scientific thought as it is revealed by nature in coordination with the student’s cognitive development. Though the essential role of laboratory work is undisputed, the primacy of the mind in any science pedagogy must not be lost. Rather than emphasize rote memorization and algorithmic procedures and calculations, our curriculum and assessments develop deeper levels of student thought. Only by training students to think in a penetrating manner can we adequately prepare them for whatever awaits.