Curriculum Detail

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Department

Science

In Chatham Hall science classes, be ready to question, observe, experiment, and evaluate as you study such subjects as physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and even robotics as part of a club. Through our dynamic college preparatory curriculum, you’ll learn to inquire purposefully, think critically, and judge wisely. You’ll also get the background needed for further scientific pursuit—which many of our students opt for in college. In fact, a 2000 survey showed that those who attend all-girls schools are seven times more likely to major in math and science in college than those who go to coed schools.

Graduation requirements

3 credits of laboratory science including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Physics
Honors Physics

Physics students explore the topics of mechanics, waves, optics and electricity. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations reinforce and encourage exploration of physical laws. Collaborative learning is encouraged. Often students are paired or grouped together for various activities such as problem solving, review sessions, and laboratories. Outside reading and research are required.

Year-Long Course – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and/or placement by the academic dean; enrollment, at least, in Algebra 2.
Chemistry
Biology
Advanced Physics

This course is a continuation of Physics and is designed to be a second-year course taught at the introductory college level. The topics in the first-year course are revisited in more depth and at a faster pace. Circular motion and rotation will be introduced. Labs are performed to reinforce the concepts.

Year-Long Course – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: B+ average or better in Biology, B+ average or better in Chemistry, A- or better in Physics, A- or better in math (a minimum of Algebra 2), and submitted application
Advanced Chemistry
Advanced Biology
Sustainability

In this course, students will utilize natural resources on Chatham Hall’s campus to better understand sustainability. The course will focus on sustainability in the following major areas: Soil, freshwater, Air, Carbon, and Timber. In this course, students will have the opportunity to measure, monitor, and experience different variables on the school’s campus and greenhouse to apply their own observations to real-world issues stemming from the use or management of different resources. The course will culminate in a land management plan where students can apply their knowledge to defend their plan and justify the decisions that went into writing it. This course will not require a textbook but instead will have assigned readings of peer-reviewed journal articles.

Spring Semester – ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Neurobiology

The course provides students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular and systems level. Throughout the semester, the students will focus on the cellular physiology of neurons, the brain, and the nervous system, as well as sensory and motor systems. The students will investigate what happens when the brain malfunctions. The course will be structured around the aforementioned topics, but in order for the experience to be meaningful to the students, they will have the opportunity to give input on topics and issues they wish to cover, as well as investigate a topic of their choice.

Fall Semester – ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior
Forensics
Chemistry & Art

Have you ever wondered what goes into making paints, lipstick and different color crayon names? This course explores the science beyond the art. Students will explore not only some chemistry structures and ideas but how they make up the vast pigments and properties in the art world. This course allows students to explore topics of chromatography, solubility, acids and bases, and carbon atoms with an art twist. Students should have a general knowledge of chemistry techniques.

Fall semester - ½ Credit

Open to students who have taken Chemistry
Equine Science

Department Faculty

Amelia Kolach

Science Department Chair; Chemistry Teacher; Coach

akolach@chathamhall.org
Bio
Amelia Kolach came to Chatham Hall in 2021 after teaching and coaching at The Storm King School and Emma Willard School. She holds both her B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry & Biophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Amelia is drawn to the school’s strong sense of community and family spirit, and her favorite tradition is Senior Night in the Well. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys camping, baking, spending time with her family, and watching horror movies!
Emma Lane

Assistant Director of Riding; Equine Science Teacher

434-432-5432

elane@chathamhall.org
Bio
Emma Lane joined the Chatham Hall family in 2017 and spends the majority of her time at the Barn as assistant director of riding. Emma earned an M.B.A. in equine management from Midway University and B.S. in biology from Hollins University. At Hollins, she rode on the IHSA team as an open/open rider all four years, and qualified and placed at IHSA Nationals twice in her college career. Emma is also a USHJA-certified trainer, registered USEF/USHJA hunter/equitation and jumper judge, and ASEA-certified equine appraiser. Her favorite things about Chatham Hall are the students and beautiful riding facilities. She also enjoys organic gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with her dogs and two rescue turtles!
Ginny McKinley

Science Department; Student Success Coordinator

gmckinley@chathamhall.org
Bio
Ginny McKinley joined Chatham Hall in 2023 after 23 years of teaching at Chatham High School. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and is also a certified yoga teacher. Ginny loves empowering young women to step confidently into their next chapter, and Senior Night in the Well is her favorite tradition. She enjoys being outdoors, creative cooking, and reading. Fun fact: she plays the flute, has five children and six grandchildren, and grew up on Long Island, NY.
Molly Thomas P'06, '08

Physics & Algebra Teacher; Robotics Mentor

434-432-2941

mthomas@chathamhall.org
Bio
With more than 30 years of teaching experience at Chatham Hall, Molly Thomas is a beloved member of the faculty and the proud parent of two alumnae. She earned her B.S. in Math and Physics from Longwood University and her M.A. in Physics Education from UVA. In addition to teaching, she mentors the FRC robotics team, the TuTu Turtles. Molly loves Chapel Talks, flower arranging, and spending time with her husband and black Labrador retriever.