By Michael Ganci, Local Media Editor, Syntax, for The Bronxville School

Mar. 23, 2016:  Bronxville High School has launched a new interdisciplinary course that was developed collaboratively within the science department to expose students to the concept of waves. In this course, a pilot this spring, freshmen are assessing the effectiveness of waves to unearth the connections between physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. 

"This concept crosses all disciplines of science and therefore allows students to observe how fundamental components of the universe play essential roles in the physical and life sciences," high school principal Ann Meyer said. "The interdisciplinary approach to understanding a concept will allow our students to utilize the analytical skills needed for college science courses."

Science teacher Jonathan Peter said that by having students discover the different phenomena of waves, the course provides them with a richer experience for the remainder of their science classes.

"Our focus is to have students do the learning in a collaborative environment where they get to investigate all sorts of demonstrations and phenomena from a firsthand point of view," he said.

Ninth-grader Kunzang Namgyal said that her favorite part about the course is how engaging and interactive it is. During a recent class, she and her classmates investigated how waves interact with one another and how white visible light can be obtained through color addition.

"We get to play with models and do experiments," Namgyal said. "It ties together all of our science classes and focuses around one topic."

Michael Barr, who teaches biology, chemistry, and physics, said he hopes that besides learning about waves as part of the course, students will learn how to investigate things through the process of inquiry.

"Even if they don't encounter waves in their careers, the skills they learn by working in teams, doing inquiry, thinking in different ways, and challenging their brains can be applied in other areas," he said.

The development of the course has provided faculty members with an opportunity to work collaboratively and use innovative approaches to teaching, opening up new possibilities for students in the future. Critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, all part of the Bronxville Promise, a framework guiding education at The Bronxville School, are key components of student learning at the school. 

To watch a video about the new waves course, go to http://www.bronxvilleschool.org/about/news/bronxville-high-school-launches-interdisciplinary-waves-course-watch-video/.

Pictured here:  Bronxville High School freshmen investigate how waves interact with one another and how white visible light can be obtained through color addition. 

Photo courtesy The Bronxville School