Science/Visual arts
investigation. Prerequisites: Inquiry: Science Research 1 and departmental permission. (0.5 credit; full year) SCI850A Advanced Inquiry: Science Research and Experimental Design This course will engage students in the principles and practices of college-level scientific research. It is intended for students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing research in biological, physical, medical, and/ or engineering sciences. Student work will include reading scientific literature, statistical design of experiments, project planning, visual presentation of quantitative data, scientific and proposal writing, and presentation methods for scientific findings. Students will plan and conduct a year-long or multi-year independent science experimental research project under the mentorship of the instructor and, in some cases, field scientist(s). Students are expected to present the results of their research at local, state, or national fairs, symposia, or competitions. Open to 12th-graders. (1 credit; full year) SCI850B Advanced Inquiry: Human Ecology and Sustainability Students have the opportunity to carry out an original, action-based project in human ecology or sustainability (HES) that connects and demonstrates understanding of the interdisciplinary threads of HES. There are many different options for the field of inquiry within their project. Class time will be in support of student work and the instructor will guide student projects and facilitate feedback and troubleshooting amongst the whole class as the projects progress. The form of each student’s work and presentation will vary depending on the endeavor. Students will present their work to an appropriate audience--typically at the World Perspectives Symposium, but perhaps including other venues such as a Film Festival, Sustainability Conference, Town Forum, etc. This is a unique opportunity to capture the energy and passion of students coming back from Chewonki, Island School and HMI. Open to 12th-graders. Prerequisites for the class of 2021: at least two semesters of approved courses (AP Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Human Ecology and Sustainability, Environmental Economics, or off-campus study at Chewonki, The Island School, HMI, or another program approved by the department). Prerequisites for the class of 2022: Inquiry: Human Ecology and Sustainability plus an additional semester of an approved course (see list above); .5 credit of the prerequisite may be taken concurrently. (1 credit; full year)
Diploma with a Concentration in Human Ecology and Sustainability Available to students in the class of 2022. For students who are passionate about study of the environment and sustainability issues, GFA offers an interdisciplinary, project-focused program designed to empower students to explore their passions and become stewards of their world. This concentration can be earned by completing the following in addition to regular graduation requirements: • AP Environmental Science • Advanced Inquiry: Human Ecology and Sustainability • One relevant elective course: Big Histories; Economics; Environmental Economics; Environmental Literature and Nature Writing; Oceanography and Marine Biology; AP Biology; a semester at Island School, Mountain School, High Mountain Institute, or Chewonki Maine Coast Semester; or other course, Independent Study, or GOA course with approval VISUAL ARTS Students enrolled in visual arts classes in the Upper School explore the elements and principles of art and design through a wide variety of media and techniques, develop and expand their personal vision, and refine their creative and conceptual thinking. A variety of media are covered, from the most basic overview in Introduction to Visual Arts all the way to Advanced Portfolio levels. In addition to studio projects, students participate in critiques and dialogues about art and art history. Students are evaluated based on their engagement, risk-taking, and follow through on class exercises and assignments, quality of finished product, originality of thought, and demonstrated understanding of concepts presented. Student art is often displayed in common areas around the school. GFA artists are regularly accepted into juried local and national art shows. Note: All art students will be required to maintain a digital portfolio as well as a sketchbook or research workbook that will be used in their classes. ART250 Introduction to Visual Arts A full-year, one-credit course consisting of the three core disciplines offered in the Upper School: Studio Art, Photography and Video. This integrated curriculum enables students to develop skills in craftsmanship, idea generation, critical thinking and the common vocabulary across the disciplines. A range of approaches to surface, form, space, and time will be addressed through a variety of traditions and technologies, as well as concepts of theory and art history. In the fourth quarter, students will 27
