ACADEMICS
Meet... Our Science Faculty The Science Department is dedicated to developing students' science skills and fostering a deep engagement through the science and STEM curricula. Our faculty prepares students through laboratory investigations, discussion, and collaboration, with a focus on the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They incorporate engaging laboratory activities to supplement student learning build inquiry-based skills, and support scientific learning, as well as gain exposure to scientific equipment and materials.
In any given week, girls might be participating in DNA extractions in Biology, a 'flame test' in Chemistry, a dissection in Anatomy & Physiology, fingerprinting in Forensics, and circuitry in Physics. As they build comfort and confidence in the classroom, our students are encouraged to envision themselves in scientific fields and to pursue them. Mercy offers many science electives, including Forensic Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Medicine, and Robotics, along with Advanced Placement classes - AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science.
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Mercy’s Science Department Chair Louisa La Farge Louisa La Farge has served as the Science Department Chair since the 2020-2021 school year. This is her ninth year at Mercy and she currently teaches Chemistry and A.P. Biology. Ms. La Farge earned her B.S. in Biological Science from the University of Michigan and graduated from NDNU with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She also holds supplementary credentials in Biological Science and Chemistry. She was an arts education fellow at the National Endowment for the Arts, and worked in marketing and administration in the art and auction fields before becoming a teacher. Ms. La Farge is Chapter Advisor of the Science National Honor Society and moderates several STEM clubs at Mercy, where she loves to inspire the girls in their pursuit of careers in the arts and STEM fields.
8 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME
Mercy is proud of its Science team and the excellence they bring to the academic curriculum. We are passionate about the subjects we teach and are committed to sparking interest in the sciences, creating a positive and supportive learning environment, and inspiring bold and confident future leaders in STEM fields.
