A spiral of science
Science at Waldorf High School is an intensive exploration of the main branches and areas of chemistry, physics, and biology through all four years, in addition to the study of earth science in ninth and tenth grades. We return to each of these fields every year as our students' intellects mature, and they can approach the subject matter with increasing sophistication and depth. The opportunity to explore each field repeatedly also provides students the time to reflect on these topics and to integrate their understanding with newly acquired knowledge in other sciences and subjects.

First, observe
We study all the sciences with a phenomenological approach. In general terms, this approach is as follows: Class begins with the consideration of a phenomenon. Students observe it intently, and then describe their observations verbally or in writing. The class and their teacher share their observations, consider the details they have gathered, and perhaps repeat the experiment. Students' observations lead to questions about why these results have occurred. They discuss possible causes and reach a probable conclusion that is compared with accepted scientific theory. Throughout, their thinking is engaged in the process of accurate description and disciplined inquiry in order to make sense of phenomena. They derive scientific principles from careful observation. At all levels, even as the subject matter grows ever more complex and imperceptible to human senses, observation and discovery precede theoretical explanations.

Then, explore
Our science laboratories are both in school, where we have a well-equipped lab for a wide range of experiments and discovery, and beyond. Frequent field trips to natural settings to study biology, botany, hydrology, marine science, and wild life ecology are an integral part of all our science courses. In addition to hands-on experimentation and fieldwork, students study the history and development of the physical and biological sciences through research assignments and independent experiments.

At last, understand
By the end of their four years of science at Waldorf High School, our graduates are able to reason analytically and quantitatively. They understand the relationship of science to human activity. They have become keen observers of complex events, and have ample capacity for creative imagination in support of their ability to make sense of new phenomenological situations. Through their study of science at Waldorf High School, they have learned to ask, and answer, the profound questions: "How do we know what we know?" and "What is the foundation for knowing?"