Effective instruction in science requires hands-on experience and observation to help students master content knowledge and motivate them toward higher-level science courses. The GCAA science sequence aims for intensive and selective study of physical, life and earth sciences. Various kinds of learning activities, traditional lab work and computer simulations meet the needs of all types of student learners. The course sequence meets Missouri Grade-level and Course Level Expectations within the Missouri Learning Standards. In addition, the program is designed to provide students the science content and thinking skills, including writing about science, needed for strong academic achievement on the Science Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and End of Course Exam (EOC) for Biology. Because our science programs emphasize a hands-on approach to scientific understanding, they also lend themselves to arts connections. For example, observation in the field of science requires the same precise and disciplined attention required of drawing students. Illustration, experiment design, concept and process mapping, anatomy, pattern recognition, and imagination are arts-related skills keenly linked to scientific study. We teach Science content with a focus on inquiry-based instruction, and we also use technology to provide the investigation opportunities that allow students the multiple experiences that deeply enhance understanding, and build science knowledge. Our goal is also to help students become well-prepared global consumers and citizens, as well as stewards of their environment. As future leaders and inventors, students experience real-world problem solving that enables them to question, investigate and examine the world through a critical lens. . Andrew Goodin, B.S., M.Ed. - Makerspace Manager Andrew Goodin manages the GCAA Makerspace, a collaborative workshop in which students use their artistic abilities to solve real-world problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Washington State University and a Masters of Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis. Andrew is co-founder of The Disruption Department, an educational technology nonprofit that creates tangible STEAM learning opportunities for students from under-resourced neighborhoods in St. Louis. For his work, Andrew has been recognized as one of St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30,” and was awarded the St. Louis Science Center’s Loeb Prize for Teaching Excellence. Andrew also plays snare drum with the John Ford Highland Pipe Band. “I’m honored to be part of the renowned GCAA faculty and am committed to helping our school stand out as one of the region’s top for STEAM education. I've observed that students learn most when they create the meaning for themselves. The GCAA Makerspace is a cutting-edge opportunity for students to create authentic products that showcase their learning. I look forward to meeting the families of GCAA and having you to our new space!” Email link: email@example.com . . . . . . . Michael Howe, B.S., M.Ed. - 10th Grade Chemistry Mr. Howe is very excited about the potential of GCAA as he joins our 10th grade team. He comes to GCAA after eleven years in the Clayton school district, where he taught Honors Chemistry, Chemistry and Biology, while serving as the Science Department Chairperson. Previously, Mr. Howe taught at Parkway South High School in all levels of Chemistry, served as department chair, adult education director and as principal of the Parkway/Maryville Summer Academy. He is looking forward to exploring ways to further the integration of arts and sciences, as well as for new opportunities to play his trumpet and brand new flugelhorn! Michael Howe's Chemistry Website: http://www.howechem.net/ Email link: firstname.lastname@example.org . . . . . . . . . Eric Theby, B.S. - 7th Grade Science Mr. Theby earned his BS in Education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2006. This will be his sixth year teaching. His first four years teaching were as a 5th grade teacher and as a K-5 Science teacher. Last year was his first year with GCAA, and he loved every minute of it. He found his calling teaching Science to 7th graders, and he enjoys watching his students grow academically and socially in his class. Mr. Theby resides in Affton with his wife of five years, Krista. Email link: email@example.com . . . . Fred Warren, B.S., B.S.E. - 11th Grade Biology Frederick Warren graduated from Drake University Magna Cum Laude, with University Honors, earning two degrees: a BS in Environmental Sciences and a BSE in Secondary Education. He describes himself as “an enthusiastic science teacher.” He has taught Physical Systems in the high school setting and pioneered the 8th grade science here at GCAA. He is excited to be back in the high school setting teaching Physical Science and Physics to our freshman. Over the summer he taught ecology in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains, a college course on sub-cultures and their role in mainstream culture, as well as assisting in teaching a technology course for college students. He teaches 9th Grade Science (and the visual art elective) in the summer with the AIM High summer program. Some of his proudest accomplishments at GCAA include starting the School Garden next door with his 8th grade class last year, forming the rocketry club last year (which he looks forward to continuing this year), and mentoring the girls robotics club to a strong finish in the Jr. First Lego League last year. He is looking forward to bringing Physics to all the 9th grade students this year in Physical Science or the Physics First class, continuing the Rocketry Club, and starting an Environmental Club. He is most excited to be returning to the GCAA family of faculty, students, and parents. More than any other, GCAA is the school he has been most excited to be a part of in his long line of experiences. His classroom website can be found at www.warren-science.weebly.com. All classroom notes, assignments, and due dates can be reached from this site. As well as basic information about the clubs that he is sponsoring. Email link: firstname.lastname@example.org . . . . . Carol York, B.S., M.A. - 6th Grade Science Mrs. York received her BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Food and Nutrition. After graduation, she worked for a number of years as a clinical dietitian and as assistant dietary manager in an area hospital. During this time, she earned her MA in Management from Webster University. Soon after her marriage, she and her husband joined the US Peace Corps, which took them to Botswana, Southern Africa, where she worked as a dietitian for the Department of Health. Later, Mrs. York stayed home when her children were young, but kept busy teaching preschool, working with Parents as Teachers, coaching middle school girls’ soccer and leading Girl Scouts and Ventures. She received her teaching certificate in Science with an emphasis on middle school education. Mrs. York has many interests, not the least of which is her family. She also enjoys exploring nature, hiking, reading, and being involved in her community. Email link: email@example.com . . .