Select a Department

Department

Science

Science - Fourth Form

The Fourth Form science curriculum is an introduction to chemistry, physics, and life science. The goal of the fall term is to engage students in chemistry through inquiry based learning. Specific topics include states of matter, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. In the winter term, students will encounter engineering challenges where underlying physics concepts are emphasized. Newton’s laws of motion are examined as well as key forces affecting the structures. The focus of the spring term is to understand how species in different ecosystems interact. Students will investigate where species live and which of those make up a community and ecosystem. An overview of cells, plants, the food chain, and biomes in marine and forest ecosystems is also completed.

Text: Holt Science and Technology Life Science, ISBN#: 003046224X
Science - Fifth Form

Fifth Form Earth Science

This course covers varied subjects under the umbrella of earth sciences such as astronomy, geology, paleontology, geochemistry, oceanography, and meteorology. Students investigate these topics in the classroom and laboratory in order to establish a foundation of skills necessary for a full laboratory course in biology during the Sixth Form year. An emphasis is placed on scientific writing, measuring and recording data, and detailed analysis while also developing the students’ foundation of knowledge and vocabulary necessary for moving forward within the sciences. Since earth science is such a broad group of sciences, individual classes have the opportunity to pursue material that they find particularly interesting without sacrificing their pursuit of core scientific skills. Through this differentiation of topics covered, we seek to instill in students a genuine and lasting interest and enthusiasm for science.

Text: McGraw Hill Earth Science, ISBN#: 007677497X

Fifth Form Human Anatomy and Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is limited to Fifth Form students who have already successfully completed a full year of earth science. This course starts by examining the animal cell and the basic structure and function of the human body. The rest of the year is spent studying specific body systems with a particular focus on disease and injury. Each student completes several dissections and labs that highlight the structure and function of each body system.
Science - Sixth Form

Biology introduces students to the underlying structures and processes of living organisms. The course begins at the atomic level where students gain an understanding of organic building blocks, chemical bonding, and the functions of the major organic compounds. Building from this foundation, students evaluate characteristics of living organisms, analyzing cell structure, function, and metabolism. Connections are developed between genetics, heredity, and evolution. Modern lab techniques are introduced including DNA electrophoresis and genetics transformation. The ecology unit uncovers the connections between organisms and their environment, as students and teachers explore the pond, woods, and streams on campus. The year concludes with an exploration of complex organisms through dissection, analyzing body systems, and observing adaptations.

Text: Miller and Levine Biology, On Level, ISBN#: 0133669513
Science - Third Form

Third Form Science is a full year course that focuses on observation and inquiry based learning. Topics of study include: the classification of trees and dendrology, invasive species, exposure to chemistry and physics, and field work in the area to support these topics. At the end of the year, the students’ final project consists of a comprehensive report relating their fieldwork to the topics covered during the year. Students keep notebooks that become both a resource and a record of their studies through the year in science. Being able to clearly communicate one’s thinking, both verbally, in writing, and in diagrams is an important part of Third Form Science.

Brianna Harnden

Chair of Science Deparment; Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

University of Massachusetts Amherst - B.S.

brianna.harnden@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Brie Harnden is the chair of Eaglebrook's Science Department. She joined Eaglebrook in November 2021 as an assistant swim coach and began teaching Sixth Form biology in 2022. Prior to Eaglebrook, Brie received a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she also competed on the university's Division 1 varsity swim team. She resides on campus with her boyfriend Gabe, cat Pumpkin, and dog Molly. When she is not on campus, Brie enjoys drinking coffee, cooking, painting, and going on walks with her family.
Michael Armstrong

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

(413) 774-9147

Williams College - B.A
Boston College - M.S.

michael.armstrong@eaglebrook.org
Spencer Bell

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor

Rochester Institute of Technology - B.S.

spencer.bell@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Spencer Bell joined Eaglebrook faculty in the fall of 2023, following his graduation from Rochester Institute of Technology where he studied Packaging Science and Business Management. He will be joining the Science department where he will be teaching Fourth Form science. When not teaching he will be coaching Juniors soccer and is a part of Eagle's Nest advisory. Spencer enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with family.
Jim Fay

Director of Secondary School Advising

Hastings High School - B.A.
Western Governors University - B.A.
University of Pennsylvania - M.S.Ed

jfay@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Jim arrived at Eaglebrook in 2005 to join his then-fiancee, Emily, and they were married days before the start of the 2006-07 school year. In the years since, Jim and Emily have lived in Halsted and Flagler, serving as dorm heads and raising their three children — Crosby '24, Madeline '27, and McKinley —among Eaglebrook students. Jim coaches Varsity Football in the fall, Ski Patrol in the winter, and has coached all levels of tennis in the spring.

Over his years at Eaglebrook, Jim has taught Life Science, Biology, World Views, and SSAT Prep. Recently, Jim served as the dean of students, and he is currently the director of Secondary School Advising. Jim is honored to support Eaglebrook Sixth Formers and their families in preparing for, and navigating, the secondary school application process.

When not on campus, the Fay family is happiest on the beaches of Cape Cod Bay, where they are found whenever their responsibilities on campus allow. The quiet of winter on the Cape and the changing beach landscape draw them just as much as the sunny and busy summers.
Brittany Inch

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach; Dorm Head

University of Massachusetts - B.S.

brittany.inch@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Brittany joined Eaglebrook in 2021 as the Switchboard Operator/Administrative Assistant to Shappy LaPointe, Dean of Student Life. She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Conservation with a focus in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She spent her time at Eaglebrook Summer Semester 2022 teaching a wildlife ecology course. Brittany will be teaching Earth Science, as well as a Wildlife Ecology elective. Brittany lives on campus in Kravis House with her partner Colby Runk and their two cats, dog, gecko, and fish. In her free time, Brittany enjoys hiking, painting, cooking, and playing the keyboard.
Ryan McClure

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor

Dartmouth College - B.A.

ryan.mcclure@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Ryan McClure joined the Eaglebrook Faculty in 2023 following his graduation from Dartmouth College. At Eaglebrook, he helps Sixth Form students unravel the mysteries of life by teaching Biology. Ryan also teaches a section of Fourth Form Pre-Algebra. Athletically, he coaches cross country, competitive skiing, and Thirds baseball. Ryan resides on campus in Eagles Nest with his girlfriend, Erika, and pet cat, Scout. During his summers, he directs the Program Team for the 1st-3rd Grade "Seeds" Program at Camp Wapo in Amery, Wisconsin. In his free time, Ryan loves spending quiet nights with his cat, playing trumpet and guitar, skiing, candlepin bowling, and fanatically cheering for the professional sports teams of Minnesota, his home state.
Michael McDevitt

Athletic Trainer; Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

(413) 774-9264

Springfield College - B.A.
Springfield College - M.S.

michael.mcdevitt@eaglebrook.org
Lois Moulton

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

North Adams State College - B.A.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst - M.Ed

lmoulton@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Lois has been involved in every facet of Eaglebrook life since arriving on campus in 1995. She teaches Sixth Form biology, Fourth Form science, and also offers electives throughout the year. She is also a Fifth Advisor in Taylor dorm. Her other duties often include supervising study halls and afternoon snack.

Lois lives in housing adjacent to the tennis courts and has two grown children who spent most of their formative years on Eaglebrook’s campus. She enjoys taking daily hikes, spending lots of time outdoors, visiting family and friends, baking, reading, gardening, geocaching, and working on her art projects.