Blending theory with practical application, Silicon Valley International School (INTL) provides INTL High School students with the chance to engage deeply with the principles of scientific research and inquiry. Grounded in the inquiry-based learning and critical thinking that are at the heart of the academically rigorous, world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, INTL students are encouraged to explore scientific concepts through hands-on projects and investigative experiences, which lead to a deep understanding of the subject matter.
In 11th and 12th Grade, students take on the IB Internal Assessments, self-directed projects that allow them to apply their scientific knowledge to real-world problems. The process begins with each student formulating a unique research question. From there, they develop a detailed method for investigation, carry out the necessary experiments, analyze the findings, and finally reflect on the strengths and limitations of their methodology. These projects provide an excellent platform for students to showcase their grasp of the science curriculum while also demonstrating their capacity for independent research. As Upper School Science Teacher Kirsten Birchall shares, “Biology teaches us that every life form is interconnected, and by understanding these connections, we empower ourselves to make meaningful impacts in our communities and the environment. It’s not just about theory; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and engaging with the world around us.”
Below are some specific examples of recent projects by INTL’s 12th Grade Biology students, described in the student’s own words:
Giorgia A.: My experiment is about the drug orlistat and how it affects the action of lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down our fat. And these pills are supposed to help you lose weight without exercising or going to the gym. I am trying to see if this reaction works more with saturated fats than unsaturated fats.
Evan N.: My experiment is covering the relationship between caffeine and plant growth post germination. Last year a lack of fertilizer because the supply chain for man-made and synthesized fertilizer was cut due to the Ukraine/Russian war and people were trying to find suitable alternatives and mine is looking to see whether a suitable alternative lies within your household to like leftover coffee and coffee pods. And so I'll be measuring coffee pods, soaked in a cold brew, at different intervals of zero, in between twenty four hours to see the effect of caffeine on plant growth.
Nicolas L.: I’m seeing whether the optimal amount of fertilizer for lettuce changes in the presence of a weed, in this case galinsoga parvifloraa. The idea being that maybe if the fertilizer makes the weed grow faster than the lettuce, it's better to put in less fertilizer rather than more.
Cevan O.: I am investigating whether there's a relationship between the concentration of wood ash in soil and plant growth. I thought this would be an interesting experiment due to climate change accelerating the rates of wildfires, and as a result of this, more ash is present In the atmosphere and in the soil. And so I want to investigate whether this wood ash has properties that can help enhance the growth rate of basil to see if it actually impacts it, or if it's detrimental to plant growth.
Lykka S.: My experiment is about the effect of lavender essential oils on basil plant growth after seed germination. Which is interesting because a lot of people have essential oil diffusers in their homes And it can definitely affect pets or plants. But also some farmers are starting to use it to minimize the amount of water that then has to be used in correlation with drought and climate change.
At INTL High School, all three IB sciences (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) are taught throughout the year at INTL during 9th and 10th Grade as part of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum with each discipline having a focus in a separate trimester. In 11th and 12th Grade as part of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) students can specialize in one or more sciences, choosing a standard or higher level course for any of them.
The commitment to blending theory with hands-on application at INTL ensures that students are not only well-versed in scientific principles but also capable of conducting meaningful research that addresses real-world challenges. Whether investigating the effects of environmental factors on plant growth or exploring the biochemical mechanisms behind weight loss, INTL High School students are empowered to pursue their scientific curiosity and apply their learning to complex global issues. As they continue their educational journeys, INTL students are equipped with the tools and confidence to make significant contributions to the world of science and beyond.
