From Question to Evidence: HL IB Biology Students Launch Independent Scientific Investigations
HL IB Biology students have begun collecting data for their Internal Assessment investigations.
Each student developed a focused research question and designed a biological experiment to explore it, applying scientific reasoning and experimental design skills throughout the process. The investigations span a wide range of biological topics, including plant propagation and germination, enzyme activity, fermentation, and bacterial inhibition, among others—reflecting both student curiosity and the breadth of the IB Biology curriculum.
A few examples of student research questions include:
How does soil type (sand, temperate loam, peat-like soil, saline marsh soil) affect stem growth rate (mm/day) and final dry biomass (mg) of Mustard Seeds (Brassica rapa) seedlings over 14 days?
How does pH (3,4,5,6,7,8) affect CO₂ production (mL CO₂ produced in 10 min at 35 °C) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, baker’s yeast, versus brewer’s wine yeast?
How do different preparation techniques (fresh, frozen, cooked) of Solanum tuberosum affect their solute concentration (M), determined by the rate of osmosis while being soaked for 20 minutes in varying concentrations (0M, 0.1M, 0.2M, 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M) of sucrose solution?
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, we officially celebrated the opening of our reimagined lower school campus! Guests gathered in the lobby and checked out the beautiful panda donor wall.
HL IB Biology year two students used CRISPR/Cas9 technology in their latest gene knockout lab to disrupt a gene in bacteria and observe a phenotypic change as a result.
The library was jam-packed with students this morning during the annual upper school Clubs and Committees Fair! During the fair, students have forty minutes to learn about the numerous clubs and committees on campus (we had over 50 during last school year).
WFS juniors who are beginning the International Baccalaureate Diploma program gathered for dinner to learn more about what's next in their academic journey. The IB emphasizes high academic standards, global perspective, informed and engaged citizenship, respect for others, and the active application of classroom experience.
Middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi presented at the Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (DECTFL) Conference at the University of Delaware.
The WFS college counseling team began welcoming colleges and universities to campus this week, hosting representatives from 24 schools. Interested junior and senior students can attend these meetings to introduce themselves to regional admissions representatives, learn more about the institutions, ask questions, and share their interest in the schools.
Students in the upper school Smart Machines class began the year with a cup-stacking challenge (with a twist) to prepare them for the hands-on labs and group projects they will complete this semester. Requiring communication, patience, and teamwork, groups of four used a rubber band with attached pieces of yarn to move the cups to the correct location without touching the cups with their hands!
This week kicked off with faculty meetings and professional development , along with a lovely event with our new parents and guardians. And student orientation day did not disappoint, with energy filling both campuses!
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.