Did you know there is a snake named Murphy in the science office? Science Department Head Maggie Thompson knew.

Thompson has been working here for seven years.

“Ms. Thompson helps me understand topics very thoroughly,” Bindra said.

She described some aspirations for her students this year.

“I hope that they feel challenged. I hope that they feel cared for. I hope that they develop critical thinking and writing skills,” Thompson said. “I hope that they are analytical with data and graphs and numerical analyses and that they increase their ability to work together.”

This year, science teacher Tripp Reed teaches a new advanced robotics course. For students who have previously completed the introductory robotics class, it involves an integration of robotics and engineering.

The science teachers love helping students and encourage them to embrace the opportunities presented, along the journey.

“I really like helping students understand what they see in the world and developing explanations based on physical and biological principles,” Thompson said.

“I love science at HW and seeing Murphy in the science office,” Sophie Ro ’28 said. “He is like the science department’s unofficial mascot.”