This picture of water fleas from Tegeler See was taken by one of our pupils on an excursion to look at flora and fauna in the Tegeler See. 

Schiller Gymnasium has developed its own pedagogical concept for developing competencies in Biology which is based on the Berlin curriculum for Biology. We lay a lot of emphasis on independent learning and problem-oriented critical thinking, which should be backed up by experimental evidence.

 In the 7th grade  we start off with integrated Science which has cross-curricular aspects between the subjects, such as the importance of different energy forms in Chemistry and Biology. In the SESB, Biology is taught through English and the integrated course with Chemistry and Physics is taught through German. However, the pupils are encouraged to draw connections between all three subject areas to improve their Science competencies. In class 7 the pupils have 4 hours of Science lessons in total. Skills taught include, among others,  observation skills, experimental method, model critique, and understanding processes.

In 8th grade, the competencies of the pupils in Science are developed further, by crosscurricular projects with other subjects and by the introduction of elective courses in Science. In the SESB,  Biology is taught throughout the whole year, whereas the subjects Chemistry and Physics are now taught separately for one term each.  The elective courses in Science include looking at soil science and the science of air.

In 9th grade, the pupils are now taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics as independent subjects for two hours each. The electives include the science of chocolate.

In 10th grade, the pupils can choose one of the sciences to give a presentation for the Mittlerer Schulabschluss - the German Qualification for the end of Middle school. The pupils can take an elective in 10th grade which is a preparation for the advanced course of Biology, leading to the Abitur. This elective looks at the challenges of intensive agriculture.