---
title: "Academic Lens: Science is Never Spontaneous"
description: For the past decade, AP Environmental Science students have gathered data on water quality in the Proctor Pond. Today, we look at that long-term experiment.
image: https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_5743.jpg
---

[![Proctor](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222761375-png/Images/INTlogo.png "Proctor")](http://www.proctoracademy.org)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Academic%20Lens%3A%20Science%20is%20Never%20Spontaneous) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

## Academic Lens: Science is Never Spontaneous

Posted by [Kristina Harrold](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/kristina-harrold)

11/06/2017

“Science is never spontaneous”. A brief sentence shared by science faculty member and Environmental Coordinator Alan McIntyre with his AP Environmental Science students last week that speaks to the intricacies of science our world of immediate gratification tends to ignore. Over the past weeks, Alan’s AP classes finished the final set of tests to conclude a ten-year analysis of the Proctor Pond. Now at the end of the study, they hope to have a clearer picture of the health and vitality of the beloved pond that sits at the heart of campus. 

Originally a dammed stream to form Proctor’s early ice hockey rinks, the Proctor Pond has evolved along with the rest of campus over the past sixty years. For the past decade, students in AP Environmental Science have collected samples from six different pond sites to measure the biodiversity index, levels of dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, turbidity (clarity of water), temperature and the weather. The biodiversity index is perhaps the most telling of pond vitality, as it is an indication of how much natural life exists in and around the water. Students collected and counted organisms, such as mayflies or beetles, and found a data point using the Simpson Biodiversity Index.

![IMG_8658.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_8658.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8658.jpg)

*Alan McIntyre and members of the 2017-2018 AP Environmental Science class discussing samples and data. *

![IMG_5743.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_5743.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_5743.jpg)

*Katie '17 and Kiara '17 collect samples for AP Environmental Science last fall (2016).  *

Like all scientific studies, there were obstacles - in 2009 and 2012, abnormal weather patterns rendered all data unusable, along with sporadic gaps from other years. Even so, students utilized available information from past years and constructed a timeline. When the study began in 2007, the Pond had a biodiversity index of 19. In 2017, that same number has dropped to 7.4, a slight uptick from its lowest points in 2015 and 2016 (6.3). There is an undeniably dramatic decline, but what does that mean?

![IMG_9539.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_9539.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_9539.jpg)

*Fallon '15 and Stephanie '15 gather data during the fall of 2014 for this decade-long experiment. *

![DSCN6576.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/DSCN6576.jpg)

*Liz '14, Sam '14, Angie '14, and Cortland '14 looking at their data set from Proctor Pond analysis in the fall of 2013. *

There were not, however, such clear cut results from other data points. Many samples have shown steady or increased positive results, and the mix of rising and falling data can be used to substantiate student hypotheses about the long- and short-term effects of campus activity. For example, turbidity and phosphorous levels took a concerning turn after the installation of synthetic turf fields in 2012, and have been affected by the lining of the fields ever since.

![DSC_0115.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/DSC_0115.jpg?width=836&height=556&name=DSC_0115.jpg)

*Parents tag along to collect data with APES students during Fall Family Weekend 2011. Maybe this is where errors in the data occured... *

![Oct. 5-40.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/Oct.%205-40.jpg?width=836&height=1195&name=Oct.%205-40.jpg)

*Emily '10 and Rob '10 study samples with Alan during Year 3 of the experiment in the fall of 2009. *

In practice, taking qualitative information and turning it into a quantitative conclusion can be messy and daunting. Despite scientific insecurities, this year three AP Environmental Science classes join the ranks of students in the long haul, moving us one step closer to understanding our campus as an interconnected ecosystem. These students may take an extra moment to wonder what the rain water will do to the pond’s pH, or if a higher level of dissolved oxygen will bring new life to the plants below the surface next year. We could all do better to use this lens more often and remember that while environmental changes rarely have one source, each of our actions have ripple effects that reach far beyond our point of view. Thank you to a decade’s worth of students for collecting and analyzing data in order to understand and appreciate the long-term environmental health of our campus.

![IMG_8760.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_8760.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8760.jpg)

[![Click to see Proctor's commitment to Environmental Stewardship in action! ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/0de52e47-eef8-40f1-9c31-e4524efbfe82.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/0de52e47-eef8-40f1-9c31-e4524efbfe82)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Academic%20Lens%3A%20Science%20is%20Never%20Spontaneous) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

[![Read and Subscribe to The Buzz!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/interactive-142506864155.png)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLnCNP%2BE1ZM2Tyo8g9KIX2cXWSB7a%2F3SKbTPTagKWI%2BeJUeupLjUCDSJ8g9ZsWp5%2B0o823CmH4%2B%2BhRKwbQVvWpPIn%2BCKv0WcPZ0cQjKeETJJ7aUlwPO7F4WCy2uKkBJBLLEUEHt7E1mj%2BqNEuzGCcGwbPeTMtgAnx2OEc6fA7h4dnPtt8WiBIr1tZbn99pyYis2Qi0x7evR06M%3D&webInteractiveContentId=142506864155&portalId=408790)

### Posts by Topic

- [Off-Campus Programs (522)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/off-campus-programs)
- [Experiential Learning (517)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/experiential-learning)
- [Community (438)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community)
- [Student Work (416)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-work)
- [Academics (265)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academics)
- [Athletics (255)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/athletics)
- [School Culture (231)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/school-culture)
- [Arts (216)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/arts)
- [Mike's Notes (182)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike-s-notes)
- [Educational Model (172)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/educational-model)
- [Student Life (165)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-life)
- [Relationships (149)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/relationships)
- [Boarding School (147)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boarding-school)
- [European Art Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/european-art-classroom)
- [Mountain Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mountain-classroom)
- [Study Abroad (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/study-abroad)
- [Proctor en Segovia (115)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-en-segovia)
- [Alumni (109)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/alumni)
- [World Languages (104)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/world-languages)
- [Ocean Classroom (100)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/ocean-classroom)
- [Faculty (86)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/faculty)
- [Performing Arts (51)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/performing-arts)
- [Environmental Stewardship (49)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/environmental-stewardship)
- [Admissions (45)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/admissions)
- [The Journey (39)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/the-journey)
- [COVID (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/covid)
- [Residential Life (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/residential-life)
- [Team Spotlight (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/team-spotlight)
- [Health and Wellness (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/health-and-wellness)
- [Summer Months (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-months)
- [Academic Support (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-support)
- [Proctor Woodlands (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-woodlands)
- [Professional Development (32)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/professional-development)
- [Core Values (31)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/core-values)
- [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
- [Skiing (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/skiing)
- [Staff (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/staff)
- [Parents (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/parents)
- [Diversity (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity)
- [Proctor in Costa Rica (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-costa-rica)
- [Family Weekend (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/family-weekend)
- [Wilderness Orientation (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/wilderness-orientation)
- [Community Service (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community-service)
- [Winter (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/winter)
- [College (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college)
- [Graduation (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/graduation)
- [Leadership (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/leadership)
- [Head of School (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/head-of-school)
- [History (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/history)
- [Technology (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/technology)
- [Board of Trustees (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/board-of-trustees)
- [Brian's Blogs (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/brians-blogs)
- [Campaign for Proctor (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campaign-for-proctor)
- [Proctor Ski Area (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-ski-area)
- [Afternoon Activities (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/afternoon-activities)
- [Advisor (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/advisor)
- [Facilities (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/facilities)
- [Self-Advocacy (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/self-advocacy)
- [English (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/english)
- [Proctor on Snow (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-on-snow)
- [Project Period (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/project-period)
- [Euro (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/euro)
- [Giving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/giving)
- [Learning Skills (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/learning-skills)
- [Thanksgiving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanksgiving)
- [Native American Connection (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/native-american-connection)
- [Senior Project (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/senior-project)
- [Academic Concentrations (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-concentrations)
- [College Counseling (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college-counseling)
- [Rigor and Support (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/rigor-and-support)
- [Proctor Fund (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-fund)
- [Day Students (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/day-students)
- [Dining and Nutrition (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dining-and-nutrition)
- [EdTech (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/edtech)
- [Summer Service Trips (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-service-trips)
- [Thought Leadership (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thought-leadership)
- [Campus (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campus)
- [Equity and Inclusion (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/equity-and-inclusion)
- [Innovation (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/innovation)
- [Maintenance Team (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/maintenance-team)
- [Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/science)
- [Social Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/social-science)
- [Strategic Planning (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/strategic-planning)
- [Weekend Activities (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/weekend-activities)
- [Remote Learning (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/remote-learning)
- [Andover (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/andover)
- [Art Exhibits (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/art-exhibits)
- [Assembly (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/assembly)
- [Development (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/development)
- [Holderness Day (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/holderness-day)
- [Accepted Students (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/accepted-students)
- [Hays Speaking Prize (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/hays-speaking-prize)
- [Math (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/math)
- [Special Olympics (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/special-olympics)
- [Buy Proctor (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/buy-proctor)
- [Prep School (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/prep-school)
- [Proctor in China (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-china)
- [Sustainability (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [Boat Building (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boat-building)
- [Dorms (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dorms)
- [Entrepreneurship (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/entrepreneurship)
- [In Memory (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/in-memory)
- [Mike (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike)
- [Proctor Pond (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-pond)
- [Summer Literacy (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-literacy)
- [Thanks (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanks)
- [freshman seminar (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/freshman-seminar)

see all

### Blog Archives

- [May 2023 (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/01)
- [December 2014 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/11)
- [October 2014 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/10)
- [September 2014 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/08)

see all

### Recent Stories

### Telling the Proctor story

[READ CHUCK'S CORNER AND ACADEMIC LENS BLOG ARCHIVES HERE](http://chuckscorner.proctoracademy.org/chucks_corner/index.html).

[![Speak with someone in Admissions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda)

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
  
    - [Proctor Academy](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy?ref=hl)
    - [Proctor Alumni](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Parents](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proctor-Academy-Athletics/140880952609576)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
  
    - [Proctor Main](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Community](https://twitter.com/PA_Community)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://twitter.com/PA_Athletics)
- [![Instagram](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462312-png/Layout/large_link350423_29017.png)](http://instagram.com/proctoracademy)
- [![LinkedIn](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222678679-png/Layout/large_link324706_26576.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3110)
- [![YouTube](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462307-png/Layout/large_link324705_26577.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVG9mnN7RsqaXa9VSWiPXQ/featured)
- [![Flickr](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072945-png/Layout/large_link324707_26575.png)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/proctoracademy/)

Located in  Andover, NH,  Proctor Academy is a private coeducational day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Students benefit from a rigorous academic program, experiential off-campus programs, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

[![](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072925-png/Images/logoFoot.png)](https://www.proctoracademy.org/)

 204 Main Street  .  PO Box 500  .  Andover, NH 03216  
(603) 735-6000

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Kristina Harrold",
    "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/kristina-harrold"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2017-11-06T19:51:54.000Z",
  "headline" : "Academic Lens: Science is Never Spontaneous",
  "image" : [ "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2017-2018%20Academic%20Lens/Science%20Spontaneus/IMG_5743.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/academic-lens-science-is-never-spontaneous",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hub/408790/file-1356544276.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Proctor Academy"
  }
}
```