The Curriculum Corner: Lower School Science

– Committee on Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards, 2010

Science classes in the Lower School occur twice during our six day rotation in groups of 12 boys for 40 minutes each time. Boys are able to utilize all that the fourth floor has to offer: the outdoor laboratory (the garden), the Hawks Nest (Maker Space), and the Lower School Science Classroom. Where science class takes place is dependent on what topic is being addressed: life and earth science most often happen in the garden, while physical sciences and engineering design take place in the Hawks Nest so students can have a lot of space to move and learn; the classroom is used to explore multimedia and for non-fiction reading. This variety of access points allows the boys to create a deep understanding of the topics covered in the science program and how they fit in with the greater world.

 

The science curriculum for kindergarten through fourth grade is in alignment with the National Next Generation Science Standards, which are also adopted by California State Standards. These standards create a spiral of understanding of science topics that begin in kindergarten and grow in complexity, expectation of understanding, and skill mastery throughout middle school. There is a strong focus on a variety of ways to develop basic science skills needed for the process of science, creating a springboard for a future of exploration within the sciences. These standards have also been adopted in the Upper School's science curriculum, in order to create a strong foundation of understanding for the boys.

Boys in the Lower School explore science through a lens that understands and celebrates the curiosity and development of children. Students are provided with a variety of learning modalities for each unit and multiple access points to the content. Further, Ms. Banks, Cathedral's Lower School science teacher, collaborates with homeroom teachers to make cross-curricular connections for the boys when possible. This, in turn, allows the boys to feel a sense of ownership over topics and that their ideas are valued within the classroom community.

A strong education does not begin or end with the school day, nor does it begin and end at home. The overlap is where the life-long learner will emerge. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to contact the school if they wish to learn more about how they can help support science at home, or if they would like to visit one of the many science learning spaces at the school.

Questions? Contact Chloe Banks.