Science at Howard Gardner School is an inquiry process. Students wonder why, observe, explore and experiment both in the classroom and in the outdoor classroom of Mountain Lake and Robinson Park in our neighborhood. They may also take field trips related to their topic of study. Classes are held in the students' homerooms.
The base of classroom study is the FOSS Kits (Full Option Science System) which were designed by the University of California at Berkley. This program is a collection of activities aligned with the national science standards and covers topics in Life, Earth and Physical Science. Students collaborate in small groups on hands on experiments, recording data, creating graphs and reflecting on their results. They have the opportunity to apply skills of measurement and the scientific method. There are supplementary reading texts used after the activities as well as math connection problems.
Since our classes are multi-aged grouped the curriculum alternates years with the exception of Kindergarten which will study trees, leaves, wood and paper, and fabric each year.
Odd/Even School Years
Primary
Balance & Motion - Insects
Intermediate
Physics of Sound - Human Body
Upper
Levers & Pulleys - Mixtures & Solutions
Even/Odd School Years
Primary
Solids & Liquids - Pebbles, Sand, & Silt
Intermediate
Ideas & Inventions - Magnetism & Electricity
Upper
Variables - Food & Nutrition
Senior
Landforms - Electronics
Students in all classes are invited to suggest experiments to try in the class or to share the results of investigations they do at home. At various times there may be mung beans sprouting for the primary class, wildflowers for the upper class or an avocado plant demonstrating phototropism for the intermediate class.
Environment and Ecology concepts are investigated by students during the fall and spring exploration of outdoor habitats. In addition, students of the upper and senior classes do more observation of wetlands at Mountain Lake. We take only pictures and leave only footprints. (We do pick up the garbage and collect data)
Personal interests of students in the upper class are developed through assignments such as current events in science and science careers presentations. They are encouraged to express themselves through nature sketching, writing song lyrics to remember concepts and keeping a moon journal.