Science

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Science Curriculum (PDF Document)

Molly McLaughlin, Science Grades 1-3	Sharon Livingston, Science Grades 4-6

Science and FSH Curriculum
It is natural for all of us to be curious about how things work.  Scientists take this curiosity a step further, trying to understand how the whole universe, from its smallest to its greatest components, works. Cultivating this attitude and desire is a central part of our science curriculum, which promotes science learning that is inquiry-based, hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and that reflects multiple intelligence theory.

What guides development of science curriculum at FSH?
Science at Friends School is based on the National Science Education Standards, actively guided by student inquiry.  The Science Education Standards provide a vision of scientific literacy for all, educating students who are able to experience the excitement of understanding the natural world and who can use scientific understanding in making personal decisions and engaging in public discourse. The Science Content Standards include:

• Unifying Concepts and Processes
• Science as Inquiry
• Physical Science
• Life Science
• Earth and Space Science
• Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
• History and Nature of Science 

Guided and spontaneous questions are among the most important tools used by scientists. According to the National Science Education Standards, "Inquiry into authentic questions generated from student experiences is the central strategy for teaching science."  So the foundation of our curriculum is building understanding of and ability to use inquiry.  

What do we mean by "inquiry?"
Inquiry is a mindset -- feeling comfortable enough to ask questions, to be risk takers, to think creatively, to synthesize past knowledge with what we are observing presently and to make predictions about the future.  We learn through comparing and contrasting, classifying, measuring, analyzing and inferring.  

Why is communication important in learning science?
Effective communication is key, as scientists generally do not work alone. Our students will progress in their ability to verbalize their thoughts, write and illustrate their ideas and experiences, and organize data.  Sharing ideas requires a feeling of safety.  Therefore, it is important to value and respect others' ideas.  Curiosity and problem solving are encouraged. 

What is our main goal for science learning at FSH?
Through the attitudes, skills, and knowledge developed in our program, we hope that students will be able to connect science in school with science in their everyday lives.