Junior Science

Philosophy

Science at The Sage School is a pre-k – 8 program designed to provide gifted students the opportunity to experience science first-hand and become lifelong learners.   The goal is to nurture curiosity and recognize the relevance of science in daily life.  The program builds basic science literacy by exposing students to all major fields of science.  By using an inquiry and investigative approach, students come to realize that science is a process, not merely a body of knowledge to memorize. This is particularly important in providing the rigor and scope of the material appropriate to gifted learners.

A Sage science classroom utilizes hands-on, multi-sensory activities and technology to engage students in the learning process.  The program encourages students to reach their full potential and use higher levels of thinking.   A Sage student will use their scientific knowledge to critically, responsibly and compassionately contribute to the world around them.

Goals

1. Introduce test-taking skills
2. Record science vocabulary words in a notebook and apply science vocabulary in oral discussions
3. Manage a science notebook including recording important information and observations 
4. Use notes to prepare for tests
5. Think critically and ask relevant questions
6. Be introduced to the process of research including finding facts and paraphrasing them into their own words
7. Read scientific text to locate facts, state the main idea, and use features of non-fiction such as diagrams, captions, and glossary
8. Write introductory “lab reports” using a teacher provided framework
9. Write in a scientific tone free of personal opinions and “flowery” language
10. Complete guided experiments following the scientific method
11. State a hypothesis without the use of “I think.”
12. Be introduced to lab equipment and its appropriate use, stressing safety
13. Fill in a data table and complete a basic data analysis
14. Follow a written procedure
15. Draw logical conclusions
16. Communicate scientific thinking in a variety of situations, such as oral discussion and writing
17. Self evaluate an experimental design 

Books:

Daniel, Lucy H. Science 5th and 6th Grade Levels. New York: MacMillan & McGraw-Hill, 2005. 

Bosak, Susan V. Science is...Ontario: Ontario Scholastic Limited and the Communication Project, 1991

Websites:
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
www.pbs.org

Laboratory material examples:
assorted kits from Delta Education
microscope
triple beam balance
pipettes
test tubes
circuits and switches
assorted household items
live organisms (minnows, snails, crickets, ladybugs, plants)
school grounds for outdoor investigations