Science

Westtown Lower School has an inquiry-centered elementary science program based on hands-on collaborative learning, which enables young children to learn about the essence of science by asking questions and exploring to find the answers. This approach to science instruction captures children's curiosity, stimulates their interest in science, and teaches them important science concepts, along with the critical thinking skills involved in scientific problem- solving.

How do we do this? Described below, representative units from each grade level have in common developmental appropriateness, frequent use of Westtown’s magnificent campus, and always an element of wonder—and fun!

Kindergarten students discovered that scientists can dress in different ways depending on their area of study. This helps them overcome stereotypes of what a scientist looks like and fosters their curiosity for science.

First graders study honeybees in the fall. Bees fascinate most young children and often their fascination is a mixture of fear and curiosity. Studying bees in class generates enthusiasm for these helpful insects and promotes a respect for bees and other living things. We learned about the structure of the bee by catching live bees, and by looking at dead ones under the dissecting scope.

In connection with second grade's ocean theme, their science curriculum focuses on water at the opening of the year. From the water we drink to the oceans that encompass the globe, liquids are everywhere and are used in countless ways. Students learned about ocean food chains and examined some adaptations of plankton. Students were amazed to find fresh water plankton when they observed Westtown's lake water under microscopes.

Third graders adopt trees from the campus Arboretum. Through observations, students build an understanding of biological concepts through direct experience with living things, their life cycles, and their habitats. Making sense of the way organisms live in their environments will help students to develop some understanding of the diversity of life and how all living organisms depend on the living and nonliving environment for survival.

Fourth grade take an imaginary journey with water in its solid, liquid, and gaseous forms as they write about the water cycle at Westtown Lake in the rain. This activity helps students identify changes in states of water that enable it to move through the water cycle.

Finally, to gain a better understanding of biological concepts through direct experience with living things, their life cycles, and their habitats, the 5th grade studies ecosystems. This unit emerges from the sense of wonder and natural interests of children. Through direct observations of Westtown's habitat garden, students develop an understanding of the characteristics of organisms, their life cycles, and of the complex interactions among all components of the natural environment.