Science

GVS’s science curriculum focuses on the acquisition of facts and concepts in the life sciences, physical sciences, and earth/space science, along with practical applications of this knowledge. A distinct aspect of our curriculum is its continuous enactment of the scientific method as a driver for finding things out, putting questions to nature, and making sense of the answers. Students gain science-minded thinking through discussion, reading and activity comprehension, independent research, experiments and demonstrations, and projects about topics that interest them.

Kindergarten

As an introduction to scientific thinking, students explore meta-areas of science presented in the language of inquiry and the scientific method. They often work in small groups to study human body systems, animals, plants, weather systems, and other topics. They witness simple demonstrations that bring science to life, and they work on impressive art and writing projects to express their knowledge.

1st Grade

Students acquire deeper knowledge about the five senses, human body systems, and the impact of exercise, hygiene, and nutrition; and animal classification, biomes, and animal/plant adaptations. They are introduced to physical science topics like materials, light, heat, forces, and electricity. Students witness and complete simple experiments and demonstrations to reinforce concepts, and they put forther their learning through creative projects.

2nd, 3rd Grades

Science in these years is an ongoing survey of human body systems, ecosystems, and human impact on the environment. To expand their concepts and how they connect to each other, students explore states of matter, basic chemistry, astronomy, energy (light, heat, sound), and simple machines. They flex their inquiry skills through introductory research projects, and take low-stakes tests and quizzes to reveal their retention and application. Students write beginner lab reports for in-class experiments and demonstrations that reinforce class content.