The science curriculum at MWJDS engages students in hands-on learning, utilizing experiments and observations to explore the natural world.
MWJDS recognizes that the best way for students to appreciate the scientific process, learn important scientific concepts and develop the ability to think well is to construct ideas through investigations and analysis. Our inquiry-based approach enables students develop reasoning, decision-making and observation techniques while engaging in the process of experiment and discovery.
To enhance the learning process, MWJDS incorporates age-appropriate technology throughout the curriculum. Teachers employ cutting edge programs and websites to extending the children’s connections beyond the walls of MWJDS.
The Scientific Method
Students use the Scientific Method to learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to construct ideas through investigations and analysis. This inquiry-based approach enables students to develop their personal learning styles and problem-solving skills through guided exploration of specific topics as well as their individual ideas. They develop reasoning, decision-making, and observation techniques while engaging in unique experiences and discoveries.
Science Topics
Each science unit covers a topic such as the human body, water, electricity, rocks and minerals, the physics of sound, solids and liquids, plants, insects, animals, air and weather. Manipulatives, experiments, and supplemental materials, as well as appropriate literature are used to complement each unit.
The 7-week rocketry project was led by 3 MIT scientists who engaged the 5th grade in a unit on the fundamentals of Newtonian Mechanics. The project as a whole provided students an understanding of Newton’s laws. First law: an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. Second law: force equal the product of mass and acceleration. Third law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Computers and Technology
Computers are an integral part of the curriculum and are used as an educational enhancement to classroom instruction. Students are comfortable working on computers and use them to explore the internet for information, web-quests, geographic locations, publish stories, and play educational games.
Competition and Recognition
Every spring, the annual MWJDS Science Fair draws nearly 100% participation across all grades. Students choose a topic, perform experiments, follow the scientific method and display their work while they discuss their investigations and findings with our esteemed science fair coaches and families. Also, participation in the Regional Science Fair allows the students to showcase their projects to the larger community.
Grades K – 2
The lower grade science program includes life science, earth science and physical science. It strives to develop children’s curiosity and respect for the natural world. Through hands-on exploration, students experience the joy of discovery and the process of scientific inquiry. Students are encouraged to view themselves as scientists and early on learn the Scientific Method (question, observe, hypothesize, experiment, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions) to explain a scientific investigation.
Grades 3 – 5
The science curriculum continues the study of life science, earth science and physical science from the Lower Grades and expands to include life cycles, electricity and magnetism, and landforms. It combines the inquiry-based approach with continued exposure to the scientific method both in independent and group collaboration. The curriculum supports students’ natural curiosity about understanding the patterns that exist in the natural world and the rules that govern them.
Grades 6 – 8
The upper elementary grades explore several units throughout the academic year including earth and space science, physical science, life science, and technology and engineering. As the students learn information and concepts related to each of the units, they continue to hone their skills that are necessary for scientific inquiry.