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Science education begins with our youngest students. As they explore
their surroundings, they are encouraged to describe and document
what they see in words and pictures. Progressing from Preschool
and Kindergarten, Kingsley students begin to carry out experiments
using the inquiry method. As their skills of writing, observing
and recording develop in Lower Elementary, students design, conduct
and document their scientific investigations. In their Upper Elementary
years, students use their sophisticated skills to design original
inventions, explore the natural world with microscopes and telescopes
and apply technology to their study of complex, scientific concepts.
For Kingsley students, the classroom and Science Labs are where
their explorations begin. The nearby Charles River becomes an extension
of their classrooms, as do Boston’s Museum of Science, Children’s
Museum and Aquarium, as well as Cambridge’s Observatory, Peabody
Museum at Harvard and the Technology Lab at MIT Kingsley students
learn to approach the world as scientists — observing, hypothesizing,
predicting, experimenting and concluding.
Science Lab introduces the formal setting of hands-on
science exploration. Kindergarten students and third- through sixth-grade
students meet weekly to engage in focused studies supporting the
scientific principles they explore in the classroom. Technology
plays an integral role in the science lab; we encourage students
to complete research tasks using online and print resources. Students
consult the source best suited for their research needs, considering
a wide array of options. They are expected to present their findings
clearly and thoroughly. They understand the methods of information
gathering, and they relish the opportunity to present information
in unique and interesting ways.
Third-grade students are introduced to the scientific method. They
hone their inquiry and observational skills as they learn about
the world around them. Students learn to make hypotheses, gather
materials and equipment, follow procedures and draw conclusions.
Topics of study include properties of water, electricity, magnetism,
wheels and pulleys, color and light, plants and birds.
Students at the Upper Elementary level continue using the scientific
method in their lab experiences, expanding the written expression
of their ideas with supportive detailed, observations and conclusions
about their work. Detail-oriented writing enables the students to
consider alternate solutions and procedures. Regular group discussion
facilitates collaboration and in-depth exchange of ideas. Students
share their findings with their Upper Elementary classmates, and
with students in the Lower Elementary on occasion.
Fourth-grade science lab topics of study include water systems,
electricity, solar power and energy conservation. Fifth graders
study weather systems, bridges and structures, rocks and minerals,
physics and communications. Sixth-grade topics include landforms,
body systems, telescopes, chemistry and environmental awareness.
The first experience of presenting individual work begins in Kindergarten
in our Science Fair. Children work to answer a question, and then
present their findings to the school community through drawings,
writing, three-dimensional models and oral presentations. Confident
of their knowledge, they enthusiastically field questions from their
captive audience.
The annual Kingsley Elementary Science Fair showcases the amazing
efforts and scientific expertise of students at all elementary grade
levels. This is an opportunity for students to research and explore
a scientific topic, then share their knowledge and practice their
presentation skills with the Kingsley community. Younger students
are guided through their experiments with the help of teachers and
parents. As they gain experience with the Science Fair and build
confidence in their skills as scientists, students take on more
responsibility for design, research and presentation of their projects.
Outdoor education meets classroom instruction during year-round
investigations of the Charles River. Reinforcing our sense of place,
the Kingsley faculty takes students on an exploration of the Charles
River, just blocks from our doors. Under the leadership of sixth
graders, who have an integral role in the design, planning and implementation
of the study, students in Kindergarten through Upper Elementary
participate in monthly activities, trips and presentations, as well
as community service projects. They learn about the history, geography
and wildlife of this spectacular natural resource. Classroom connections
to the rich curriculum provide the framework for lessons, including
using the compass rose to map various routes to and from the Charles
River, identifying and labeling parts of river fish, embarking on
a winter walk to observe animal tracks, and learning about the history
of the Charles River from Department of Conservation and Recreation
Park rangers.
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