The Natural Sciences

Science begins with nature study, including observation and field experience in the early grades. First, Second, and Third graders develop an intuitive and reverential respect for the Earth as they spend time outside throughout the seasons playing, gardening, composting, and simply being in nature. Classes then move to more challenging subjects such as zoology, botany, geology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, ecological literacy, and physiology in grades four through eight.

In the upper grades the sciences are taught experimentally - that is, the teacher sets up an experiment, calls upon the students to observe carefully, ponder, discuss, and then discover the underlying conclusion, law, or formula. Through this process, independent critical thinking, sound disciplined judgment, and a respect for the natural world arises.