Science

Science at St. Mary’s is discovery based with strong attention to safety and proper tool use in the laboratory.  We build confident and caring young scientists with process oriented cognitive skills. The scientific method imparts to students a systematic approach with emphasis on learning how to observe, asking questions and sharing discoveries. 

Science comes to life in Preschool with interactive, hands on learning through a dedicated Preschool garden. This introduction to earth science is explored through art and sensory activities that discuss plants, what they need to grow, why we need plants, and through observation of seasonal and environmental changes. Students learn about the scientific method and showcase their learning in a collaborative Science Faire with Middle School students each Spring. 

While science is integrated throughout the curriculum in Lower School, the recent addition of a Lower School science laboratory offers students the experience of working in a laboratory environment. Kindergarten through Grade 5 students dive into collecting and examining life, life cycles, habitats, the human body, and earth's changing surfaces. Grade 5 students embark on a field study to Astro Camp, in Idyllwild, California where students spend three days focusing on various astronomy and physical sciences including rocketry, rock climbing, microgravity snorkeling and many other team building scientific activities. The experience is designed to sharpen interest in the scientific study of the universe, and directly connects with the IB Unit of Inquiry on Space and Exploration.

Middle School science focuses on Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science in addition to the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Thematic units expand upon National and State Science Standards with specific concepts covered to include plate tectonics and the Earth’s structure, topography and weathering, ecosystems, adaptations of living beings, virus/bacteria, motion, forces, and important scientific principles and laws including Bernoulli’s, Pascal’s, Archimedes’ and Newton’s Laws of Motion. Courses in CSI: Forensics, Lego Mindstorm Robotics Engineering, and a partnership with the Discovery Science Center further enhances the science curriculum.