The world should feel like an ever-unfolding mystery, brimming with wonders that elicit awe, excitement, and contemplation. Our immersive program and full-time instructor cultivate deep conceptual understanding and a great affinity for science.
Immersive Investigations
At Perkins, we strongly believe that the best way to learn science is by doing it. Students are treated as true scientists from the first day. They are actively involved in conducting experiments, building models, gathering observations, deliberating, and communicating their findings. Examples of active investigations include:
What will help kindergartners understand the Laws of Motion? Launching balloon rockets of course!
How can we help second graders understand aerodynamics? Testing and manipulating parachutes from the roof!
What is a way that fourth graders can analyze interconnections within an ecosystem? Assembling their own mini terrariums and aquariums, complete with plants, insects, and fish!
The Scientific Process
As students conduct investigations, they are supported with strategies and steps. The results and the methodology, however, are not “fixed.” This means that they get to experience authentic science in all of its complicated glory. They test whether the procedure and materials they’ve compiled actually function in relation to the question they set out to answer. Students encounter unintended variables along the way and figure out how to eliminate them or acknowledge their effects. They analyze the data they collect to figure out why there were outliers and if their results align with their predictions. We let the science get messy, both literally and figuratively, and help the students learn in a truly scientific manner.
Branches of Scientific Study
Science is a broad field and we want to make sure students have an understanding of its various branches. To this end, students in all grades explore physical, life, and earth sciences. These lessons give students equal opportunities to explore the concepts, methods, and vocabulary specific to that branch. We also invite professional scientists from all of these disciplines to come into the classroom to help our students understand the diversity of the field and envision themselves as adult scientists.