Science

Science in the lower school uses the A Beka Science series in conjunction with hands-on activities to teach basic concepts in life, earth, and physical science.

The students learn about plants and animals and their interdependence through the understanding of elementary ecology. They are introduced to their own planet, the sun, the moon, and the relationships between them. Physical science studies include introduction to the scientific method, measurement, and different ways to record data.

Example Science Projects

First Grade

Students perform hands-on activities to enhance lessons from their text, Discovering God's World, including: hatching chicks and visiting the zoo for animal studies, looking for real crickets for insect studies, learning about roots using food coloring with celery, etc.

Second Grade

A favorite science project is the "Earthworm Experiment." Each student brings a glass jar filled with soil and receives a giant earthworm. Students moisten the soil, examine the worms with magnifying glasses, then put them into their jars.  After placing the jars on the window sills, students monitor the worm activity when the jars are covered in black paper and when they are left wide open. The boys love it!

Third Grade

Students select a mammal when studying vertebrates. Using information from three references, they write a paper about that animal. All writing is done in class, and incorporates concepts learned in Excellence in Writing. Student also make a model of their mammal to present on the day that they read their mammal paper.