Children learn about the world through doing. In grades K–8, our science curriculum uses the 5E Model of Inquiry-Based Learning to ensure that students learn to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate like real scientists.

In middle school, students develop a greater sense of independence with the addition of “science seminars,” which include student-led conversations where groups are tasked to evaluate evidence and draw their own conclusions. Students learn to convey their scientific findings through both oral and written arguments and debate methods and outcomes. Through this process, they develop a true sense of what it means to be part of the scientific community and how scientists serve an essential role in our society.

In science, middle school students gain valuable leadership skills as they identify real-world issues in our local ecosystem, develop ideas for solving them, and take on longer-term projects. Projects include trail maintenance along the Stoney Run trail, invasive species identification and removal, garden projects, water quality testing and reporting, macroinvertebrate stream sampling, writing environmental advocacy letters, starting and maintaining a school composting system, and tree planting.

Students graduate with a clear understanding of how every individual can use skills in all subjects to overcome local and global challenges.

“Middle school at GreenMount has been a great experience and the trips have been amazing. We even learned survival skills like how to make a fire and cook our own food.” 

 

- Middle School Student