Inquiry Based Science

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. We are completing our 3rd week of school, and it has been a great start for teachers and students! Every year brings some exciting changes, and this year we are thrilled with our new science curriculum with its "hands-on" instruction and focus on challenging students to be thinkers!

Education in Indiana is moving to Common Core State Standards and shifting its focus to demonstrating how to use concepts (process skills), reading informational text, applying reading and writing skills in all subjects, and using critical thinking skills. At Evansville Christian School we are preparing teachers and students for these standards in several ways: intense teacher training, development of K-6th Literacy Plan, concentration on increased text complexity and literacy standards in all subjects, continued focus on critical thinking and problem solving skills, attention to mathematical practices, and adoption of inquiry-based science.

Students and teachers are already excited about inquiry-based science and "notebooking" (keeping a science journal). The journal allows students to show evidence of their learning while organizing ideas and using expository writing in meaningful ways. This writing is descriptive, responds to a question or problem, and encourages students to reflect on what they are learning.

At every grade level K-8, students will have one quarter each of life science, earth science, physical science, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) appropriate for the standards at each grade level. Our classrooms and library are stocked with non-fiction books at various levels purchased specifically to support students' interests in a variety of science topics they will be studying. In the classroom, students will have access to science texts that provide crucial science vocabulary. However, the content is not textbook-based, but will be learned through the process of science "investigations", problem solving, and journaling. In the science journal, K-8th grade students will have everything they need for science, including vocabulary, notes, investigations, drawings, observations, and Biblical integration. These journals will allow students and teachers to assess each student's progress and understanding of content and process skills, while receiving meaningful feedback.

Students have quick access to a lot of information, and at ECS we are training students to become critical thinkers who know how to use the information they have and reflect on their learning.