AROUND THE QUAD
CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT: LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE
Amplify Science
The Lower School science curriculum is based on a program called Amplify Science, which uses a mix of hands-on experiments, digital tools, and literacy skills. While the curriculum was first introduced in 2020, the hands-on nature of the program was interrupted by COVID-19. “Amplify is a literacy-based science curriculum that focuses on expanding a student’s language and literacy skills, while also providing them with a multitude of opportunities and activities that encourage them to develop their natural curiosity about their world and to think like a scientist,” said Head of Lower School Dr. Pam Greenblatt. Boys in Lower School science teacher Eve Schwartz’s class have explored a range of scientific topics this year, including electricity, light and sound, and the environmental impact of pollution as it relates to water. Students in her kindergarten class have also completed a year-long scientific goal this year: welcoming Monarch butterflies to the Quad. As part of their unit on plants and animals, the boys started by prepping the grounds back in the fall by weeding and taking steps to promote growth in the butterfly garden on campus. “The boys had to utilize hands-on investigation, outdoor exploration, and make literacy connections to learn what was going to best support their garden,” said Schwartz. “This spring, they continued their investigating by exploring what it means for a plant to grow, and what the ideal conditions are to produce a flourishing garden that welcomes butterflies.” Lower School boys in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grade have science with Eve Schwartz. Below, a sample of the units she and her young scientists explored this year: Kindergarten
PLANTS AND ANIMALS Boys explored the needs of plants and animals, and how humans impact the environment in different ways.
LIGHT AND SOUND
Collaborating with Lower School art teacher Molly Porter, students created artwork showcasing transparency.
First Grade
8
Summer 2022
Second Grade
WATER Boys explored runoff, pollution, and how water flows.
BALANCING FORCES
Students investigated chain reactions and experimented with magnets.
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
VISION AND LIGHT The boys undertook an eyeball and chicken wing dissection to explore this unit.
