Science for Beginners: Earth and Space

In From Wonder to Mastery, John D. Mays recommends to “introduce students early to appropriate ways of thinking and speaking about science…we should endeavor, even in these early years, to help children develop an appropriate vocabulary for talking about how science works.” This Introduction to Science course for Lower School students will teach students how to talk and think like scientists as they are introduced to the history of science, scientific terms, and the scientific method. Throughout the year, we will make our way through the history of science in a chronological order, reading about the scientists and replicating the experiments that have changed the world. Along the way, students will be introduced to beginning Earth Science (including Astronomy), Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry), and Life Science (Biology).

Class time will include read-alouds, discussions, “show and tell” type activities, observations, and viewing simple experiments. Outside class time, students will have assignments which include reading and journaling with an emphasis on wonder and observation of God’s creation, encountering technology, and science in daily life. Students will work on one project at the end of each quarter and the year will culminate in a “Science Fair” type project during the fourth quarter where students work on a project of choice and present it to the class.

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.