Teaching & Learning

Our Vision

Science is evolving. We inspire and empower the next generation by fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Through immersive learning experiences, inclusive environments, and powerful conversations, we ignite a passion for discovery, innovation, and responsible stewardship of the planet. We equip students with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

Our Goals

Our science curriculum is organized around the following goals that guide instruction and assessment for our students as scientifically literate, critical thinking problem solvers, scholarly writers and communicators, and global citizens.

Readers as Researchers

Critically evaluate scientific information from a variety of sources and distinguish between what is reliable and pseudoscience by understanding the scientific method, recognizing bias, and assessing the validity and reliability of scientific claims. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking
Use reading, writing, thinking, and discourse to apply scientific reasoning. NNPS Profile: Critical and Creative Thinking, Communication, Collaboration

Writers as Communicators

Communicate effectively with peers, community members, and the scientific community through various oral, print, and digital media to provide discourse about findings, wonderings, and information explored. NNPS Profile: Creative Thinking, Communication
Engage in scientific debates and discussions powered with knowledge from literature and exploration to articulate ideas and defend scientific phenomena (Ex: Global warming, climate change, and evolution). NNPS Profile: Communication, Collaboration
Foster collaboration and communication between peers from different cultural backgrounds to enhance an understanding of global issues. NNPS Profile: Citizenship, Collaboration, and Communication

Our Instructional Approach

Students see themselves and the world around them reflected in their scientific investigation and exploration. Curious minds and scientific literacy prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global society driven by science and technology. Our daily science blocks include a mix of student exploration, explicit instruction, collaboration, and partnering with students for more targeted growth and understanding. By implementing these strategies, a PK-12 instructional approach to science can promote student engagement, deepen understanding, and cultivate a lifelong interest in science.

Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers

Collaboratively work with peers to investigate scientific phenomena through hands-on experiments and real-world applications to think critically and solve problems. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking, Collaboration
Engage in collaborative discourse with peers, teachers, and experts in the field to share ideas, perspectives, and findings to gather essential evidence for problem-solving and critical thinking. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication
Develop skills in analyzing and interpreting data using appropriate tools and techniques. Look for trends, patterns, and relationships in data and draw evidence-based conclusions. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking
To be environmental stewards and be empowered to take action to protect and preserve the environment through sustainable practices and informed decision-making. NNPS Profile: Citizenship
Explore global issues (i.e.climate change, loss of biodiversity, and access to clean water) to understand the interconnectedness of the world, the role science plays in addressing the challenges, and make informed decisions that have a positive impact. NNPS Profile: Citizenship

Hands-On and Inquiry Based

Emphasize hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations that allow students to actively explore scientific phenomena. Encourage students to ask questions, make predictions, gather data, analyze results, and draw evidence-based conclusions. This approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Collaboration and Communication

Encourage collaboration among students through group work, discussions, and presentations. Foster effective communication skills by providing opportunities for students to explain their scientific thinking and findings.

Questions? Please call the NNPS Elementary Science Office at (757) 283-7850 x.10267.