Science
The Middle School science curriculum takes a thorough, in-depth look at how our environmental advantages foster scientific discovery and creativity. The curriculum inspires students to inquire and be observant of the world around them. Cultivating a mindset that encourages inquiry and boundless curiosity.
What separates Seacrest science from other programs is the well rounded comprehensive three year curriculum. Rather than separating each year to focus on chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, or physics. They explore how many facets of science connect and interact throughout all three years.
A Three Year Preview
What your middle school science experience will look like
At the beginning of our middle school Seacrest Science Experience, our sixth and seventh graders travel to a Key Largo to explore and receive and introduction to living organisms through our partnership with Marine Lab.Students explore a variety of marine topics such as seagrass, mangrove, and coral reed ecology gaining exposure to an ecosystem that is unfamiliar to most. This helps them a better knowledge through activities like snorkeling, which allows them to interact directly with various marine species.
After taking the lessons learned in the water our students take their experiential knowledge and translate it into the classroom. Receiving their first real taste of a science lab experience. They become familiar with microscopes, tools to measure salinity and turbidity, methods to count organisms and identify species, ways to count microplastics and other pollutants. In this way they learn about living organisms in the water and then through the lens to help them apply knowledge to the real world.
Our middle school students are exposed to a variety of practical skills in order to prepare them for a diverse upper school curriculum. This includes a thorough understanding of reading graphs, a deep comprehension of summarizing findings and conclusions, a grasp on what proper research looks like, and the ability to make proper connections and observations.
Across the board Seacrest Middle School Science Program has an emphasis on practical skills. Our Curriculum and passion for sustainability and science goes further than just testing.
Place-Based Learning
Place-based learning occurs both on and off campus. Our students use our on campus laboratories, ponds, gardens, preserve, and environment to begin place-based learning where we spend the most of our time. They then expand this place-based learning to local beaches, conservation areas, The Everglades, Marine Lab, and the Atlantic Ocean. Place-based learning offers a unique opportunity for students to experience hands-on science education in a dynamic and supportive environment. With access to our on campus pond, chicken coop, and beehives, students will engage in hands-on activities and experiments that bring science to life. Our on- and off-campus science education provides students with the chance to apply the concepts they have learned in the classroom and help them to build a deeper understanding of science and its impact on the world. Additionally, this type of learning provides opportunities for collaboration and teamwork, as students work together with teachers and working-scientists to solve problems and make discoveries