Science

Science lessons stress fundamentals as well as critical thinking skills by incorporating hands-on labs, demonstrations, and innovative technology. Curriculum in grades six through eight focuses on earth science, life science, and physical science.

Earth science includes an astronomy unit; sixth graders visit Lowell Observatory, tour the facility with the scientists, make Planispheres, and do homework with their families, locating constellations and planets in the night sky. The Prescott Astronomy Club sponsors a night of star gazing at our quad; they set up many telescopes, some very sophisticated, and give tutorials all evening. Another activity is a mapping project using giant wooden protractors on the quad. The angles are measured using the protractors, and the legs of the angles are formed by orange strings and measured in meters.

Seventh grade life science includes the study of the worm. Students study the parts of the earthworm, dissect the worms, diagram and label their findings, and complete the unit with worm races and writing “Ode to the Earthworm.” “Fire Trap” is a community partnership with the Prescott Fire Department in which students learn about fire and injury prevention.

Eighth grade physical science students study physics by observing and analyzing various Olympic events. Students calculate speed in meters per second and miles per hour using the videoed 100-meter sprints. They calculate elastic potential energy, falling velocity and momentum of pole-vaulters. Newton’s laws come alive as the classes observe their student made water rockets shooting seventy plus feet across the football field or by finding the speed and momentum of various rolling balls. In the lab, students use the scientific method by hypothesizing the distance a rubber band projectile will go using launchers they made themselves. Data is record throughout the experiment, it is graphed and used to support or reject the hypothesis. Concepts learned in the class and cutting edge visual graphic software that challenges students to apply their knowledge in real life three-dimensional situations reinforces lab.

Students’ special achievements in science are reflected in the recognition several of our students have received. Michael Owens and Mike Kooken, Mile High class of 2002, were national winners of the Space Day 2002 Design Challenge Award for their creation of a green algae oxygen generator for possible trips to Mars. They were also part of the “Mars imaging team” from ASU that used students to photograph the landscape of Mars from the Global Surveyor, a probe now orbiting the planet. Currently, a riparian area is being constructed on campus so that students may study native plants and fish.