Science

The goal at Merrill Road Elementary is to provide students with a comprehensive science curriculum that emphasizes significant and developmentally appropriate science learning targets. Students receive 100 minutes a week of science instruction. Using the 5 E’s model consisting of engage, explore, explain, extend, evaluate allows students the opportunity to experience inquiry based science curriculum. The 5 E’s model is used for planning lessons within the unit. Lessons require several days of instruction. The amount of days needed to move from engage to evaluate within the lesson depends on the concepts being taught.

Kindergarten, First grade and second grade student have a scheduled science period in the science lab where they engage rigorous science content; and a classroom learning environment that both is supportive and challenging to students while helping students make sense of the science concepts they are learning.

Inquiry-based instruction engages students in the investigative nature of science with teachers varying considerably in how they attempt to engage students in this process. Our young scientists are provided with ample opportunities to problem solve, analyze, and provide explanations of their reasoning. Both large and small group classroom discussions that include higher order questioning and probing questions to assess level of student understanding of content are encouraged.

Cool Science Websites!

Check out these interesting internet resources.

Jacksonville Zoo
Museum of Science and History - Jacksonville
Science FCAT
Challenger Learning Center
Tree Hill Nature Center
Marine Science Education Center