Science

Objective: Science is an integral component of our dynamic STEAM program, reflecting our commitment to fostering a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. Our objective in the Science Department is to instill a deep curiosity and understanding of the natural world, ensuring students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade engage critically with scientific ideas. We aim to bring science to life through a curriculum that encourages inquiry exploration, hands-on learning, and experiential learning, preparing students not only to acquire essential scientific knowledge but also to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve them in all walks of life.

 

Curriculum Progression: From TK through 5th grade, the curriculum introduces students to the wonders of Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences. This foundational phase is critical in setting the stage for a lifelong interest in scientific inquiry, offering students a broad overview of key scientific principles. As learners progress into grades 6 through 8, their scientific journey aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This advanced stage is defined by deeper exploration into the scientific process, with a significant emphasis on inquiry-based activities that foster a deeper understanding of scientific content and application. Our goal is to engage students in different levels of Depth-of-Knowledge, especially focusing on analyzing and application, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of each scientific discipline.

 

Experiential Learning Through Science Labs: Critical to our science curriculum is the experiential learning that takes place in our science labs and experiments, where students from TK to 8th grade are immersed in the scientific process through hands-on learning. Through these experiments, students are given the unique opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice, bringing science to life right before their eyes. This direct engagement in the scientific process enhances their learning experience, making abstract concepts tangible and fostering a genuine enthusiasm for scientific exploration.

 

Extracurricular Engagement and Achievements: Annually, our 6th through 8th graders showcase their scientific acumen in the school Science Fair, leading to participation in the Los Angeles County Science Fair and potentially the State Science Fair competition. Chamlian students additionally partake in the Armenian Science Olympiad, connecting their scientific endeavors with their cultural heritage. Furthermore, our involvement in Future City competitions and county-wide STEAM challenges allows students to creatively address real-world problems, highlighting Chamlian's role in nurturing the next generation of scientific thinkers and problem solvers.

 

At Chamlian, our Science Department is focused on igniting a lifelong passion for science in our students, equipping them with the knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary for future academic and life challenges. Through engaging curriculum, hands-on experiments, and meaningful extracurricular activities, we strive to prepare our students to be curious, informed, and ready to explore the wonders of the scientific world.