Academics
Science
Charles River School's science curriculum is an exciting, diverse exploration of concepts that ignites curiosity and enthusiasm and builds on prior knowledge. Students learn through experimentation and hands-on exploration. From PreK through Grade 8, students observe carefully, collect data, formulate conclusions, and above all, ask questions and figure out how to discover the answers to those questions. Topics and concepts grow in complexity, and support the grade level themes in meaningful ways.
Charles River School's Science Mission Statement
The science program at CRS joyfully engages learners in a challenging, collaborative curriculum which emphasizes questioning and seeking authentic answers. CRS Scientists are passionate and empathetic problem solvers and stewards of our environment.
Charles River School's Science Mission Statement
The science program at CRS joyfully engages learners in a challenging, collaborative curriculum which emphasizes questioning and seeking authentic answers. CRS Scientists are passionate and empathetic problem solvers and stewards of our environment.
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PreK - Second Grade
The early childhood science curriculum is firmly planted in the theme. In PreK, discussions of light, water, and reflection pique students’ interest in the natural world and what they see around them every day. Kindergarten students explore food and its relationship to the environment. First graders collect and experiment with natural materials to see what might have been used for paints and dyes in the middle ages. Second graders pay special attention to the relationship between Native peoples of North America and their relationship to nature. All of the themes in PreK through Grade 2 are united under the overarching theme Children are Explorers and Protectors of the Natural World. -
Third - Fifth Grade
In the elementary grades, science is taught outside of the classroom by a science specialist. The natural world remains an important part of the science curriculum in grades 3-5, and topics such as our solar system, electricity, and simple machines are also explored. Students build models, conduct experiments, and carry out dissections to create knowledge and show understanding. -
Sixth - Eighth Grade
While the hands-on nature of scientific learning at CRS remains a constant, students in middle school study more complex concepts and plan and conduct sophisticated experiments. For example, students complete chemical analyses on collected soil samples, design labs to measure the physical properties of matter, study forces and motion through Newtonian physics, and design and execute a semester-long independent lab project to delve into a question of their own choosing. Students in Grades 6 - 8 also share their knowledge in increasingly formal ways, including lab reports and structured oral presentations.
CRS Wetlands Laboratory
Student scientists at Charles River School are fortunate to have the opportunity to study a vernal pool on campus in our Wetlands Laboratory. Complete with paths through the woods, water sampling platforms, and a council circle for class meetings, students engage with an unique environment that allows them to study flora and fauna at all levels of science classes. Whether observing trees throughout the seasons or building and placing salamander boards for a citizen science project, the Wetlands Laboratory is used at all times of the year for integrated curriculum that fosters curiosity about a unique environment in our own backyard.
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Affiliations
Charles River School is a PreKindergarten through Grade 8 independent school that honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood. We nurture each child by igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating intellectual engagement. Our graduates know themselves, understand others, and shape the future of our diverse world with confidence and compassion.