SCIENCE AT WESM

Weebly Washington Science Web Page

The elementary science program at Washington Elementary STEM Magnet provides opportunities for all students to develop the skills necessary to function productively as problem-solvers in a scientific and technological world.  

According to National Science Teachers Association, Elementary school students learn science best when—

• they are involved in first-hand exploration and investigation and inquiry/process skills are nurtured.
• instruction builds directly on the student's conceptual framework.
• content is organized on the basis of broad conceptual themes common to all science disciplines.

At WESM, we follow these best practices.  We will introduce, encourage, and help students master science, as it applies to school and the future.   In addition, we will help teachers infuse this science pedagogy into classroom lessons.  

STEM Lab

Lab Time:  ALL students have the opportunity to explore, invent, and create in the Science Lab once a week.  Students are engaged in the engineering design process as well as scientific investigations

Real-World Experiences

Authenticity -- we know it works! When students are engaged in real-world problems, scenarios and challenges, they find relevance in the work and become engaged in learning important skills and content. In addition, they are more likely to engage when there is a real-world audience looking at their work, giving them feedback, and helping them improve.  At WESM, we provide field trips for our students to watch engineers and scientist.  In addition, scientists and engineers evaluate and provide feedback for student’s projects.  

Training our Teachers

Our teachers are coached by Pedagogy Specialist, Lisa Schafer and STEM Specialist Jodie West.  Teacher preparation and professional development provides—

1. Experiences that will enable teachers to use hands-on activities to promote skill development, selecting content and methods appropriate for their students, and for design of classroom environments that promote positive attitudes toward science and technology.
2. Continuing science in-service programs based on current educational research that encompass content, skills, techniques, and useful materials and participation in workshops, conferences, and meetings sponsored by local, state, and national agencies.
3. Curriculum and lesson plan development focusing on student-centered learning

Lessons carried out in the Science Lab are continued in their classrooms where each student has a computing device. This ties in with the concept that science is both supplementary and complementary in nature at WESM.  In other words, Science lab activities can be supplemented in individual classrooms and at the same time complemented with general academics.