POPE FRANCIS GLOBAL ACADEMY VIRTUAL TOUR - SCIENCE LAB

Engaged learning is what we are all about at Pope Francis. Nowhere is that more apparent than in our Science Lab.

Hands-on, inquiry-based learning is the norm in our comprehensive Science and STEM lab. A big, bright, and sunny space, our lab houses a plethora of equipment for student discovery, including microscopes, power tools, and electric/circuitry materials. Using Next Generation Science Standards as the guide, our science curriculum helps students “explore connections across the four domains of science: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design.”

Each year, our 7th graders compete in our school science fair during the winter, with several students moving on to the regional competition. In recent years, we’ve had 2-3 of our students go on to the state level competition.

Our 6th graders create a complete ecosystem which includes elements of plant growth, aquaponics, and animal life science. They research, design, and then build the complete system with minimal direction taking an inquiry-based approach. Teamwork and collaboration are key during this process.

In addition to running their own lab experiments, our 8th graders also have the opportunity to facilitate and co-teach younger students with labs created to tie in to their lower-grade science curriculums.