Unlocking the World's Mysteries
As students move to middle school, our curriculum beckons our students to investigate, explain, and problem-solve through a focus on diverse topics and phenomena. Focusing on the "why" and "how" of the world teaches science as a practice for deep, authentic, and dynamic understandings in real-life contexts. This approach sparks student-generated questions and fuels their desire to construct their own scientific knowledge, fostering a robust foundation for advanced studies and real-world applications.
Forging the Path to Scientific Excellence
Our program's goals serve as guiding principles, leading our students towards becoming well-rounded and confident scientists:
- Seeing Themselves as Scientists: Our students become active participants in a collaborative and community-based scientific process. They recognize that science is not confined to solitary laboratories but thrives in the exchange of ideas and the support of a community.
- Embracing the Non-linear Nature of Science: Students learn that scientific progress is not a linear journey but a series of iterative steps. Embracing risks, practicing new skills, and reflecting on mistakes fosters resilience and growth, allowing them to glean insights from unexpected results.
- Building Gradual Proficiency: Through multi-year projects, students incrementally build their scientific skills, enabling them to navigate complex concepts and pursue sustained lines of inquiry. This gradual mastery empowers them to engage deeply with scientific ideas.
- Exploring Diverse Perspectives: Our young scientists engage with a diverse array of ideas, tools, and ways of knowing. This multifaceted approach empowers them to develop models, carry out investigations, and construct arguments backed by evidence, ensuring a holistic understanding of scientific concepts.
- Transcending Disciplinary Boundaries: Our curriculum facilitates the application of scientific content and practices across various disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches scientific understanding but also fosters the ability to tackle complex real-world challenges.
- We Do Real Work That Matters: Our program and project-based learning approach often allows students to dive deep into topics they are passionate about in collaboration with peers and professional scientists beyond our classroom walls. The culmination of scientific projects in middle school are often presented at the local, regional, and occasionally national levels at forums, fairs, and other scientific events with the aim of building knowledge within the scientific community and making a positive impact in the world through innovation.
Open Window School
Open Window School provides a challenging academic curriculum blended with nurturing support from teachers that prepares students for long-term success.
©2024 Open Window School. All Rights Reserved.