Science & Technology Overview

Encinitas Country Day School facilities include a Science Lab with Vernier wireless lab equipment, Media Center/Computer Lab, Library with on-line research access, organic gardens and an on-campus conservation area with native habitat, a seasonal stream and access to the San Elijo Ecological Reserve. Students have age appropriate access to facilities and instruction at each level. Our students also learn the basics of important computer-based programs for word processing, spreadsheets and database beginning in lower school and progress in sophistication during the middle and upper school years.

Lower School Science

Classroom materials to support aligned science curriculum content and Montessori “great stories” that provide students with an understanding of their time and place in the universe, and include important lessons in biology, earth and physical science, make every day learning in our lower school classrooms challenging and fun. Visits to our science lab enrich classroom learning and provide experience using the scientific method.

Middle School Science

Middle school courses are aligned to California adopted Next Generation Science Standards and enriched by Amplify NGSS curriculum and hands on labs and field trips. (see details under Middle School:Science tabs)

Technology

Technology learned in our classrooms and media center using individualized keyboarding and on-line technology programs are translated cross-curriculum to support student projects in the classroom, Science Lab, Art Studio, Performing Arts and on stage, on iPad apps used for math and science classes and in using online research capabilities available through our Library, Media Center, and throughout the school.

Science Lab

Welcome to the ECDS Science Laboratory. Our lab is equipped to support Lower School classroom curriculums and field studies by providing introductory science labs and science classes and labs for middle school and beyond. In our lab, science concepts aligned to state standards come to life through academic lessons reinforced by hands-on laboratory exercises using traditional laboratory equipment and Vernier technology-based laboratory instruments. Middle School science labs are scheduled to meet grade level science requirements for sixth grade Earth Science, seventh grade Life Science and eighth grade Physical Science classes. Science projects provide entry into school and county science fairs. Upper school biological, environmental, chemical and physical science include lab, field studies and projects to challenge and inspire scientific inquiry. See published course descriptions for details.

Technology Lab

Our students learn the basics of important computer-based programs for word processing, spreadsheets and database beginning in lower school and progress in sophistication to include programming during the middle school years. Technology learned in our media center using our individualized on-line technology program are translated cross-curriculum to support student projects in their classrooms, Science Lab, Art Studio, Performing Arts and on stage, on iPad apps used for math and science classes and in using online research capabilities available through our Library, Media Center, and throughout the school.