HARRELLS — As students return to Harrells Christian Academy this week they will be find a new experience awaiting them in the school’s new science lab. Lower school (K-5) Crusaders, school officials said, will discover science in a whole new way, thanks to the new facility.
Kim Bowles, the science lab teacher/coordinator for the lower school, said she was thrilled about the new lab and the opportunities it will afford children.
“I am so excited to be involved with this new science lab. I have prepared so many exciting lab activities and I cannot wait to spark the science minds of these children,” stressed Bowles. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to teach and learn in a setting where it is OK to focus on the essential standards and have fun while we learn.”
The lab coordinator explained that the new science lab will be all hands-on, with experiments and activities to reinforce what the students will be learning in their science classes.
Noel Blue, the lower school chairwoman and a kindergarten teacher at Harrells, is also excited about the opportunities the students in the lower grades will now have.
“It will be so good for our students to have the opportunity to come to the lab each week for 45 minutes. This will be a new experience for many of them since we have been able to spread out with the new high school building. The new curriculum we will be using this year is entitled ScienceFusion and we feel the student will have their true scientist come out as we go through the year,” remarked Blue.
The teachers explained that the new ScienceFusion curriculum is aligned with the new North Carolina Essential Standards that have replaced the Standard Course of Study.
Bowles noted that the new curriculum includes over 3,000 videos, animations simulations and virtual labs.
“The students will have 24/7 access to digital lessons and virtual labs with this program,” shared the lab coordinator.
“The K-5 teachers will be working together with Kim (Bowles), to plan instruction in the classrooms and both classroom teachers and Kim will be using the ScienceFusion curriculum,” interjected Blue.
The science lab coordinator explained that the ScienceFusion program is called “360 percent of Inquiry” because it gives students a meaningful way to interact with science.
“Every click, every page turn, every lab and activity provides an opportunity for students to ask questions, think critically and make informed decisions. Using this program the students will be asked to inquire, think, predict, analyze and apply what they have learned,” cited Bowles.
Blue added, “This style of teaching and learning will prepare our students for the 21st Century. By applying the skills they will be learning in science they will be building a foundation for not only in science but in school and in life.”
The teachers explained that with the new ScienceFusion curriculum the students will be doing much more than reading about science concepts. “At every moment they use their curiosity as well as their reasoning skills to discover, interact and apply what they have learned,” concluded Bowles.
“We cannot wait for our students to start using our new lab. We are excited and we are certain they will be also,” remarked Blue.
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