Inquiry Based Science

Fourth graders dash across the Middle School playground chasing shadows - literally. The students are studying light. To do so, they devise methods to investigate what happens to shadows during the day and how they change. They then record each detail of their observations in science logs. Through their investigations, students conclude that the circular images seen under a tree on a sunny day are really images of the sun."

This is just a sample of inquiry-based science.

This approach to learning challenges students and fosters an awareness and curiosity about the world around them. And, it produces individuals who know how to observe, question, and problem solve.

Through an inquiry-based approach, students get an opportunity to observe phenomena, formulate and investigate questions, devise and conduct tests, collect and interpret data, and communicate their investigative process and results with their classmates.

Inquiry-based learning requires and enables students to be curious, thoughtful, and inventive and provides many opportunities for students to be in charge of their learning.

The MCDS Mission Statement states, in part, "Our school is a community that inspires children to develop a love of learning, thoughtful, perspectives, and diversity of skills." The inquiry-based approach to science and learning is just one example of how the school’s mission is reflected in the curriculum.