• Science & Technology

    Science and technology are an important part of the Saint Philip’s curriculum and are incorporated into daily study across all grade levels.

Technology

Technology is an important part of the Saint Philip’s curriculum is incorporated into daily study across all grade levels to enhance computer literacy.  Students, teachers, and faculty easily utilize technology because each classroom is equipped with wireless access, computers, printers, and interactive whiteboards. A wireless Internet connection is provided for upper grades participating in our 1-1 iPad program.

Technology integration and the software utilized are geared to each age group and incorporated into several discipline area including language arts, math, science, foreign studies, art, and music.

Beginning in PreK3 and PreK4 students are exposed to technology as teachers lead group instruction on SmartBoards© that connect the class to curriculum-based animations, interactive activities, games, and digital literature hosted online.  This develops further in Kindergarten when students begin working independently on iPads and typing skills are introduced.

Throughout Grades 1-3, the focus shifts to the development of typing and computer processing skills using Microsoft applications.  Students also begin using technology creatively by developing audio and visual projects that enhance the classroom curriculum and learning.  Also, Web participation increases as students access assigned Web pages, conduct online research, and Skype with classrooms around the world.

In grades, Kindergarten through 4th students use iPads for instruction. An iPad cart containing 13 iPads was introduced to the students with the Goal of implementing iPads in each class.

Beginning in Grade 3, engineering and design are introduced to students. Students learn different concepts of electrical, industrial, and computer science. Coding is done regularly and incorporated into the engineering curriculum. Students in grades 3 and up also have the use of two 3D printers to turn their concepts into reality.

Students in Grades 4 and 5 participate in an innovative 1-1 iPad program. Families purchase student iPads for their students through Saint Philip’s, providing students with a tool to becoming independent learners.  This transition to tablets marks a transition in the technology curriculum.  Focus now shifts to e-mail, cloud computing, document storage retrieval, and Web-based research skills.  As participants of the Web, students also create digital stories, podcasts, wikis, and blogs based on classroom curriculum.  All Web participation takes place in a closed environment, with access to student work kept within the Saint Philip’s Google run domain.

While technology integration is important at Saint Philip’s, Internet safety is our top priority.  An acceptable use policy which outlines our Web rules and guidelines to using technology on campus is read and signed by all Saint Philip’s students, parents, teachers, administrators, and faculty.  Email and Web activity run through our campus server, which protects students by blocking inappropriate Web access.

Internet Safety

Finally, rules are regularly reviewed with students and discussions about cyberbullying and appropriate netiquette are covered annually.  Disciplinary action is stated in the acceptable use policy and enforced with students who do not follow these guidelines.

Science

Children in PreK3 through Grade 5 participate in hands-on inquiry and learning in a fully equipped lab setting.  The Science program is designed to pique the students’ curiosity and nurture the development of keen observational and problem-solving skills.

Students use a wide variety of reference materials and online resources as they practice the inquiry process. The curriculum includes exploration and experiences in Physical, Life, Earth, and Computer Sciences such as integrated S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) topics.  Writing skills are enhanced through using project journals.  Students in Grades 4 and 5 prepare lab reports that record lab benchmarks and observations.

Students at St. Philip’s benefit from cross-curricular lessons in both homeroom and special area classes, particularly in Art.  These integrated activities enrich our students’ learning experiences.  Students are challenged to bridge disciplines and experiences thus enhancing critical and creative thinking skills.

The Kindergarten and Fourth Grade students partner to cultivate and nurture the St. Philip’s organic garden.  This peer-driven and cooperative experience connects the study of plants and their environment with the study of nutrition.

Our Science program provides a vast range of inquiry-based learning experiences.  Our curriculum sequentially builds skills that increase in complexity.  Students benefit by utilizing technology that prepares them for the ever-advancing and technologically driven world.  We challenge our students to become life-long learners and problem solvers.