Science

Through the science component, Rainier Scholars students are given the opportunity to study various branches of science to which they have previously had little access. Typically, young students of color enrolled in public middle schools do not have access to advanced lab-based science that builds a critical base of skills and concepts for high school science.  Through an introduction to cutting-edge science and inquiry-based approaches, the Rainier Scholars program prepares to take advanced level science classes in later years.

Our science curriculum framework introduces students to chemistry, physics and biology.  We offer students the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based science, performing experiments, writing lab reports, and presenting findings at a “town hall”-style forum for families and the community.

Our chemistry unit is taught in the context of water quality in the environment.  Students begin their first summer learning the concepts of basic chemistry, from atomic theory and models to electron shells to chemical bonding and reactions.  Partnered with the Cedar River Watershed Education Center, Rainier Scholars students perform a series of tests on drinking water and present their data at a town meeting in November.

The physics unit is taught throughout the duration of the school year, two days a week, and focuses on an introduction to basic Newtonian Physics, measurement and observation in motion-related labs.  The unit culminates with an in-depth study of simple machines and a mousetrap car design project.

Lastly, during the second summer of the academic program, students will study the biology unit centered on genetics and the mechanisms of DNA in order to participate in a series of biology lab experiments.  The overall science curriculum provides a strong foundation in inquiry-based Science, scientific concepts, laboratory skills and application that might otherwise be a barrier to academic success for our students.