Science - School District of Lancaster

SDoL Science fuels the future with hands-on STEM learning

In order for our communities to thrive, we need our students to become critical thinkers with global perspectives – we need problem solvers.

That’s why our science programs provide students with opportunities to grow into these roles. Our goal is to provide a strong curriculum, aligned to rigorous standards, and to support students as they master the content.

Understanding how science impacts our daily lives is an essential part of understanding the world around us. The application of science through technology, engineering, and mathematics is called STEM. Careers in STEM make up the largest growing employment fields in the world. Because of this, it is imperative that our students have basic foundations in Science, and experiences in STEM.

For students to have these experiences, labs and hands-on activities are an essential part of the curriculum. In order to ensure this takes place, our teachers are developing engaging lessons through the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) Process. This process focuses on inquiry and student-centered learning, allowing students the opportunity to discover laws and theories consistent with observations.

SDoL students enjoy some of the most immersive science experiences in the region. Our middle school students have the unique opportunity to experience science up close and personal at NorthBay, a 97-acre portion of Elk Neck State Park in Cecil County, MD. Sixth-grade students spend five days and four nights on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed to participate in hands-on investigations focused on environmental education and character development. NorthBay teaches students that their attitudes and actions impact their future, their communities and the environment.

Many SDoL students participate in our annual STEM Fair, where they are challenged to solve problems and test theories using the Scientific Method.