Science and Technology/ Engineering
The Manville School’s standards-based science curriculum encompasses topics addressing earth and space science, physical science, and life science, in addition to technology & engineering. Our methodological approach can be characterized as multi-sensory, incorporating a variety of techniques for our students to access the standards-based curriculum in fun and meaningful ways. In conjunction with the part-time Science Coordinator, the department has developed a partnership with the Education Department at Simmons College resulting in a Science Intern site for Independent Study.
Click here for more information on Manville's first Genetic Symposium.
A Manville Student examines his volcano project in science class.
Upper School
At the Upper School, we offer a variety of engaging biology courses meeting students’ interests and educational needs. Our instructional units are tailored to our learners, as evidenced by our four different Biology course offerings and ongoing differentiation of curriculum. Our students have consistently demonstrated mastery with their 2007 & 2008 Biology MCAS Test performance.
Topics in biology include the chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution, biodiversity and ecology. Some of our units have incorporated the National Institute of Health’s inquiry-based Sleep, Sleep Disorders & Biological Rhythms & Human Genetic Variation. Others have included bioethics case studies such as, Presymptomatic Testing of Huntington’s Disease and Bioprospecting in Yellowstone Park. We incorporate a variety of print material, including accessible textbooks, internet-linked texts, current science articles & high level supplemental booklets, in addition to lab-based activities. One emphasis is the understanding of the impact of technological advances in our lives, through students’ participation in ethical discussions. Students have modeled the manner in which scientists communicate with one another through participation in a Genetic Symposium dealing with human genetic disorders. Past field trips allow us to access the city’s resources, including Harvard University’s Molecular and Cell Biology Outreach Lab.
Middle School
The Middle School students explore general science topics, namely life, earth & space, physical science, in addition to technology/engineering. The study of life science involves the “diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on earth.” Earth and space science involves geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Physical science, a combination of physics and chemistry, examines the physical world around us. Technology/engineering looks at solving problems “through the development or use of applied technologies.” Previous projects include designing a skyscraper, constructing a three-dimensional cell model and constructing a compost column with red worms. Past presentations have included “The Big Dig’s Application of the Engineering Design Process” and “17th Century Engineering Design Methods, Iron Making Technology and Operations at the Saugus Iron Works.”
Lower School
Similar to the Middle School, lower school students also investigate general science topics, which encompass life, earth and space, physical science (chemistry and physics), in addition to technology/engineering. Students think like scientists through the application of scientific inquiry skills to help them understand the world around them. Newly adopted this year is a 2009 science program providing both hardcover texts in conjunction with audio format. Other curriculum has included the inquiry-based National Institute of Health’s Open Wide & Trek Inside, Soda Bottle Biology and various exploratory kits. Special events have included students as contestants in an interactive game show with questions on energy, energy conservation and safety. Some previous activities have included the construction of a proportional model of the solar system, observation of life cycle habitats and owl pellet investigations. Lastly, an example of a field trip was the exploration of seed dispersal methods at the nearby Arnold Arboretum.
