The Sam Brannan science program is organized so that students progress from simple or familiar concepts to abstract and complex concepts through a variety of hands-on experiences, facilitated learning and inquiry science. Through this integrated approach, students are supported by all department members to successfully apply these experiences to their everyday environment.
To experience learning beyond the classroom, field trips are an integral part of the curriculum.
Laboratory experiences provide each student with an in depth understanding of various scientific principles. Seventh grade students conduct internet based research on the human brain and participate in hands-on activities at the Lawrence Hall of Science. Two highlights of the eighth grade animal diversity unit are the dissections of frogs and sharks. An experience that students look forward to is the end of the year rocketry unit.
Sam Brannan science teachers have developed a science program that recognizes the importance of integrating other disciplines to meet the needs of each student. This past summer, members of our science faculty attended a two week institute at CSUS, The K-12 Alliance, which was designed to improve communication between grade levels. Our science department is fortunate to consist of two mentor teachers and two former mentors. Both of our mentors attended the Fred Jones Positve Classroom Management Conference in Santa Cruz. Everyone is eager to implement the newly learned strategies from our busy summer of training.
