Providing a strong science foundation is an important part of Self Development Academy’s (SDA) curriculum.
Students at SDA begin thinking like scientists in the early elementary years. First graders delight in active hands-on investigations. Exploring why the paper towel in the cup does not get wet when the cup is submerged in water quickly becomes a lesson on air pressure. Practicing the scientific method prepares students to think like scientists when moving to SDA’s middle school, where investigations become more complex.
SDA is fortunate to have Ms. Laura Meyer as the science professional. She is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Yale University graduate. Her life story is a powerful testimony regarding the impact of science. As a child, her primary interest was rocks. “I promptly emptied my father’s tools from the garage shelves to make room for my rock collection,” she said. “My parents encouraged my curiosity and love of the outdoors. They were willing to hose mud off of me on a regular basis.”
As a high school student, she applied to MIT. However, an instructor discouraged her by telling her to only apply to those universities that she could be accepted. Ms. Meyer was not discouraged. She obtained the necessary reference from the principal. When visiting MIT, she met a professor who offered her the opportunity to work in the field as a geologist. Her career in science commenced.
Ms. Meyer began sharing her passion for science as a teacher. Students are excited about science as this teacher enthusiastically combines the science content, and relays real life applications from her work in archaeology.
“As a scientist turned teacher, I love to convey my own passion for science to my students,” Ms. Meyer said. “It is my firm belief that we are all scientists, innovators, and engineers at heart, but somewhere along the way, that wonder and drive to answer each and every Why? or How? question gets lost. It is my goal to nurture and develop that sense of inquiry and exploration in my science classroom,” she explained. “With this philosophy as a guiding hand, and the advanced curriculum applied at SDA as a driving force, we are teaching students to succeed and excel in science.”
“Success in science is not simply about memorizing the periodic table, or being able to name the parts of the cell,” Ms. Meyer continued. “The reality of science lies in hands-on activities and labs allowing students to apply that knowledge and explore new ideas. This is the place where students develop the ability to ask good questions, which is where all science begins. Each How does this work? drives a new inquiry, a new experiment, and a new discovery. I encourage my students to take risks, to try new things, to learn from their fantastic flops, and try again,” this dedicated teacher further explained. “These trials and iterations engage students in the scientific process, and propel them deeper into scientific insight. SDA fosters this drive and hunger to learn through independent projects and design opportunities for students. I feel privileged to be a part of a school that encourages this explorative learning and inquiry.”
“It is my goal that my students entering high school do not view science as dry or boring,” Ms. Meyer stated, “but rather as a means to appreciate the beauty of the world around them and to understand how to change and shape that world in a positive way.”
For more information about Self Development Academy, call (480) 641-2640.