The Language of Science
From Danielle Merrit-Sunseri, Curriculum Developer
One of my most challenging subjects in school was French. Though I studied for years, I always struggled to really learn the vocabulary and the grammar of how it all fit together. When I began college, I took a part-time job with the French professor who delighted in watching me struggle as he attempted to immerse me in the language while at work. He eventually relented because he did want some work to be accomplished, but he strongly encouraged me to expose my children to modern languages as soon as possible. When we wait so long in the U.S., he said, we force them to cram it in in the most artificial manner. This is stressful and it just doesn’t work very well. Math and science are not so different from language-learning in this respect.
To teach our students the language of science, we begin with simple exposure in the most natural way. The strong foundation of nature study roots their learning and their minds to the world around them. They develop a sense of the ideas as they are built around that foundation. Over the years, the ideas and relations expand with natural history and general science. New vocabulary and methods are slowly added to the foundation with this expansion. By the time they reach high school, they are beginning to consider what their adult life will look like. Their relationship with science, as with other subjects, mirrors this new development and maturity.
In high school, they are ready for the language of disciplinary science, in which they must build the central ideas from descriptions and experiences. Niels Bohr said, “We must be clear that when it comes to atoms, language can be used only as in poetry. The poet, too, is not nearly so concerned with describing facts as with creating images and establishing mental connections.” The creation of these images and connections is aided by the existing foundation in math and science, as well as the humanities.
High school students are also ready to turn outward as citizens of the world. Their knowledge of science and their awareness of current events can build interpersonal relations, conserve the natural world, influence politics, affect their choices, and more. It is difficult to engage as a citizen in a scientific culture without understanding the basic language of science. This is why Mason believed that science education is part of their inheritance as children of God. Everything from their first walk in nature through their study of the scientific disciplines prepares them for responsible stewardship. Our new high school science coursework is specially designed with this maturity in mind from book selection to engagement with Things and the Grand Conversation. The new coursework guides them in this stage of their relationship where they are called to embrace the language of science and the growth of stewardship.
What are you excited about with our new high school science coursework? Share your thoughts in this week’s Fabulous Friday post!
Notes
1. Summer Courses: Registration is open for CORE, our 8-week intensive on Charlotte Mason’s ideas and methods and for a Blue Open Door 6-week intensive on Curriculum Design and Development. Snag a spot today!
2. Office Hours: Here is the link from Wednesday’s Office Hours on Science with Danielle Merrit-Sunseri.
3. Conference: Dr. Whiteside, Alveary Program Director, will share insights on “How Narration Can Transform Your Homeschool” at Teach Them Diligently on Friday, May 3rd. Stop by Booth 218 and say hi!
4. Alveary Open House: Our Ambassador Kit includes inspiring ideas and two encouraging videos from Dr. Whiteside, Alveary's Program Director, to help you organize a local event. Invite your friends and share the joy of Alveary!
5. Podcast: Dr. Whiteside talks with Elizabeth from Sunshine in My Nest about the love of learning. Listen here!
6. Common Place Quarterly: For only $25/year, you can enjoy digital access to all 25 back issues of CPQ, plus those coming out this year! Use code: CMIdigital25 at checkout.
7. Class of 2024: We would love to celebrate with you! Share a picture of your graduate and a favorite Alveary memory for us to highlight on social media and the Hive!
8. Hive Update: On Thursday 4.25 we removed the Chat feature from the Home space in the Hive. We ultimately want to make sure questions and tips are available for all members to search and find. Please continue sharing in the Home feed and within the Circles you have joined. Read more here.
9. Our Work: We have an update on Lulu printing quality. We have ensured all image sizes are appropriate for good print quality. However, it is important to note that Lulu cannot guarantee high-quality prints in their orders with the ink settings (standard) we use to keep our costs reasonable for our members. If you wait until June 1, we will have a high-quality art print option available with options for hard-copy lesson plans or to order separately through another printer. As a reminder, these books come in PDF and editable Canva versions with your membership. Information and links for all versions can be found on your member dashboard in the resources section of the programs (See “Order books”).
Query
I thought Mason was opposed to textbooks. Why do you use them in HS science?
Danielle Merrit-Sunseri, our science lesson plan writer, addressed this question in our last Office Hours session. You can hear what she has to say by watching this clip from Office Hours.
