The Hands-On Science Program cultivates curiosity, connections, and critical thinking skills through science and engineering education rooted in the Framework for K-12 Science Education for Indian Hills’ learners of all ages.

The Hands-On Science Program inspires excellence in and a passion for science and engineering.

With the support of our PTO and SCC for the 2024/2025 scholastic year, Indian Hills Elementary maintains a Hands-On Science Program at Indian Hills Elementary. There are four elements to the Hands-On Science Program.

1. Hands-On Science & Engineering Labs:
All Indian Hills students have the opportunity to attend science and engineering lab classes. During labs, individual classes visit the Hands-On Science classroom in the building or the outdoor classroom. Students work individually and together in small groups to further explore science content covered in their classrooms. Each class participates in 10 or more labs per year that range in time from 45 to 60 minutes depending on the grade level.

2. Field Trips & Classroom Visits:
The purpose of field trips and classroom visits is to connect classroom learning to science & engineering experiences from and within our greater community. Each grade has the opportunity to participate in at least one science-based field trip. Classroom visits from science-based organizations vary from year to year.

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Fairs:
The purpose of the STEAM Fairs is to provide a fun and meaningful way for students to engage with science & engineering content, concepts, and practices. All students are invited and encouraged to submit a science, engineering, or science-based art project for the STEAM Fairs. All students have the opportunity to speak with judges about their projects and receive recognition for their work.   

4. Green Team:
The purpose of the Green Team is to promote environmental awareness through education resulting in students, faculty, staff, and the greater school community engaging in more sustainable practices. The Green Team Committee is composed of the Hands-On Science Teacher, staff, faculty, administration, and students from Indian Hills and creates and implements an action plan to accomplish student-driven initiatives.

5. Animal Care Team:
The purpose of the Animal Care team is to ensure the health of our classroom pet snake, Pretzels, through cleaning of his habitat, feeding, and providing enrichment.
 

1. Lab & Field Trip Volunteer:
Student learning during hands-on science and engineering labs is enhanced with additional adult support. The labs are already written and will be set up on the day of the labs. Volunteers come in right before the class begins and then help guide students through the lab. Science knowledge is not necessary. We will train you before the students arrive. Ideally, each lab will have 1-3 adult volunteers. You can volunteer to help with one lab, all labs, field trips, or any combination. 

2. STEAM Fair Judge: 
60 adult judges are need to speak with 4th-6th grade students about their projects and assign a score to 10-20 projects based on a scoring rubric.

3. Green Team:
Community Representatives are needed to participate in the Green Team to help create, support, promote, and complete the sustainability initiative action plan developed by the students. 

For additional questions, you may email Kristen Bonner (please note the email is inactive during summer months)