Science at SCVi: A Journey from Earth to Orbit

Here at Santa Clarita Valley International, a free public TK-12 school, science isn’t just a subject; it’s a thrilling adventure! We believe that true scientific understanding comes from thinking, exploring, and actively engaging with the world around us. Our goal? To ignite your child’s natural curiosity, spark a love for asking “why?” and “how?” and build a deep appreciation for the scientific method. Think less rote memorization, more hands-on fun!

Beyond the Textbook: Building Knowledge Through Experience

At SCVi, we believe every child constructs knowledge through active participation. Instead of passive learning, our learners are doing science. They dive into exciting science labs, use manipulatives, and engage in dynamic project-based learning that truly brings concepts to life.

We integrate reading, writing, mathematics, and speaking skills into science – creating a holistic learning experience. Here, your child isn’t just learning science facts but also sharpening essential skills for their future.

From Early Discoveries to Deep Understanding: Our TK-12 Science Journey

Our science program progressively builds understanding, taking learners on a journey from their immediate surroundings to complex scientific concepts. Engineering design is woven into every grade level, giving learners practical problem-solving and innovation skills.

• TK-5th Grade: Learners begin by understanding ecosystems, weather, basic forces, and the properties of light, sound, and matter. Then they delve deeper into energy, waves, life cycles, Earth’s processes, and the structure of organisms.
• 6th-8th Grade: By middle school, the curriculum expands to encompass cells, genetics, body systems, atomic structures, chemical reactions, and space systems, deepening learners’ scientific literacy.
• 9th-12th Grade: Science programming, including the Aerospace Pathway, continues strong in Upper School. Learners delve into a variety of A-G approved courses (like biology, physics, and chemistry) as well as STEAM career exploration. We prepare learners for specialized Career Technical Education (CTE) and the International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IB CP) with our focused three-year aerospace pathway in high school. Valuable partnerships with universities and work-based learning opportunities provide valuable industry experience.

Soaring High: The SCVi Aerospace Pathway in Action

One of the most exciting aspects of science at SCVi is our integrated TK-12 Aerospace Pathway. This isn’t just an elective; it’s a core part of SCVi learners’ science experience from day one. 

Here are just a few highlights:

• DreamUp to Space Project: Students in grades 5-12 are fully immersed in scientific experimentation, microgravity, and proposal writing. They collaborate to design experiments with the potential to launch their experiment to the International Space Station (ISS)! This partnership empowers learners to think like real scientists, bridging classroom learning with cutting-edge space research.
• Soaring Aeronautics Project: Tapping into their curiosity about flight, learners explore forces like those described by Newton and Bernoulli, using engineering design to build and launch their own gliders. They even interact with full-scale gliders, learn from experienced pilots, and use flight simulators. And for our 8th graders as well learners in our focused high school Aerospace Pathway, this learning includes the amazing chance to fly a real glider!
• UAV Project: The UAV Project immerses learners in the history of flight safety and aeronautical decision-making, exploring critical principles that guide drone operation and aviation safety. Through observation, challenges, and collaborative activities, learners build a comprehensive understanding of UAVs (drones) and their career connections within the aviation industry.

Ready for Liftoff!

At SCVi, our science program ignites curiosity, fosters critical thinking, and prepares young minds to become innovators and problem-solvers. Whether designing experiments for the ISS or learning to fly, our learners are engaged in hands-on and relevant science education that will inspire them for a lifetime of learning.