Math/Science/Technology Academy
Hamilton’s Math/Science/Technology Academy (the Academy) is designed to help children
develop a greater understanding of the concepts they are learning through hands on
experimentation and to develop a strong sense of inquiry. The backbone of the Academy is a
series of weekly science, math, and computer labs.
The Academy is structured as follows:
- Grades K-3: The focus is to build strong language arts and math skills and
knowledge. Science and social studies are integrated throughout the curriculum. All
students in these grades receive 40 minutes of Computer Lab once a week. Hands on science experiments are conducted utilizing Project
SEED (see Science Curriculum).
- Grades 4-6: Studies build upon the skills learned in K-3 to explore topics in more
depth. At each grade level, the two teachers team teach by each specializing in two of
the four main subject areas: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Writing is infused throughout the curriculum. All students participate in three hands
on labs each week that bring their classwork to life:
Science Lab
- The Science Lab provides hands on experiments related to that week’s curriculum
topics. Students are guided in their development of problem solving and scientific
thinking skills as they apply the scientific method to both prepared experiments and
those of their own creation.
- All students grades 4-6 attend science lab for 90 minutes each week.
Math Lab
- The weekly Math Lab provides hands on reinforcement of math concepts taught
earlier in the week. Students “play” with numbers and mathematical concepts using
manipulatives and games in order to better understand these concepts and the
importance of math applications to “real world” situations.
- All students grades 4-6 attend math lab for 90 minutes each week.
Computer Lab
Hamilton’s fully-equipped state-of-the-art Computer Lab is staffed by a full-time,
credentialed teacher and funded by the generous contribution of an anonymous donor.
Instruction integrates technology with grade level curriculum and standards.
In the Computer Lab students learn both:
- Technical Skills – such as how to operate a computer and utilize various software
packages for report, analysis, and presentation purposes; and
- Research Skills.
Students also have the opportunity to apply these skills towards projects they are
working on in their homeroom classes.
• Grades K-3: All students participate in a weekly, 40 minute Computer Lab.
• Grades 4-6: All students participate in two - 45 minute Computer Labs per week.
Annual Hamilton Science Fair
The Academy culminates each spring with the Hamilton Science Fair where students put
into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the school year.
Students participate in the scientific process as they ask a scientific question and test their
hypothesis.
- Students grades 4-6 are required to each prepare their own project for participation
outside of class time with parental guidance.
- Students grades K-3 prepare a project to enter as a class group; students who are
interested may also prepare their own individual project to submit.
Implementation of the Math/Science/Technology Academy program began in the fall of 2006.
It is anticipated that the Academy will more fully incorporate students in the lower grades in
the future.
Look for flyers and check the Hamilton website (www.bobcatbuzz.com) for updates on the
Academy funding and development and for opportunities to participate in meetings and
informational forums in this area.
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