Science
Our science curriculum is an adaptable and evolving resource focused on using the scientific process to help students better understand their world. It provides a scaffold for learning experiences while remaining flexible enough to incorporate student interests, new opportunities, and emerging ideas in science education. Its current stage of development is heavily influenced by a variety of sources. These include Miquon’s environment and rich traditions, current research on science literacy, progressive education practices, student interests and the wisdom of our experienced staff.
View The Science Curriculum Scope and Sequence, which uses specific terminology from Project 2061: Benchmarks for Science Literacy, the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards, and the NYC Department of Education has been used to describe key ideas already in place.
Last week kids gathered for an event called a Cozy Read-In. A few times per year students come together in mixed-age groups to hear stories and do activities highlighting a particular culture.
This event series is inspired by the National African American Read-In, an effort established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in 1990.
This month`s focus at Miquon: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Last week’s Read-In included Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and illustrators, as well as stories featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander children.
Organized by Miquon`s wonderful librarian Sarah, the Read-Ins provide students a chance to hear a story they might never have heard before, interact with a teacher or community member they might not regularly see on campus, and learn in a mixed-age group of kids who they might not regularly come into contact with.
Plus: it was also a pajama day! What could be cozier than that?
#miquonschool #phillyindependentschools #proudtobemiquon #phillyfamilies #progressiveeducation #progressiveed #phillyarea #phillyareaschools
Local friends: did you know Miquon is running a raffle this spring? It`s open NOW and there are 40 unique prizes to choose from!
From original artwork to a private acting lesson, from a variety of sweets and drinks to admission tickets to local events and businesses, there`s something for everyone!
Do you love camping? We`ve got you covered. Same goes for movies, potlucks, Philly sports, art, books, gardening, and coffee. We`ve got you covered if you want a fun new haircut, love children`s books, or want professionally updated photos of your family. We`ve got you covered if you want a fun treat for your dog or one of the two priceless Miquon community weavings.
This year`s raffle is fabulous and full of local, one-of-a-kind treasures.
Check out the raffle website link in our bio to see the prizes, get some tickets, and support our amazing school!
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To ALL of our beloved Miquon teachers:
You are kind, inclusive, thoughtful, and generous.
You are passionate about progressive education and guiding children through this critical phase in their lives with grace and wisdom.
You are such a large part of why Miquon kids come to school each day excited to be here and excited to learn.
We appreciate everything you do! And we appreciate you.
#proudtobemiquon #teacherappreciationweek2025 #TeacherAppreciationDay #teacherappreciationweek #phillyindependentschools #mtairyphilly #foreveramiquonkid #learnoutsidetheclassroom #progressiveschool #progressiveeducation #independentschools #learnoutside #phillyfamilies #phillysuburbs #montcoparents
Miquon’s only spring Open House is this week!
We’d love to see you this Wednesday, May 7 from 9:00 - 11:00 am for an up-close view of what makes Miquon so unique.
Chat with our Head of School, teachers, and current families, explore the campus, and learn more about how our program celebrates childhood as a time of wonder, inquiry, resilience, and fun.
You can RSVP at the link in our bio. We’ll see you soon!
#miquonschool #phillyindependentschools #progressiveschool #progressiveeducation #schoolopenhouse #phillyfamilies #montcoparents #montcopa #foreveramiquonkid #mtairypa #chestnuthillphilly
Rita Williams-Garcia, a celebrated author of middle-grade and young adult novels, joined our 3rd - 6th graders yesterday for an engaging, fun, inspiring visit! The kids were thrilled to meet her.
Rita talked about her experience as a reader and writer throughout the stages of her life thus far, starting with looking at picture books in her crib and telling herself stories and then moving to the over six-year span required to publish her first book. In present day, Rita has now transformed her award-winning book One Crazy Summer into a graphic novel, illustrated by Sharee Miller and set to be released on May 6th.
Miquon bought each 3rd - 6th grader a signed copy of her new graphic novel to take home and enjoy.
Thank you, Rita! We think you’re fabulous.
#ritawilliamsgarcia #mglit #onecrazysummerbook #graphicnovel #harpercollins @ritawilliamsgarcia @coilyandcute @childrensbookworld @miquon.library #miquonschool #phillyindependentschools #progressiveeducation #progressiveschools
The Miquon School: where childhood meets discovery, independence, confidence, and joy.
Learn more about the life of a Miquon kid at our next Open House: Wednesday, May 7th from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Chat with our Head of School, teachers, and current families as you explore our beautifully wooded campus and lively classrooms.
You can RSVP at the link in our bio. We’re excited to meet you!
#foreveramiquonkid #independentschool #progressiveschool #progressiveeducation #miquonschool #phillyindependentschools #learningoutdoors #learningoutside #phillyfamilies #openhouse
Miquon`s campus provides countless opportunities to learn in unique spaces,
build curiosity and independence, and weave nature into the fabric of every child`s day.
#foreveramiquonkid #learnoutsidetheclassroom #learnoutside #progressiveschool #miquon #progressiveeducation #learnoutdoors #phillyindependentschools #miquonschool #montcopa
We have a new blog post up about the Kindergarten / 1st grade adventures in syrup-making! Click the link in our bio to take a look.
#progressiveeducation #miquonschool #foreveramiquonkid #mapletreetapping #learningoutsidetheclassroom #learningoutdoors #progressiveschool #phillyindependentschools
Approach
To support the development of curious, life long learners, Miquon students actively experiment to better understand the world. The science program emphasizes critical thinking processes that give children the skills they need to explore their own questions.
These essential questions guide the development of worthwhile experiences for Nursery through 6th Grade students:
- How can we observe, question and experiment to better understand our world?
- What lives, grows and breaks down at Miquon?
- How do parts of a system affect each other?
- How can we create what we need or want?
- How does science work? How does science information change over time?
Specific areas of study are selected through the interplay of a variety of factors (including, but not limited to): personal relevance to students’ daily lives, local and global events, the availability of resources, and student and teacher interests. The disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, engineering, and art are woven throughout the curriculum. Core ideas in these fields are investigated and revisited in age appropriate ways to build the foundation for a broad and nuanced knowledgebase.
The Art and Science Show
The Art and Science Show is an event in the spring that showcases work from every child in the school. The art presentation is curated by the students and the art specialist teacher. The science show has had a variety of iterations over the last few years, but it always features reflective learning exhibitions from fifth and sixth grade students. These exhibitions may feature inventions developed by students, extensions of science projects completed earlier in the year, live demonstrations, or creative exhibits that educate visitors about a specific topic. Younger students are also invited to present their projects and inventions, but it is not mandatory.
Science Choice
In addition to scheduled classes, many children also enjoy visiting the science room at lunch choice. The science room is open two to three days a week. Students visit to continue projects from class, build new creations, work with computer programs, read books and spend time with the live animal visitors.
Minicourses
Minicourses are elective courses for children held for an hour on Friday mornings in eight week installments. Topics for these courses may be suggested by teachers or children. Some science related minicourses held over the last few years include: SCRATCH-an introduction to computer programming created by MIT, Google Sites, Woodworking, Art and Sculpture in Nature, Baking Bread, Move It–a dance and fitness class, Bird Watching and Hiking, Paper Airplane Design, Building Things That Go, and Chemistry & Crystals.
Science Blog
Want to learn more about the latest with Science Kate? Check out pictures, kid projects and the other happenings posted to the Science Blog.
Science Blog
- The Miquon Kids’ Research Journal Volume Two
- Spotted Lanternflies and Children
- The Miquon Kids’ Research Journal
Curriculum Report
The curriculum report is the teachers’ review of the entire year, looking back and making observations after their plans, projects, problems, and revelations are long over. One of the distinguishing features of this report is the great extent to which each teacher’s style, focus, and personality come through in this retrospective narrative. Check out the Science Curriculum Report.
