From nursery through high school, students at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools engage in a study of science that promotes scientific understanding and habits of mind that enable them to make sense of how the natural and designed worlds work.

The work that students do at every grade level is hands on, collaborative, built upon observation and problem solving.  We intend to stimulate and support students as they build an understanding of what science has shown us about the world and their own skills in thinking and working like scientific researchers.

Students encounter important concepts repeatedly, achieving a deeper understanding and a greater degree of skill with each encounter.

Equal emphasis is placed on developing knowledge of key science concepts and the ability to think critically and independently. Through exposure to the methods and tools of science students gain insight into the way scientists go about their work and come to reach their own scientific conclusions. Collaborative activities and laboratory experiences at each grade level allow students to apply prior knowledge and deepen their understanding through manipulation, observation and data collection.  Mathematics is utilized as an important means for studying, understanding and expressing patterns and relationships.

With the ability to understand the principles on which the universe on large and small scales seems to operate and the capacity for applying scientific reasoning, students can build upon their knowledge over a lifetime, evaluate alternative explanations of events, make sensible decisions based on evidence, and promote the common good or the pursuit of knowledge through participation in the scientific enterprise.