Fostering Critical and Creative Thinkers Through Science Education

At Project Wild Rooted, our nature-based experiential learning programs offer students the chance to practice scientific skills. But why is this so important, especially for kids? Let’s explore the reasons together.

Critical Thinking: A Key Skill for the Future

We want our kids to be able to think critically. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, make connections, and solve problems. When students engage in scientific investigations, they practice these skills regularly. For example, when conducting an experiment, they must observe what happens, ask questions about why it happened, and then think about how the results connect to what they already know. This process helps them develop the ability to think deeply and make informed decisions.

Creativity: Sparking Innovative Ideas

We also want our kids to be creative thinkers. Science education encourages creativity by allowing students to explore new ideas and come up with innovative solutions. When kids design their own experiments or think of different ways to test a hypothesis, they are using their imagination and creativity. This not only makes learning fun but also prepares them to be the innovators of tomorrow.

Introducing Rooted Academy Intermediate

We love having science as a main driving force of many of our themes and topics within our programs. We are excited to continue this focus within our newest class, Rooted Academy-Intermediate. This class is basically one level higher than Rooted Academy-Elementary. Our intermediate class is designed for kids ages 11-14 and will align with our younger Rooted Academy classes and monthly thematic units. However, what sets it aside from the elementary level is that it will have a special focus on scientific investigation.

Hands-On Learning and Collaboration

Scientific investigation helps kids think critically as they make connections, inferences, and analyze data. In our Rooted Academy Intermediate class, students will be able to conduct hands-on experiments each week. They will work together, share ideas, and communicate with one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This level will allow them to dive into a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in our elementary Rooted Academy classes.

Our goal is to help our students develop essential skills that will serve them well in the future. We can’t wait to see the amazing discoveries our students will make this year and the years ahead!

To find more information about our middle school offerings, click here.