Science

As educators in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Trenton, we strive to provide all students with the opportunity to become scientifically literate in order to understand their world and to make effective and responsible contributions to their communities. All students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the great diversity of life found on Earth and commit themselves to respect and be stewards of God’s creation as we strive to produce a sustainable environment.

According to Pope Francis in his new encyclical Laudato Si, we must remember that “nature is usually seen as a system that can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all and as a reality illuminated by the love that calls us together into universal communion”.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Diocese of Trenton for Science curriculum is to honor, enhance, cultivate and encourage the innate natural curiosity of all students in the Catholic school community within an ever-changing global world.
Flowing out of the Mission Statement are the following goals and objectives:

• To teach science as inquiry learning
• To foster an understanding and appreciation of the interrelationships among species and ecosystems
• To help students develop attitudes and behaviors that impact positively on the world outside their classrooms
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze information, make informed decisions, and take actions that address real world issues of sustainable development and environment ethics
• To vary methods of assessment
• To develop a plan to integrate science throughout the curriculum and to ensure the appropriate articulation between levels
• To support the use of digital technology including but not limited to: computers, iPads, probes, digital metrics, integrated white boards, robots, digital cameras
• Students may perform dissection for scientific purposes following Elementary and Secondary guidelines
• Utilize proper disposal of hazardous scientific materials according to local protocols