Audience Approved by JDRP for elementary students, grades 2-6. The Life Lab Science Program strives to ensure students' future interests and success in science by improving student attitudes toward the study of science, and increasing students' level of knowledge and skill acquisition in science. In this setting students conduct experiments using the scientific method. They observe, collect and analyze data, establish worm colonies, raise vegetables, herbs and flowers, and have responsibility for maintaining their living laboratory. A structured course of study is followed in science, nutrition and gardening.
Instructional time varies from two to four hours per week.
Teachers are responsible for all classroom instruction and use The Growing Classroom curriculum guide for the bulk of their science lessons. Evidence of Effectiveness Elementary students demonstrated significant gains in science achievement as evidenced by the California Test of Basic Skills Science Subtest, and the SAT and MAT in Science achievement. The Life Lab Program also fostered positive attitudes towards the study of science at all elementary grade levels, based on student surveys. As such, all elements of the program are transportable. The primary curriculum guide is The Growing Classroom, which contains Science, Nutrition, and Gardening units and is accompanied by a scope and sequence.