MATH & SCIENCES

Students K-5 practice Illustrative Math (IM). IM is a prob-lem-based core curriculum designed to address content and practice standards to foster learning for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students work on carefully crafted and sequenced mathematics problems during most of the instructional time. Our teachers help students understand the problems and guide discussions to be sure that the mathematical takeaways are clear. Through this process, students explain their ideas and reasoning and learn to communicate mathematical ideas. The goal is to give students just enough background and tools to solve initial problems successfully, and then set them to increasingly sophisticated problems as their expertise increases. In the early grades, we promote hands-on exploration of numeracy in order to develop a strong number sense. Students interact with the numbers flexibly and conceptually. Learning math facts through strategies rather than memorization provides a deeper, richer understanding of numeracy and provides students with the opportunity to achieve automaticity through understanding. The structure of our daily math blocks are carefully designed for developmentally appropriate and systematic instruction of skills to build scaffolding for all topics. Students are offered math games and additional support and/or extensions to reach their optimal level of learning during each class time.

In the science program, students engage in hands-on explo-rations of Earth and space, life, and physical sciences that encourage curious study of the world around us. Student scien-tists raise questions about objects, organisms and events, and seek answers by experimenting and making observations. While learning the scientific method, our young scientists develop their ability to communicate scientific explanations in verbal and written form. Students incorporate math skills - measuring, constructing and interpreting graphs, tables and charts - as they investigate scientific phenomena. In all of the sciences, looking at systems holistically builds broad conceptual knowl-edge. Engineering is an essential part of the science curriculum at every grade level. Projects range from designing shade structures to building cars to creating alternatives for plastic. Students are engaged in defining problems and designing solutions.

Computers are used to reinforce reading, math and language. Coding as a Second Language class begins in kindergarten. Like any foreign language, coding is a system of signs, symbols and rules used to communicate and problem solve. Coding challenges the brain to recognize, understand and master patterns and structures. In grades 2-5, students work on multi-media projects as well as basic word processing, spreadsheets, and drawing applications. Our Second Language Program is designed to promote mental flexibility in students, which has been widely linked to success in college and beyond, and empathic understanding for others.

The New Roads mathematics experience is designed to enable students to become empowered problem solvers with a solid basis of fluent foundational skills. Students are led through the curriculum in a way that promotes both a joy and curiosity for learning this subject. Since placement is based on individual readiness, students are in courses that give them an appropriate level of challenge and pacing. Students may begin their coursework with fundamental topics which include basic operations involving a rich mixture of number types, geometry concepts and data analysis. During their time in middle school, they will further apply these skills in Algebra or beyond. In all courses the mathematics taught will constantly refer to the idea that everything in mathematics is connected and useful in the world outside of the classroom. Students will strive for mastery by learning not only how to solve math problems, but also how they can utilize this knowledge in novel contexts.

Our curriculum is developmentally responsive and experiential. The integrated science model is a more accurate reflection of science in the modern world. Science is not isolated; concepts and topics are cross-cutting, meaning all concepts build upon and relate to each other. Our goal is for students to make connections with topics across different science disciplines such as Physical Science, Life Science and Earth Science to explore complex questions about which they are curious. All science classes incorporate appropriate levels of lab work, group work, and discovery learning strategies.

In addition to teaching the essential pre-algebra and algebra skills needed to excel at higher levels of study, the goals of mathematics classes are to help students grow in creative and logical thinking; increase their ability to work with abstractions; appreciate the system of conceiving quantities and their meaning; apply quantitative reasoning to meaningful, real-world problems and decision-making; and form a sense of excitement that comes with discovering patterns and relationships. In addition to mathematical problems, students can expect to chart data, build models and solve puzzles and games. Students are placed in mathematics according to math-level readiness, not grade level. Our Upper School Mathematics classes include: 
Algebra 1-2
Geometry
Intermediate Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Advanced Pre-Calculus, Honors
Probability & Statistics
Calculus A
Calculus B
Accelerated Calculus AB
Linear Algebra/Multivariable Calculus

The study of science at New Roads seeks to ground students in fundamental understanding of physical, life and earth-based sciences, and to reveal how evidence is discerned, assessed, and used to create compelling understandings of reality. We encourage students to learn science, not only by studying scientific understandings of the world, but by participating in intricate and fascinating labs both here on campus and out in the field. Ultimately, we hope students feel the awe of the mystery and insight that comes with true scientific investigation and lab work both in and out of the classroom. 

Our Upper School Science classes include:
Advanced Biology, Honors
Earth Science
Chemistry
Chemistry, Honors
Advanced Chemistry, Honors
Physics
Physics, Honors
Advanced Physics, Honors
Environmental Science, Honors
Marine Biology