First Program students go to the science center during their weekly schedule to explore, observe, experiment, and develop the skills they will need to move into the Middle School science program. They work independently and in small groups on activities that are part of a thirteen-year sequence of science studies.

The curriculum for kindergarten students includes a study of the rainforest, a unit entitled “Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary” that encourages and teaches youngsters how to examine the world around them, as well as a forensic unit that serves to review past material presented to them and fortify their observation skills.

First graders study the five states of matter, magnetism, and electricity as well as a study of the human body. Children perform many experiments including bubble-making, density experiments, building a compass, and creating a simple flashlight.

Second graders continue to develop their scientific investigation skills as “forensic detectives” which serves to reinforce their skills to solve a “crime.” This segues into “Owls,” and the students dissect an owl pellet. A new unit, “Mars,” utilizes a variety of media.

Third Graders have science classes twice a week as they continue to explore chemical, physical, and biological phenomena. They are taught the metric system which is used throughout their scientific studies at Dalton. The curriculum focuses on mastering important experimentation skills through a wide variety of topics such as the properties of matter, a study of the moon, and the water cycle.