Forest View Elementary School is a Science Focus school. From the first days of kindergarten to fifth grade graduation, we recognize and value the importance of teaching the principles of scientific thought.

All teachers at Forest View infuse their lesson plans with scientific teaching, exploration, hands-on experimentation, and outdoor experiences. In addition to the science activities carried out in the classroom, students visit the school Science Lab as a special about once a week. The Lab is stocked with materials our students use to conduct experiments in physics, basic chemistry, and the natural sciences.

Our big backyard

Forest View’s close proximity to New Hope Creek provides ample opportunity for students to test their powers of observation, notation, description, and deduction as applied to the natural world. These experiences are supported by trips to study the ecosystems of North Carolina and by exploration of local habitats in the New Hope Creek Watershed.

The wide-open grounds at Forest View offer room for several gardens, including a North Carolina Mountains to Sea Garden and a NC Native Plants and Bog Garden. The Waller Farm, a working family farm located across the street from Forest View, also plays host to numerous field trips to educate students about where our food comes from.

Forest View Elementry School recieved certification from the National Wildlife Federation as a “National Wildlife Habitat” that provides housing/shelter, food, and water for wildlife to raise their young.

Our universe

The nearby Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina provides our students with a state-of the art setting to study the formation of our solar system and planets.  They also bring their portable planetarium to Forest View.

A wealth of museums and explorations

In addition to the wildlife areas, farm, and planetarium trips, Forest View students visit The North Carolina Museum of Life and Sciences and The NC Museum of Natural Sciences. These excellent museums offer Forest View students interactive exhibits and displays that are nationally recognized. Fourth and Fifth grade students travel to the mountains and the coast of North Carolina to enhance classroom learning with hands-on experiences.

Week at the Creek

Each year, the entire school heads to New Hope Creek for a week of exploration and learning in nearby forests, fields, and streams.  Children participate in outdoor learning activities in science, music, art, literacy, and movement led by Forest View teachers and community experts.

Setting science standards

Collaboration between Forest View teachers and Duke University scientists resulted in the development of a new curriculum unit for third grade science titled “Earth. Sun. Moon.” The course has been adopted as the Durham Public School standard and former Forest View teacher John Heffernan was awarded a Kenan Fellowship to recognize his leadership role.

Continued collaboration, continued exploration

Forest View is always working to build its science programs. We believe that early exposure to the scientific method serves all students and prepares them for success in a technology driven world.