Science and Math
Waldorf education is all about bringing subjects to life for students, finding the vibrancy and creative spirit that inspired the development of each area of study. Math and science are no exception.
Science
Core areas of science are revisited each year throughout high school, deepening student levels of understanding and broadening concepts around applications. Especially during the adolescent years, this revisiting of subjects allows students to bring the increasingly developed and matured intellects to these key areas of study.
The Waldorf approach to science study is phenomenological. This approach follows the steps of the inventors of scientific study as well as those who continue to ride the cutting edge of these fields. Students are first asked to consider a phenomenon, observe it carefully and intentionally, and then describe their observations in verbal or written form.
The classes and teachers share their observations and explore questions that arise from these discussions. Possible causes and influencing factors are considered and a conclusion reached which is then compared to accepted scientific theory. By going through the full observation and thought process for themselves, students are engaged from the beginning and grow confidence in their abilities to observe, question and reason. This experiential approach provides a context for learning, letting students see for themselves how we know what we know, how the process of knowledge continues to move forward and how they can engage in the exploration of the world around them.
Hands-on experimentation and observation are enhanced through fieldwork locally and through trips to natural habitats of phenomena being studied. Biology, botany, marine science, wild life, ecology, chemistry, anatomy, earth science, climatology, zoology, physics and life sciences are all part of the high school curriculum.
Math
Abstract thinking begins to flourish during the adolescent years of high school. With this in mind, Waldorf education approaches the study of mathematics with consideration of both the abstract properties of the subject and its practical applications in the world. Students learn the historical contexts of mathematical theories and the people who developed the field as we know it today. This framework gives a solid base from which study of the concepts can grow. As with science, math study is a field of questions as well as answers, free thought as well as formulas, high concepts as well as real-world applications. Through engagement, students embrace the beauty of mathematics while mastering the concepts that will continue to help them understand the physical world.
Subjects include general math skills, geometry, algebra and calculus.