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 and hands-on experimentation and experiences. “Biology in a Bottle”, "Cocoons to Butterflies", “Solar Car Kits”, “Light and Color”, “The Human Body” and “Properties of Objects” are just some of the science course units taught at Forest View.

In addition to the science activities carried out in the classroom, students also have access to the school Science Lab. The lab is stocked with kits 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 the Eno River State Park.

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. These gardens play host to such projects as the “Cocoons to Butterflies”, where students study the life cycle of butterflies by hatching their own, and “The Edible Garden”, where students learn how seeds germinate and grow to mature plants by growing a variety of vegetables. 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.

Many Forest View teachers have been trained by naturalists at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences through the “Using The Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science” (UTOTES) program. In addition, Forest View participates in regular monitoring of the New Hope Creek and the data students collect is shared with North Carolina’s StreamWatch.

Forest View Elementry School recently 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.

Through a partnership with the Physics department at Duke University, Forest View offers regular Friday night stargazing sessions hosted by Ronen Plesser, Associate Professor of Physics and parent of five (!) past and present Forest View students.

A wealth of museums and explorations
In addition to the wildlife areas, farm and planetarium trips, Forest View students regularly visit The North Carolina Museum of Life and Sciences, The NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Exploris Museum. 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 coasts of North Carolina to enhance classroom learning with hands-on experience.

Setting science standards
Collaboration between Forest View teachers, led by John Heffernan, 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 Mr. 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.

Sue Willis and Ronen Plesser, both FV parents and scientists, are our collaboration coordinators. If you are interested in helping to instill a love of science into our next generation please email Sue or Ronen.