Science The Lower School science curriculum explores life science, earth and space science, and the human body. Students participate in inquiry-based classes that focus on the scientific method, which they use in reporting on hands-on experiments. Science topics vary from grade to grade and include topics such as the life cycle of insects, plants, animal adaptations, chick embryology, rockets, electricity, weather systems, the environment, and the solar system. We take advantage of the wonderful natural setting of Portledge School as well as the beautiful insect garden, pond and the nature preserve that surrounds our campus to understand our local ecosystems and enrich the learning experience. All students in third, fourth, and fifth grade participate in the all-school Science Fair each spring by developing and completing an experiment that is presented to the entire school community.