Science

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions for courses taught at FDSB.

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Middle School Science Middle School Science Synergistic Lab Synergistic Lab Synergistic Lab

Science instruction at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind:

  • Develops and encourages science literacy
  • Integrates knowledge and methods of science and technology
  • Considers the diverse needs of our population of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or blind or visually impaired from throughout the state of Florida
  • Encourages students to pursue higher levels of scientific study
  • Implements the academic standards for science as put forth by the state of Florida

FSDB Environment

Bordered on the east by a salt marsh and estuary, FSDB offers a perfect natural resource for teachers to use. In this environment, we employ extensive field study and hands-on activities to apply the latest technologies. We endeavor at every opportunity to lead students to appreciate nature and the wonders of science.

Manatee Trip

Each January our 6th grade students in the Deaf Department participate in a “Manatee Encounter” as part of our Manatee/Endangered Animal Unit. We travel to Crystal River, Florida, by charter bus to swim with the manatees in the 72-degree spring water. Students rent a wetsuit and snorkeling equipment. They are instructed in snorkeling techniques and the rules for interacting with the manatees when in the water. They then ride out to the springs on a pontoon boat and interact with the manatees! It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the students never forget.

Synergistic Lab

The 8th grade Synergistic Lab keeps science exciting through hands-on experience with real-life applied science projects. Topics include electricity, electronics, graphic communications, forces, applied physics, engineering towers, material science, and robotics, simple machines, and energy/power/mechanics.

Students stay at one workstation for seven school days, working through computer-guided questions and activities, building independence in learning. Students work cooperatively, in the style of today’s workforce.

Students love to cook hotdogs in the solar oven, program SAM the robot, or use his remote cohort, the Rooster. They are proud when they have completed their balsa wood tower or soldered their last piece into their Blinky robot. The Synergistic Lab keeps science exciting and builds independence in our students.