It’s not unusual to hear squeals of excitement, laughter, and awe echoing through the third floor at St. Thomas’s Day School. In the Science Lab, students discover a world filled with questions, possibilities, and adventure. Science here is about more than facts—it’s about wondering, investigating, and discovering how the world works.
The St. T’s Science program is hands-on and inquiry-driven, giving students opportunities to engage deeply with biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and more. Through labs, readings, discussions, projects, and field trips, they build a strong foundation in scientific thinking while developing the skills to investigate ideas and solve problems.
“We apply the scientific method across the curriculum while encouraging student-driven learning,” says Mr. Venter. “This blend of structure and student choice nurtures curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and encourages young scientists to take ownership of their learning.”
Mr. Venter’s connection to St. Thomas’s began in 1986, when he joined the school as a JK student. He returned in 2015 as a teacher, spending two years in fifth grade and one year in sixth grade before moving into the Science position in 2018. Since then, he has expanded the program to include Outdoor Education, where students take their exploration beyond the classroom and into New Haven’s natural spaces.
“My favorite thing about teaching science is that it is inherently hands-on and that it covers such a wide range of topics. This means there is something for everyone, and the content always comes alive. We even eat some of our units of study, such as edible plate tectonics and edible cells! Also, what I love about outdoor education is the relational aspect of the learning; students learn in and from the natural spaces in our community as well as the people who work in these spaces.”
And who knew that Mr. Venter worked as a short order cook in a small bakery/cafe in Stanley, Idaho during the summer of 2006, where his love of outdoor exploration took root. “Stanley has a population of 75 people, but in the summer it’s bustling with mountain bikers, hikers, and river rafting tours, as the town sits where the Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River meet,” adds Mr. Venter. So, a special thank-you to Stanley, Idaho, for serving up more than just short-order breakfasts—it sparked Mr. Venter’s lifelong love of the outdoors from which we all benefit.
