Creating Wonder and Growth Through Science at Great Hearts Roosevelt

For students at Great Hearts Roosevelt, a new science program has become a gateway to curiosity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the world. Clifton Kiser, a Great Hearts Master Science Teacher, believes that science naturally inspires a sense of wonder in both children and adults. Whether observing the intricacies of the natural world or engaging in hands-on experiments, students are encouraged to question, explore, and grow in their knowledge.

“You can look at anything around you in the world,” Kiser explained. “And there’s always some science that’s driven it to allow it to become what it is or will allow it to become something even greater down the road.”

“They’re trying things out that will not only make them wonder but also inspire their curiosity,” said Kiser, who added that the goal is to instill in the aspiration to explore deeper. “The desire to gain more knowledge is not something confined to a single modular unit; rather, it is an ongoing process—one that enables individuals to continue learning, build upon their understanding, share that knowledge with others, and collectively help everyone grow to yet another level.”

Thanks to Title I funds, a federal aid program for schools with a high percentage of low-income students, Great Hearts Roosevelt has been able to invest in top-tier laboratory equipment that enhances the science classroom experience. This funding ensures that all students, regardless of background, have access to the best tools needed for academic success.

“It’s allowed us to be able to go ahead and not just purchase equipment for chemistry lab stuff, but biology as well. We have everything from 17 microscopes with oculars and students can actually measure down to the one-micron level. We have live cultures of organisms of various copepods and even tarter grades.” Kiser is grateful they’re not just learning science, they’re experiencing it.

At Great Hearts Roosevelt, science education isn’t confined to textbooks. Also, thanks to the support of the Greater Good Fund, a crucial Great Hearts initiative that provides resources for Title I schools like Great Hearts Roosevelt, students have access to an enriched and immersive scientific experience. The fund has enabled the school to equip its chemistry and biology labs with advanced tools, allowing students to move beyond theoretical learning and engage directly with scientific phenomena.

This hands-on approach extends across the curriculum. In life sciences, students participate in dissections, exploring the anatomy of earthworms and soon, crawfish. In chemistry, they conduct lab experiments that bring abstract concepts to life. The goal is to provide students with opportunities they might not otherwise have access to, creating a love for learning and scientific inquiry that extends beyond the classroom.

Beyond just providing resources, the academy prioritizes active engagement in the learning process. Socratic discussions are a core part of the classroom experience “We want our students to interact, not just with the material, but also with each other.” Kiser says that he wants students to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. He explained that by engaging in discussions and collaborative learning, they grow together as a community.

With only three years since its founding, Great Hearts Roosevelt is still growing, but its impact on students and the broader Buckeye community is already significant. The school’s commitment to classical education, enriched by the hands-on science program, is shaping young minds to think critically, explore fearlessly, and embrace lifelong learning.

“It has been absolutely amazing to be able to have all these opportunities and build this into the curriculum that we have to go ahead and really maximize the experience for the students,” reflected Kiser. For him, it is more than just about teaching science. It’s about inspiring the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.