On Tuesday, April 29, Saint Joseph School had the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest, Nancy Larson, author and developer of the science program used in Grades 3 through 6. Her visit was a meaningful experience for both students and faculty, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from the creator of a curriculum that plays a central role in the school’s science education.
The Nancy Larson Science Program is known for its structured, student-friendly approach that builds a strong foundation in science through the use of clear language, engaging lessons, and comprehensive booklets. Each unit focuses on one major area of science—such as life science, physical science, or earth and space science—and builds students’ knowledge through reading, discussion, hands-on experiments, and written work. The program is also designed to help teachers confidently deliver content, even if science is not their primary area of expertise.
During her visit, Miss Larson spoke with students about how she created and continues to refine the program. She shared that the idea was born out of her desire to make science more accessible and enjoyable for both teachers and students. She emphasized the importance of clarity and simplicity, which is why she uses straightforward language that is easy for students to understand and remember. Many of her former students, she noted, have told her that they held on to their booklets well into high school and college, where the material continued to serve as a helpful reference.
Miss Larson also took time to answer students’ questions about the development of the program—explaining when she started it, what inspired her, and the ongoing work involved in keeping it updated and relevant. One important message she shared was about the value of constructive criticism. She encouraged students to embrace feedback as a way to grow and improve, reminding them that all great work is the result of careful review and revision.
In a particularly memorable moment of the visit, Miss Larson spent time personally greeting each student in Grades 3 through 6 and signed their Nancy Larson Science workbooks. Her kind and encouraging words made a lasting impression, and students were thrilled to have a personalized keepsake from the author of a program they know so well.
Students and staff alike were inspired by Miss Larson’s visit and grateful for the chance to learn from someone whose work has had such a direct and positive impact on their education. Her passion for science and dedication to learning made for a memorable and motivating day at Saint Joseph School.
