St. Joseph School, home of the Guardians, has taken a giant leap forward in STEM education with the grand opening of its brand new science lab, fully outfitted by a leading provider of fully equipped science labs and curricula. The new lab was designed to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster hands-on learning and exploration, and marks a new chapter for the school's middle school science program. In choosing to allocate the resources to the new science lab and program, St. Joseph School’s mission was to bring high-quality science education to students through an integrated system of laboratory investigations, classroom activities, and digital resources.

The lab is equipped with advanced scientific tools, offering students the opportunity to conduct experiments, record data, and draw conclusions in a professional-grade environment. The new lab at St. Joseph includes an array of high-tech lab materials, including microscopes, data collection devices, and experiment kits. These tools are carefully selected to align with the new curriculum, which focuses on a range of scientific disciplines from biology and chemistry to physics and earth sciences. St. Joseph’s new comprehensive curriculum that aligns with lab materials is designed to ensure students not only learn core scientific principles but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program is structured in multi-step investigations that promote understanding through hands-on experimentation. Each module is aligned with national science standards and includes materials for conducting investigations that explore topics such as: Properties of Matter, Forces and Motion, Energy and Electricity, Cells and Human Body Systems, Ecosystems and the Environment, among others. “We’re thrilled to bring this level of science education to our students,” said Dr. Rori Martello, the Middle School Coordinator of St. Joseph School. “The new lab is truly cutting-edge, and we can’t wait to see our Guardians dive into these new hands-on experiences.”

This exciting addition to St. Joseph’s science department is a step toward preparing students for future academic success. The Middle School Science Lab has been designed with the future in mind, cultivating skills needed in higher education and the workforce. By engaging in experiments, students can explore scientific questions in a structured, yet creative environment that encourages them to become confident learners and innovative thinkers. For many students, the new lab represents a chance to learn science in a way that goes beyond textbooks.

With the official launch of the lab, St. Joseph School’s Guardians are set to embark on an exciting new journey into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The SJS community eagerly anticipates the educational growth this new facility will provide. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday September 6th, with Reverend Monsignor James Swiader and the school leadership team, Board members, teachers, and families who were able to tour the new lab and peruse the curriculum materials. This significant upgrade in St. Joseph School’s Middle School is an exciting new chapter for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and their families, ultimately preparing them for the academic rigors of high school, college and beyond.