Magnet Theme

What We Offer

McLean Science/Technology Magnet Elementary School is a place where children of all ability levels, regular and special education, are challenged. Our program is especially geared toward children who have a love for science and technology. The McLean faculty believes that children who are most likely to benefit from our discovery approach program are those who are motivated and willingly cooperate, demonstrating initiative for a hands-on approach to learning. Respecting others and following instructions are very important values at McLean Magnet.

We offer a fun, challenging and exciting program that involves hands-on experiences. The science processes such as observing, classifying, graphing, estimating, measuring and recording are integrated into all curriculum areas. Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the classroom and are expected to serve on committees and participate in special events.

Science Themes

McLean teachers integrate science into all subject areas. Daily lessons are taught in the classrooms and extended during small group sessions in the science lab. Primary students explore science through discovery and hands-on activities. Intermediate students work cooperatively to investigate problems they have identified. Our well-equipped science lab is staffed by a full-time certified science teacher.

At McLean, monthly science themes such as plants, animals, ecology, energy, simple machines, weather, and space are used to teach science processes. Coordinating field trips to the Zoo, Exploration Place, Cosmosphere, and Great Plains Nature Center are also used. Science assemblies and guest speakers also show students real-world science connections. Students look forward to special school-wide science events like the egg drop, science fairs, rocket launches, and wind racer rallies.

Robotics

McLean 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students have the opportunity to participate in robotics workshops and compete using the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Robotics Kits. Groups of students learn about programming, construction, testing, and documenting the process. McLean has also taken teams to the Mindstorms Challenge held by the engineering and education departments at Wichita State. Students have earned many awards at these events.