Elementary School Science

Children are naturally curious, always asking questions and trying to make sense of the world.  In our K-5 Science program we encourage students to ask questions!  Students plan and conduct investigations, gather evidence and analyze data in order to construct explanations about everyday phenomena. 
 
Our curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards.  In each grade, students explore life, physical and Earth & space science concepts.  Generally, students study Earth & space science in the fall, physical science in the winter, and life science in the spring.  Below is a summary and general timeline of the units in each grade.
 
Elementary School Science Units of Study:
Grade Level Fall Winter Early Spring Late Spring
K Weather: Patterns in Local Weather, Severe Weather Forces and Energy: Pushes and Pulls Sunlight and Energy Plant and Animal Needs
1st Grade
Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles Waves: Lights and Sounds Plant Structures and Survival Animal Structures and Survival
2nd Grade Animal Biodiversity Erosion and Earth's Surface Material Properties Plant Adaptations
3rd Grade Weather and Climate Forces, Motion and Magnets Fossils, Animal Survival, and Heredity Plant Life Cycle and Heredity
4th Grade Earth's Features and Processes Structure, Function and Information Processing Energy Waves and Communication
5th Grade Stars and the Solar System Chemical Reactions and Properties of Matter Water Cycle and Earth's Systems Ecosystems and Food Webs
 
Parent and Student Resources:
Next Generation Science Standards Guides:
 
Science at Home:
  • Mystery Science  Students love this resource, which we use often in our classrooms.  You can find fun and educational science videos and hands-on activities here.
  • American Museum of Natural History  A range of articles and hands-on activities for K-5 students.
  • NatGeoKids From National Geographic, this website offers students the ability to read and play games while learning science at the same time.
  • PBS Science! Kids