Science

In this unit, we learn all about the nature and interactions of liquids. Students explore liquids by viewing droplets and how they trickle down slopes at different flow rates. We watch and test how different liquids mix, while others do not. Students observe how liquids can change states of matter from liquid to gas or solids depending on if they are heated or cooled. Throughout this unit we learn that water is essential to life and exists within all living things!

Students explore the interaction of magnets with a variety of materials found within their own environment. By testing the effects of one magnet on another, they learn that magnets show polarity and that the strength of magnetic effects diminishes with distance. They learn to distinguish materials that are affected by magnets from those that are not and learn how magnets can be used in sorting objects, moving things and holding things together.

Students learn that materials are sometimes changed by heating or cooling and that by observing such changes, they can infer how hot or cold an object is. They learn that thermometers provide a helpful way to measure and describe the hotness or coldness of things—a more reliable way than provided by their own senses. Students observe that temperatures can go up and down, including the temperature of their surroundings and the temperatures of particular objects within it. They also learn about methods that are used to control temperature in buildings and how insulation is used to keep things hot or cold.

Students explore what sinks and what floats, and what makes an effective watercraft. Through building and testing a variety of floating objects, students learn the importance of selecting appropriate materials and the importance of workmanship in shaping, positioning, fitting and waterproofing their constructions, so they will do the intended job. Along the way, students learn about balance and stability and about different methods that can be used in propelling a watercraft. The concept of density is informally developed in this topic.

Students learn about the structure and life habits of animals by studying small animals that live in their own community. By investigating outdoor spaces in and around the school and their homes, students discover a wide range of animals that find shelter and food within the local area. In studying these animals, they learn about where animals live, what they eat, what they are eaten by and features of the animals that suit them to their particular environment.