1. Fall kit: Energy and Computer Science Students explore how mechanical energy works, and the relationship between force and motion. Students experiment with kinetic and potential energy, and energy transfer. Electrical energy is explored through the design and assembly of both series and parallel circuits with wires and batteries. Students are introduced to computer science, and learn how binary code can produce numbers, letters, and images. If possible, students will embed coding experience throughout the unit at code.org and/or participate in the Hour of Code.

2. Spring kit: Interdependence

Students learn about watersheds as a dynamic, interconnected physical and biological system. Students study how nonliving components of a watershed, such as water and soil, interact with living components, such as salmon. Students learn that energy for life on Earth comes from the sun, and that this energy cycles through food webs as it is passed among producers, consumers, and decomposers. Students develop awareness of how changing environmental conditions affect organisms, and there is variablity in how different species are able to adapt and survive. Human impacts on soil and water resources and watershd ecosystems are investigated. Students also learn how science can be applied to lessen impacts and/or restore habitat.

Unit 1: World Geography

We will discover how to read a variety of maps and globes, describe Earth by identifying continents, oceans, and landforms, and use geographical factors such as cardinal directions, latitude, and longitude.

Unit 2: Ancient Civilizations

We will begin learning about three ancient civilizations: The Inca, The Maya, and The Aztecs.  We will compare and contrast the elements of their civilizations and identify the cultural impacts of their environments and geographic locations.

Unit 3: Native Americans

We will look at the cultural diversity of North America’s indigenous peoples, and their enduring legacy. Ancient civilizations and indigenous peoples of the Americas are introduced through geography, historiography, economics, government, civics, and the humanities.

Unit 4: Explorers

We will understand the contributions of explorers and their reasons for exploration.  Learn about the tools, discoveries, and ships that allowed explorers to venture to new lands.

Our Class will use ASD supported curriculum for both Health and Social Emotional Learning Lessons. 

• Click here for information on SEL. Our class will use Connected and Respected, as well as Second Step

•  Click here for information on The Great Body Shop.