For me, there are two main goals of Science class that I work to achieve through the study of various topics. One is to develop skills such as: critical and logical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning. The second is to develop a curiosity to explore and understand this amazing universe that God created for us and through that better understand God's love and magnificence.
All classes are beginning with an exploration of what science is and a study of the Scientific Method. The Scientific Method is an essential foundational understanding that we will apply throughout the year as we are studying content, exploring new ideas, and doing experiments/activities. (The depth of study and expectation of application will increase with each grade level.)
All classes will utilize the science lab throughout the year for various activities, demonstrations, and experiments. Due to safety, any student who chooses to not follow lab rules and protocols will be asked to leave the lab and provided (the following day) with an independent assignment that addressed the concepts learned in the lab. (Note: We will not be using anything especially dangerous in the lab, but establishing appropriate safety protocols early is important.)
Grade Level Specifics
4th and 5th Grade are survey course in that they touch on topics from a variety of branches of science. We will investigate topics in Earth/Space, Physics, and Life Sciences. One important aspect of the study of science that we will be working on this year is applying the ideas in science to real-world situation. For example, we may discuss that water can change among solid, liquid, or gas as we study states of matter. They would have to apply that idea by explaining why water in a glass is blue, but the water on the outside of the glass is clear.
6th Grade is the study of Earth Science. Some topics may include parts of the Earth, minerals and rocks, movement on and in the Earth, energy resources, the atmosphere/universe, and the weather. Students in sixth grade will also be expected to apply the ideas studied to real-world situations. Sixth grade students will also do an individual science experiment that will be presented during open house and participate in this year's Invention Convention. It will be very important for students to keep up with responsibilities and deadlines so as not to become overwhelmed and be able to do high quality work.