Science Curriculum
Below are our four focus areas for science.
Becoming a Scientist
This unit focuses on the eight Science and Engineering Practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards. The practices describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world and the key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems.
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Earth and Space Science: Weather/Climate
In this unit we...
Using tools record and predict weather patterns and phenomena that occur over a long or short period of time
Describe and record the climate in different regions of the world
Explain how water, wind, ice and gravity cause changes to the Earth's landscape and features
Model how soil and sediment is moved by wind, water and gravity
Use local maps to locate different land and water features, including watersheds
Model how humans can reduce the impact of natural hazards
Life Science: Life Cycles and Adaptations
In this unit we...
Model the life cycle of an animal
Explain how animal adaptations help them survive changes in their environment, with a focus on NH Mammals
Summarize the benefits to animals of being a member of a group
Identify examples of inherited adaptations in animals
Analyze and predict how an animal's environment shapes its traits, characteristics and ability to survive
Observe and explain that fossils are evidence of plants and animals that once lived on Earth
Investigate NH mammals through field work and research
Physical Science:
In this unit we...
Observe magnetic interactions
Experiment with magnets in order to explain that opposite poles attract and like poles repel one another
Use a model to test the relationship between two magnets
Model amplitude and wavelength
Demonstrate that waves can cause objects to move
Model that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen
Determine properties of materials that absorb, reflect, or transmit light
Design a system of mirrors to direct light beams
Investigate and record the color composition of white light