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Overview
The goal of the K-6 science program is to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of science concepts in young students through an inquiry-based and hands-on learning approach. By integrating the core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices outlined in the NGSS, the program aims to develop students’ skills of asking questions, sense-making, and working with evidence. It encourages students to explore natural phenomena while engaging in collaborative investigations and engineering projects. The program also strives to make science relevant and accessible to all students, preparing them to be informed citizens capable of making thoughtful decisions about the world around them.
Units of Study
Seasons
In this science unit, students will use and create models in order to develop understanding of why we have seasons on Earth.
To begin, students will use globes and visuals to build background knowledge about the parts of the Earth and the movement of the Earth in the solar system. Then students will analyze maps and data and construct models in order to develop an understanding of the interactions between the Sun and Earth. Through hands-on activities, students will explore how these interactions impact temperatures and seasons in different parts of the Earth.
Hurricanes
In this unit, our sixth graders will delve into the fascinating and dynamic world of hurricanes, with a special focus on those that affect the Caribbean region.
Throughout this unit, students will study various mini phenomena that will help them understand the critical concepts of heat, density, air pressure, wind, evaporation, and condensation. In each lesson, students will work collaboratively to create scientific models that depict both the “seen” and the “unseen,” including movement and processes. Additionally, students will design and conduct investigations to explore the variables that impact the rate of evaporation, a key factor in understanding the role of heat energy and the water cycle in hurricane development.
Our studies will also incorporate the examination of globes and maps to discuss how geographical features and locations influence the likelihood of hurricanes in specific areas. This geographic analysis will help students comprehend why hurricanes are more prevalent in regions like the Caribbean and how these storms travel and intensify over time.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
This unit will engage students in understanding the phenomenon of the GPGP and explore the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and human impact on our planet.
The unit kicks off with an investigation into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, prompting students to ask, "How did this come to be?" This inquiry will lead students to explore the complexities of the water cycle and watersheds through maps and models, helping them grasp how water moves across our planet. By understanding these processes, they will gain insight into how trash can travel from our communities to the middle of the ocean.
Students will learn about the causes of surface and deep ocean currents by conducting scientific experiments related to density and temperature. These hands-on activities will illustrate how these currents operate and how they contribute to the accumulation of plastics in the GPGP.
By tracing the path of a water bottle from the side of a hilly road to the GPGP, students will connect all these concepts and develop an understanding of the journey and impact of waste on our environment. They will analyze graphs to make predictions about the future of plastics in our oceans and discover how individual and collective actions can positively influence our world.
As civic-minded contributors, students will take action by creating podcasts aimed at educating an audience of their choice about single-use plastics. This project will empower students to use their knowledge to make a difference in their communities.
Oil Spills
This unit will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interactions between the Earth's spheres and the environmental impact of oil spills.
We will begin the unit by analyzing graphs and data about oil spills worldwide in recent history. Students will examine the causes and effects of these spills, gaining insights into the complex factors that contribute to such environmental disasters.
Our exploration will extend to the Earth's four main spheres: the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Through hands-on experiences, investigations, and the construction of models, students will learn how oil spills affect each of these spheres.
Next, students will explore various methods used to clean up oil spills, including booms, skimmers, sorbents, and dispersants. They will have the opportunity to apply their learning as they work as engineers to design, build, and test a tool/method to clean up an oil spill. This project will encourage creativity, problem-solving, and practical application of scientific principles.
Ways to Support Your Child in Science
Oil Spills
Here are some ways you can engage with and extend your child's learning at home:
Discuss environmental issues together. Talk with your child about oil spills and their environmental impact. Encourage them to share what they've learned and express their ideas and concerns.
Explore related topics on Generation Genius (videos, text, questions/answers, DIY projects). Codes: westwoods; wildcats.
Check out current events involving the Earth’s spheres on Newsela (adjustable text levels).
Go to our library’s database to check out related topics on “True Flix” or “Scienceflix.”
Explore Environmental Careers. Research careers in environmental science, engineering, and wildlife conservation. Discuss with your child how these professionals work to prevent and mitigate the effects of environmental disasters.
Try out an engineering challenge from Science Buddies (check out the engineering challenges from past years).
Discuss or investigate green energy sources.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Here are a few ways you can engage with and extend your child's learning at home:
Discuss environmental issues together. Have conversations about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, encouraging your child to share what they have learned and express their thoughts and ideas.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics at Home: Implement practices to cut down on single-use plastics in your household. Discuss the impact of these changes.
Participate in Clean-up Activities: Join local clean-up events or organize a family clean-up day at a nearby park or beach.
Explore Recycling or Composting Programs: Research and participate in local programs.
Explore related topics on Generation Genius (videos, text, questions/answers, DIY projects). Codes: westwoods; wildcats.
Go to West Woods Library database to check out related topics on “True Flix” or “Scienceflix.”
Hurricanes
Here are a few ways you can engage with and extend your child's learning at home:
Discuss current weather events and track hurricanes or tropical storms using weather websites or apps. This real-time tracking can provide practical context to the concepts being studied in class.
Explore related topics on Generation Genius (videos, text, questions/answers, DIY projects). Codes: westwoods; wildcats.
Check out current weather events on Newsela (adjustable text levels). (westwoods; wildcats).
Go to West Woods Library database to check out related topics such as Extreme Nature on “True Flix” or “Scienceflix.”
Seasons
Here are a few ways you can engage with and extend your child's learning at home:
Explore related topics on Generation Genius (videos, text, questions/answers, DIY projects). Codes: westwoods; wildcats.
Check out NASA’s resource for students: NASA Space Place, NASA Resources for grades 5-8, NASA Workforce and Careers Videos.
Go to “True Flix” on our library website and check out the videos and text in Solar System or Outer Space.
Take time to observe and discuss the changes in your local environment or elsewhere as the seasons change. Notice the differences in temperature and daylight hours.
Cultural Practices: Explore how different cultures celebrate and adapt to seasonal changes. This can include discussing holidays, festivals, and traditional practices that are influenced by the seasons.
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