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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
Earth's Resources
This unit begins by prompting students to think about a scientific phenomena: Where does our drinking water come from? Third graders construct models of their current beliefs and revisit them during the unit. Students learn more about what natural resources are, how we use them in our own lives, and how Farmington has many natural resources that we use in different ways. Throughout the unit, students analyze data and gather information in order to learn about our drinking water (water cycle, watersheds, reservoirs, water treatment plants). To culminate the unit, students discuss ways to protect our water resources and set a goal.
Habitats and Organisms
In this integrated unit (science/literacy), students access and synthesize information from multiple sources in order to learn how organisms survive in their habitats. They study how plants and animals have structural and behavioral adaptations that enable them to obtain food, protect themselves and their offspring, and survive the elements. After participating in a collaborative inquiry study about a related topic of interest, students compose informational picture books in order to document and expand their understanding of the world.
One of the highlights of this unit is our exploration of "biomimicry," in which engineers use ideas from nature to design technology. Nature inspires us to solve problems in environmentally friendly ways. Each student will choose an animal or plant with an interesting adaptation and use that adaptation as inspiration to design technology that solves a problem or improves people's lives. Students will work together to write about their technology, create a plan with a labeled sketch, and build a model to communicate their ideas to others. Throughout this project, they will develop their skills as Disciplined Thinkers, exhibiting creativity and persistence.
Ways to Support Your Child in Science
Encourage curiosity: Ask open-ended questions to inspire curiosity. For example, "Why do you think the sky is blue?" or "What do you think will happen if we mix these two things?"
Hands-on experiments: Simple experiments can be done with everyday items. For example, making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or growing plants from seeds. These activities make science tangible and exciting.
Take Nature Walks: Explore the banks of the Farmington River or other water sources such as lakes or reservoirs together as a family. Discuss the types of habitats you see and how the organisms are adapted to live there. Observe the plants and animals that thrive in and around the river, and discuss the importance of preserving this valuable natural resource.
Use educational resources: There are many books, websites, and videos designed for kids to learn about science in a fun way. Look for age-appropriate materials that match your child's interests.
Create a science space: Set up a small area in your home with science tools like magnifying glasses, measuring cups, or a microscope. This can be a special place for your child to explore and experiment.
Ask and investigate together: If your child asks a question and you don't know the answer, look it up together. This shows that learning is a lifelong process.
Read Books Together: Read books together as a family that explore themes of environmental conservation, water stewardship, habitats, organisms, and the beauty of nature. There are many excellent children’s books that provide detailed information and beautiful illustrations to spark curiosity and learning.
Incorporate science into daily life: Cooking, gardening, or even cleaning can be opportunities to discuss scientific concepts like measurements, chemical reactions, and ecosystems.
Visit science museums or planetariums: If possible, visit places like science museums, planetariums, or zoos. These outings can provide hands-on learning experiences and make science more engaging.
Participate Community Clean-Up Activities: Engage in community clean-up activities (or organize your own) along riverbanks or in local parks. Talk about how everything in the watershed ends up in the rivers and eventually the oceans.
Create Artwork or Crafts: Encourage your child to express their appreciation of nature through artwork or crafts. They could color or paint river landscapes or create art out of natural materials.
Try out an engineering challenge: Go to Science Buddies (check out the engineering challenges from past years).
Lead by Example: Model environmentally-friendly behaviors at home, such as conserving water, recycling, and reducing waste such as single-use plastics. Explain to your child why these actions are important for protecting our planet and its natural resources
Garden Together: Plant a garden in your backyard or use containers to grow plants. Discuss how the garden serves as a habitat for various organisms, such as insects, birds, and small mammals.
Explore online resources: National Geographic for Kids has great information about animals or you can visit www.explore.org to observe live cams of animals around the world in their habitats.
Visit a Nature Center or Zoo: Plan a visit to a local nature center or zoo to learn more about various habitats and the organisms that live in them. Many places offer educational programs and exhibits that can enhance your child’s understanding.
Encouraging a love for science can help your child develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Additional Resources for Science
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