Social Studies

Unit 1

How can I share my ideas respectfully (even during times of conflict)?

Students understand that advocating for and expressing their ideas respectfully can influence decision making in their classroom, their school, and their community. They also understand that individuals, groups, and communities manage conflict in order to promote fairness.

This unit focuses on active citizenship, conflict management, and conflict resolution. First, students learn ways that individuals and groups advocate for and express their ideas respectfully. As active citizens, these skills allow individuals and groups to influence decision making in their classroom, their school, and their community. Next, students engage with a variety of sources (pictures, books, videos, etc.) and identify multiple ways that responsible citizens resolve conflict. Finally, strategies and skills that promote fairness are introduced and can be applied in authentic and relevant ways throughout the remainder of the year. Ultimately, students will apply their understanding of citizenship through active participation in improving their classroom and school community.

Science

Unit 2

How do environments help plants and animals meet their basic needs for survival?

Students will understand that different organisms have a variety of characteristics and behaviors that help them thrive in unique environments (habitats). Students will understand that living things depend on the health of their habitat.

Students will investigate the components of multiple habitats, focusing on the similarities and differences between non-living components in each habitat. Students will use observations of various animals and plants within those habitats to draw conclusions about what all plants and animals have in common to meet their needs. As a result of this unit, students will explain based on evidence the general structures and behaviors all plants and all animals have in common, and give some examples about how each organism is unique to their specific habitat.