Kindergarten:  

Detective Thinking (convergent/analytical)

• Read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

  1.  Students will listen for altered clues in the story in order to predict the next animal.

  2.  Students will write their own extension for the story using a given animal.

• Mystery Cards

1.  Students will determine which PETS character the teacher is describing by listening to a set of clues.

2. Students will determine the Mystery Person the teacher is describing by listening to the clues.

• Analogies

  1.  Students will be introduced to vocabulary for analogies.

  2.  Students will listen to a read aloud of Tiger is to Stripes.

  3.  Students will finish provided analogies.

• Analogies Continued

  1.  Students will review analogy vocabulary.

  2.  Students will be introduced to writing about analogies.

  3.  Students will write their own analogies.

• Patterns

  1.  Students will be introduced to patterns.

  2.  Students will recreate a given pattern and then add the next 3 blocks.

  3.  Students will create a tricky pattern for their partner to solve.

1st Grade:  

Detective Thinking 

• Attributes

  1.  Students will be introduced to vocabulary for attributes.

  2. Students will determine which shapes are missing when given a set of attribute cards.

• Attributes Continued

  1. Students will find their way following a path through Crystal Pond Woods by switching attribute blocks as they go, based on provided instructions.

• Venn Diagrams

  1.  Students will be introduced to Venn Diagrams through games from our PETS Curriculum.  

  2.  Students will be given clues in order to determine who is Dudley's surprise guest at his birthday party and where Dudley's dog bones can be found.

Inventor Thinking 

• Inventing

  1.  Students will be introduced to inventors/. inventions.  

  2.  Students will work to see extraordinary possibilities in ordinary everyday items by seeing bubbles in new and different ways.    

2nd Grade:  

Convergent Thinking

• Deductive Thinking Skills

  1.  Students will determine the correct placement of each PETS character on a 9-square grid/puzzle based on clues.

• Attributes

  1.  Students will play the game Attribute Stax where they will change shapes with 1,2,3, or 4 different attributes.

• Students will determine the placement of each PETS character for 4 different puzzles.

Divergent Thinking

• Inventions

  1.  Students will use their creativity to turn ordinary objects into something extraordinary.  

• Creative Storytelling

  1. Students will learn about metaphors, alliteration, and onomatopoeias.

  2. Students will write a creative story using the literary elements above.

3rd graders will be completing their Natural Phenomena project!  They will focus specifically on creating their presentation using Canva and designing/building a model to represent their phenomenon!

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Hidden Natural Phenomena: Exploring the Science of Change

During this nine weeks, our 3rd grade GT students are diving into the mysterious and fascinating world of hidden natural phenomena—rare or unusual events that occur in nature but are not often seen or understood. Connecting to our universal theme of Change, students will investigate how and why these natural wonders occur, what causes them to appear, and the ways they impact our planet.

Each student will select a natural phenomenon to research—such as quicksand, sinkholes, auroras, volcanic lightning, or red tide—and gather scientific information using credible sources. Throughout the project, they will:

• Analyze cause-and-effect relationships related to their chosen phenomenon.

• Record findings and data on a Phenomenon Profile Sheet.

• Create a visual representation (3D model, detailed diagram, or experiment).

• Design a digital presentation to share their research and discoveries.

Students will also use Depth and Complexity thinking prompts to guide their analysis, helping them consider unanswered questions, patterns of change, and connections across disciplines.

The project will culminate in a student showcase, where they will present their findings and visual models, demonstrating how change in nature can be both powerful and hidden from everyday view.

4th graders will be completing their Dream Home project!  This 9-Weeks, they will focus specifically on designing the floor plan and elevation before building their client's dream home!

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Architect Project: Designing Dream Homes

This nine weeks, our 4th grade Gifted & Talented students are stepping into the role of architects as they design and build dream homes for their clients! Through this hands-on project, students explore how systems work together within a home—from structure and design to purpose and function.

Each student has been “hired” by a staff client to create a personalized dream home that fits their client’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Throughout the project, students will:

• Interview their client to learn about their routines, must-haves, and style.

• Design a floor plan to scale using architectural symbols and drafting techniques.

• Create a budget and make purchases from a materials catalog to manage costs realistically.

• Develop elevation drawings and learn about different types of roofs and layouts.

• Construct a 3D model of their final design to present at the end of the unit during our Dream Home Showcase.

This project challenges students to think critically, apply math and design concepts, and demonstrate creativity and problem-solving. It’s an authentic, system-based exploration of how architecture blends logic, artistry, and innovation—and our students are rising to the challenge!

5th graders will be completing their Destination X project!  This 9-weeks, they will focus specifically on presenting their information to classmates.  Classmates will provide constructive feedback following the presentations.

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Destination X: The Truth About Travel

During this nine-week project, our 5th grade GT students will become destination researchers and travel designers! Each student will choose a location to explore in depth. Through inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking, they’ll uncover the truth behind travel—discovering how advertising, culture, geography, and history shape what we believe about a place.

Students will research their destination, analyze sources for accuracy, and create original products such as maps, brochures, advertisements, logos, menus, and travel presentations. Throughout the project, they’ll also engage in lessons that connect to our universal theme of Truth, asking questions like:

• How do we know what is true about a place?

• Can images or ads be misleading?

• What is the difference between perception and reality?

The project will culminate in students presenting their “Destination X” to showcase both their creativity and what they’ve learned about truth in travel.