Unit 1: Structures of Life
In this module, children investigate the structures and behaviors of living things. You can increase your child’s understanding and interest by asking about the investigations at school and by providing experiences at home. You might search for and count the seeds found in various fruits and vegetables as you prepare
dinner (children will learn that all plant parts that hold seeds are technically fruits). You could grow plants from seeds, grow and eat edible sprouts, and look for the fruits and seeds of plants in your neighborhood.
dinner (children will learn that all plant parts that hold seeds are technically fruits). You could grow plants from seeds, grow and eat edible sprouts, and look for the fruits and seeds of plants in your neighborhood.
Structures of life learning links
Unit 2: Earth Materials
The Earth Materials Module consists of four sequential investigations dealing with observable characteristics of solid materials from the earth—rocks and minerals. The focus is on taking materials apart to find what they are made of and putting materials together to better understand their properties. The module introduces fundamental concepts in earth science and takes advantage of the students' intrinsic interest in the subject matter and in the physical world around them.
Inquiry Questions:
Inquiry Questions:
- What are some of the ways that Earth's materials are formed?
- Where do these different materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and oil come from? What is the process by which the materials were formed?
- How is Earth's surface changing?
- How do rocks "cycle?"
- Many of Earth's materials are usable building or energy resources. Extended processes and time are required to convert fossil fuels and soil into useful materials.
Earth materials activity links for home
Unit 3: Water
Water is the most important substance on Earth. Water dominates the surface of our planet, changes the face of the land, and defines life. These powerful, pervasive ideas are introduced here. The Water Unit consists of 3 investigations in which students explore properties of water, changes in water, interactions between water and other earth materials, and how humans use water.
Water Cycle Learning Links