Unit | Timeframe | Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions) | Major Learning Experiences from Unit |
|---|
Lights and Sounds | Sept- Oct | How are sounds made?
What can light travel through?
How can you send a secret message to someone far away? | In this unit, students investigate light and sound! They explore how materials vibrate and how vibrating materials can make sounds. They also investigate light and illumination and use those investigations to create simple devices that allow them to communicate across a distance. |
Earth Science | Nov- Jan | Why is there day and night?
When can we see stars?
Why does the moon’s shape change? | In this unit, students make observations of the Sun and shadows throughout the day and across the seasons. They use their observations to understand patterns that occur throughout the day. Also, students explore the Moon and stars. They observe and record the appearance of the Moon to determine its cyclical pattern. They also determine why stars are only visible at night. |
Animals | Feb- March | Why are polar bears white?
Why do family members look alike?
How do animals take care of their babies?
How do polar animals survive the cold? | In this unit, students explore how the external characteristics of animals are essential for their survival. Students also make observations of parents and their offspring, determining how they are similar and how their behaviors help offspring survive. |
Plants | April-June | What are the parts of a plant?
What do the leaves, roots, stem, and flowers do? | In this unit, students explore the different parts of plants and how those parts are essential for plant survival. |
