Waltham Public Schools

Climate

Sept- Oct

Why are some places always hot?

Why are some places always cold?

Why are there seasons?

In this unit, students are introduced to the concept of “climate” and explore the world’s five major climates. In the activity, Climate Decoder, students color one part of a world map to figure out the different climates of that region. Students then combine maps and search for global climate patterns

Animals

Nov-Mar

What is an inherited trait?

How do we know what the dinosaurs looked like?

What is a life cycle?

In this unit, students compare the structures and functions of traits that enable organisms to survive in a specific environment. Analyzing the traits of animals provides evidence for how those traits vary, how they are inherited, and how they have changed over time through selection. Students also examine how the environment can affect inherited traits and determine which animals will survive in a particular environment. Also, students develop an understanding of how animals and their environments have changed through time. Also, students create models to build an understanding that all organisms share certain stages in their life cycles.

Weather & Water

April

Where do clouds come from?

How can we predict when it's going to storm?

How can you keep a house from blowing away in a windstorm?

In this unit, students investigate and make predictions about the weather through careful observation of the clouds and wind.

Forces and Magnets

May-June

What is a force?

Why do objects move?

What attracts a magnet?

Why do magnets attract and repel?

In this unit, students explore the forces all around them. They investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces, the pushes and pulls of bridge structures, and the effects of gravity and friction on the motion of objects. Students also explore the power of magnetic forces and design solutions to everyday problems using their knowledge of these forces.