Curriculum

Children will learn how and why clouds move and gain a basic understanding of how clouds form. They will observe different cloud formations and identify and describe types such as cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus clouds. For example, children will learn that clouds form from water vapor that cools and condenses in the sky and that wind patterns influence cloud movement.

Children will investigate and understand how different common materials interact with water. Key concepts include; a) some liquids will separate when mixed with water, but others will not; b) some solids will dissolve in water, but others will not; and
b) some solids will dissolve in water, but others will not.

Children will explore how simple machines give us an advantage by changing the amount, speed, or direction of forces. They will learn that we are dependent on simple machines in many aspects of our lives. For example, children will consider what problems they might face if the door knob broke before they could open a door, how to load an ATV into the back of a pickup truck without a ramp, how a carpenter separates two boards nailed together incorrectly, and how to open a drink bottle without a screw-on cap

Children will be introduced to the concept of very small particles that make up everything around us. They will learn about molecules, atoms, quarks, and quantum particles. Through engaging activities and discussions, children will be encouraged to develop their curiosity and observation skills, exploring the fascinating world of tiny particles.

Children will determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light. They will learn the differences between transparent, translucent, opaque, and reflective materials. For example, children will explore how light passes through clear plastic (transparent), is partially blocked by wax paper (translucent), is completely blocked by cardboard (opaque), and is reflected by a mirror (reflective). They will understand how each material interacts with light.

Children will observe thunder and lightning to explore the relationship between lightning and static electricity. They will learn how a lightning bolt is formed and what gives lightning its "zap." For example, children will explore the concept of static electricity by rubbing balloons on their hair and observing how the balloons can attract small paper pieces.

Children will identify various body structures (e.g., abdomen, chest, head) and organs (e.g., heart, brain, lungs, stomach). They will learn the basic components and functions of human body systems. For example, children will discover that the heart pumps blood, the brain controls activities, the lungs help us breathe, and the stomach digests food.

Children will explore and understand the basic relationships between the sun and Earth. They will learn that the sun rises in the east in the morning and sets in the west in the late afternoon. Children will also understand that the sun provides us with heat and light and how it creates daytime and nighttime. By observing the sky, children will be able to describe and predict the positions of the sun, moon, and stars.

Children will explore the interconnectedness of space, planets, and humans. They will learn the concept of causality, understanding how different elements in the universe are connected and impact each other. Children will also be taught that there is no superior or inferior part of the Earth.

Children will be introduced to the basic concept of relativity and learn how it impacts our understanding of the universe. They will explore relativity by discussing how things can look different depending on your perspective or movement. For example, children will observe that objects moving next to them, like cars on the road, seem to move more slowly when they are also moving, compared to when they are standing still.