In this inquiry course, students study the life, physical, earth, and space sciences. Through hands-on activities, they learn about the natural and technological world, improve their inquiry skills and abilities to solve problems, and develop an understanding and appreciation of the limits and possibilities of science and technology.
Essential Questions:
- How do our actions and choices affect the future habitability of Earth?
- How is energy transformed and used on both a macroscopic and microscopic scale?
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Quarter 1 |
Quarter 2 |
Quarter 3 |
Quarter 4 |
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Beyond Our Blue Planet (Unit 1) |
Harvesting the Elements: Weather, Atmosphere, Energy, and Resources (Units 2-3) |
Matter Matters: Exploring the Building Blocks of the Universe (Unit 4) |
Exploring the Wonders Within Watersheds (Units 5-6) |
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Focus of the Story |
What is the solar system, and what are the predictable patterns caused by Earth’s movement in the solar system? We begin by revisiting and extending our understanding of components of the solar system from Grade 4 including gravitational interactions, technological advances and new discoveries. |
What regulates weather? After learning about Earth’s placement in the solar system, we then learn about the interactions of water, energy, air, and ecosystems by studying weather. This exploration includes studying the distribution and regulation of Earth’s energy through the atmosphere. We also analyze the use and management of resources. |
How can one explain the structure, properties and interactions of matter? We continue studying interactions by taking a leap into the microscopic world of matter. Here we extend our understanding of an atom from Grade 5 by interpreting a modern model of an atom and learning how simple chemical bonds are formed. We learn that bonding leads to new substances and their properties. |
How do the unique properties of water impact the environment? Our journey concludes by tying together the interactions of water, energy, air, and ecosystem. We do this by studying the unique properties of water and by looking at factors that influence the health of watershed systems. |
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Transfer Goals |
Ask questions driven by curiosity on a given event or process in the natural world based on observations or data. (Thinkers and Inquirers) Analyze and interpret data to determine its validity or usefulness, identify patterns and relationships, and/or draw conclusions. (Thinkers and Inquirers; Knowledgeable) |
Analyze and interpret data to determine its validity or usefulness, identify patterns and relationships, and/or draw conclusions. (Thinkers and Inquirers; Knowledgeable) |
Ask questions driven by curiosity on a given event or process in the natural world based on observations or data. (Thinkers and Inquirers) |
Plan and carry out investigations or use a design process to answer a question or solve a problem. (Problem Solvers and Value Creators) Communicate results, solutions, or findings to inspire further inquiry and courses of action. (Communicators and Collaborators; Personally and Socially Responsible) |
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Learning Targets |
I can name the components of the solar system and describe their characteristics. I can assess the role of technology in refining our understanding of the solar system and with making new discoveries. |
I can Identify the composition and characteristics of the atmosphere. I can analyze and interpret a chart or diagram showing Earth’s energy budget. |
I can interpret a simplified modern model of the structure of an atom. I can describe how atoms combine to form bonds. I can relate chemical equations to chemical changes. |
I can plan an investigation to demonstrate the ability of water to dissolve materials. I can design and defend a land-use model that minimizes negative impact and carefully manages water resources.. |