UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Science
Arlington’s Science curriculum at the elementary level consists of FOSS units of study that have been developed to align with the state’s science & technology standards. Students use active investigation, and science and engineering practices to learn content knowledge. This involves fewer topics but more in-depth exploration. A student informational text accompanies each unit, so from time to time your child will be reading from those. Informal writing is used to help children process information.
5th Grade Units (not necessarily in order):
Mixtures and Solutions
Students are introduced to fundamental ideas about matter and its interactions. Students come to know that matter is made of particles too small to be seen and develop the understanding that matter is conserved when it changes state—from solid to liquid to gas—when it dissolves in another substance, and when it is part of a chemical reaction. Students have experiences with mixtures, solutions of different concentrations, and reactions forming new substances.
Living Systems
Students look at Earth as the interaction of four Earth systems or subsystems—the geosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere. The focus of the module then turns to the biosphere as students explore ecosystems and organisms in terms of their interacting parts. Students examine the feeding relationships in ecosystems that move matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. Students come to understand through a variety of experiences that plants get the materials they need for growth primarily from water and air, and that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the Sun.
Earth and Sun
Students explore the properties of the atmosphere, energy transfer from the Sun to Earth, and the dynamics of weather and water cycling in Earth’s atmosphere. Other experiences help students to develop and use models to understand Earth’s place in the solar system, and the interactions of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon to reveal predictable patterns—daily length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of stars in the night sky.
Science Camp: Students spend three nights & four days at W. Alton Jones in Rhode Island. This provides a unique experience with nature & promotes cooperation through group activities. It also supports our science studies. Some of the topics include: adaptations, astronomy, ponding, skills of observation, & animal/plant characteristics.
Science Homework: We’re ALWAYS learning. Assessments or tests will happen in science. Students should regularly review topics, terms, and notes & be able to explain what we are doing. Please question them about what they are learning, especially if you don’t see assigned science homework. Weekly homework and occasional projects will come home from time to time. Late work will result in lower grades.
Science Responsibilities: If your child does not understand material, it is her/his responsibility to get help as soon as possible. Participation is expected and is considered part of the effort grade. Proper science attitude is needed and is also part of the grade. Careful, good detailed work, precise language and inquisitiveness make a good scientific mindset.
Absences from Science: Students are expected to catch up with the teacher to make up missing lessons and assignments. This may necessitate after school appointments and/or work during recess. It is your child’s responsibility to approach the teacher to make up missed work.
5th Grade Units (not necessarily in order):
Mixtures and Solutions
Students are introduced to fundamental ideas about matter and its interactions. Students come to know that matter is made of particles too small to be seen and develop the understanding that matter is conserved when it changes state—from solid to liquid to gas—when it dissolves in another substance, and when it is part of a chemical reaction. Students have experiences with mixtures, solutions of different concentrations, and reactions forming new substances.
Living Systems
Students look at Earth as the interaction of four Earth systems or subsystems—the geosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere. The focus of the module then turns to the biosphere as students explore ecosystems and organisms in terms of their interacting parts. Students examine the feeding relationships in ecosystems that move matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. Students come to understand through a variety of experiences that plants get the materials they need for growth primarily from water and air, and that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the Sun.
Earth and Sun
Students explore the properties of the atmosphere, energy transfer from the Sun to Earth, and the dynamics of weather and water cycling in Earth’s atmosphere. Other experiences help students to develop and use models to understand Earth’s place in the solar system, and the interactions of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon to reveal predictable patterns—daily length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of stars in the night sky.
Science Camp: Students spend three nights & four days at W. Alton Jones in Rhode Island. This provides a unique experience with nature & promotes cooperation through group activities. It also supports our science studies. Some of the topics include: adaptations, astronomy, ponding, skills of observation, & animal/plant characteristics.
Science Homework: We’re ALWAYS learning. Assessments or tests will happen in science. Students should regularly review topics, terms, and notes & be able to explain what we are doing. Please question them about what they are learning, especially if you don’t see assigned science homework. Weekly homework and occasional projects will come home from time to time. Late work will result in lower grades.
Science Responsibilities: If your child does not understand material, it is her/his responsibility to get help as soon as possible. Participation is expected and is considered part of the effort grade. Proper science attitude is needed and is also part of the grade. Careful, good detailed work, precise language and inquisitiveness make a good scientific mindset.
Absences from Science: Students are expected to catch up with the teacher to make up missing lessons and assignments. This may necessitate after school appointments and/or work during recess. It is your child’s responsibility to approach the teacher to make up missed work.