Curriculum Details: Science
The focus of the science curriculum is on hands-on, experimental science. Students learn to be scientists in the primary grades. At every grade level, students ask questions, make observations, test their thinking, create models and diagrams, and make connections across subject matter. Classroom activities and investigation support student inquiries. FOSS kits are used as the core of the science program in first through fifth grades.
Grade K
Weather
Pushes and Pulls
Animals
Grade 1
Quarter 1 - Plants
Quarter 2 - Solids and Liquids
Quarter 3 - Pebbles, Sand, and Silt
Quarter 4 – Chicks
Grade 2
Force and Motion
Structures of Life
Water and Climate
Projects and Field Trips:
Grade 3
Sun and Earth
Investigation 1:The Sun
Investigation 2: Planetary Systems
Energy
Investigation 1 : Energy and Circuits
Investigation 2: The Force of Magnetism
Investigation 3: Energy Transfer
Investigation 4: Waves
Mixtures and Solutions
Investigation 1: Separating Mixtures
Investigation 2: Reaching Saturation
Inventors
Grade 4
Project: Create a New Organism project
Grade 5
Grade 6: Physical Science
September
Introduction to Chemistry: scientific method, chemistry, observation, experiment, mass and volume, water displacement, precision and accuracy, goggle safety, reactivity of strong acids and bases, mixture vs. pure substance, physical changes, physical properties, mass percent composition, percent yield, significant figures, uncertainty, mass vs. density, intensive vs. extensive properties, hypothesis, density, solution. Concentration, calibration curve, element, compound, mixture, classification of matter
October
Introduction to Chemistry: measurement, significant figures, accuracy and precision, experimental error, chemical change, chemical reaction, chemical properties. law of conservation of mass
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: elements, physical and chemical properties, metals vs. nonmetals, metalloids, mixture vs. pure substance, separation of a mixture, chromatography, adsorption, distillation, boiling point, evaporation and condensation
November
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: compounds vs. mixtures, law of definite proportions, hydrates, chemical formula, chromatography, physical properties, separation of a mixture, mixture vs. pure substance, homogeneous vs. heterogeneous, physical and chemical changes, filtration
Atomic and Electron Structure: isotope, percent abundance, mass number, atomic mass
December
Atomic and Electron Structure: atomic emission, wavelength and energy of light, excited vs. ground states, flame tests, atomic structure, chemical bonding, atomic size, density, mass, and volume
January
The Periodic Table: periodic law, atomic mass, ionization energy, alkali metals, acid–base indicator, metal hydroxides, density, periodic trends, electron affinity, atomic radius, electronegativity
February
The Periodic Table: periodic law, density, group IV elements, period number, periodic trends, group vs. period, alkaline earth metals, activity series, double replacement reaction
Chemical Bonding: ionic compounds, empirical formulas, cations and anions, ion charges, polymers, hydrogen bonding, viscosity, bond lengths and bond angles
March
Chemical Bonding: ionic compounds, empirical formula, polyatomic ions, precipitation reaction, covalent bonding, nonpolar vs. polar bonds, electronegativity, bonding electron pair, properties of metals, crystal structure, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, ionic bonds, polar vs. nonpolar bonds, hydrogen bonding
April
Chemical Bonding: valence electrons, covalent bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory
Chemical Reactions: combination vs. decomposition, single vs. double replacement, combustion reactions, combination reaction, exothermic reaction, single replacement reaction, metal activity, oxidation–reduction, catalysis, decomposition reaction, catalyst, chemiluminescence
May
Chemical Reactions: decomposition reaction, electrolysis, oxidation–reduction, double replacement reactions, molecular equations, net ionic equations, solubility rules, qualitative analysis, precipitation reactions, complex ion reactions
Molar Relationships and Stoichiometry: percent composition, empirical formula, molecular formula, percent yield, moles, balanced chemical equation, mole ratio, double replacement reaction, solubility rules
June
Molar Relationships and Stoichiometry: average atomic mass, molar mass, mole concept, Avogadro’s number, mole, mass, limiting reactant, mole ratio, excess reactant, balanced chemical equation, single replacement reaction, combustion
Grade 7: Physical Science
September
Chemistry of Gases: generation of gases, water displacement, hydrogen gas, physical properties, chemical properties, flammability, chlorine gas, acetylene gas, addition reaction, carbon dioxide gas, gas solubility, acid–base reaction, atmospheric pressure, gas generation, combustion, oxygen gas, oxidation–reduction, sublimation, acid–base indicators
October
Chemistry of Gases: density of gases, flammability, fire safety, ammonia gas, gas solubility, acid–base reactions, indicators
Thermochemistry: temperature, heat, enthalpy change, heat of solution, calorimetry, dependent and independent variables, exothermic reaction, combustion reactions, heat of combustion, heat of formation
November
Thermochemistry: heat vs. temperature, exothermic vs. endothermic, heat of fusion, heat of vaporization, enthalpy change, heat, specific heat, heat capacity, calorimetry, endothermic reaction, heat of reaction, enthalpy, entropy, heat of formation, Hess’s law, exothermic reaction
Solids and Liquids: melting and freezing, evaporation and condensation
December
Solids and Liquids: phase changes, melting point, kinetic-molecular theory, properties of liquids, surface tension, capillary action, intermolecular forces, evaporation and condensation, vapor pressure, ideal gas law and Dalton’s law, evaporation, phase changes, phase diagrams, triple point, sublimation
January
Solids and Liquids: phase changes, heat of fusion, calorimetry, surface tension, air pressure, adhesion vs. cohesion
Solubility and Solutions: miscible liquids, hydrogen bonding, salting-out, solution, solute, solvent, saturated solution, saturation temperature, solubility curve, supersaturated solution, crystallization
February
Solubility and Solutions: exothermic reaction, gas solubility, reversible reactions, thermal pollution, freezing point, freezing point depression, colligative property, molarity
Acids and Bases: indicators, acid–base neutralization, solubility, antacids, titration, neutralization, equivalence point, molarity
March
Acids and Bases: indicators, pH scale, neutralization, active metals, conductivity, weak acid, extraction, conjugate base, equilibrium, equilibrium constant, neutralization reaction, strong acid, buffer
April
Acids and Bases: indicators, pH, neutralization
Kinetics: reaction rate, collision theory, oxidation–reduction, temperature, kinetic theory, rate law, order of reaction, iodine clock reaction, catalyst, enzyme, concentration
May
Kinetics: reaction rate, catalyst, collision theory, iodine clock reaction, decomposition reaction, reaction intermediate, rate law, order of reaction, concentration
Exploring Equilibrium: reversible reactions, equilibrium constant, LeChâtelier’s principle, photochemistry, oxidation–reduction, complex-ion reaction, chemical equilibrium
June
Exploring Equilibrium: reversible reactions, equilibrium constant, LeChâtelier’s principle, complex-ion reaction, acid–base indicators, gas solubility, chemical equilibrium, exothermic vs. endothermic reactions
Grade 8: LIfe Science
September
The Nature of Life: classification, scientific names, binomial nomenclature, microscopy, slide preparation, basic usage and care of the microscope, observation, macroinvertebrates, dichotomous keys
October
The Chemistry of Life: semipermeable membrane, diffusion, dialysis, carbohydrates, disaccharides, polysaccharides, classification tests, monosaccharides, reducing vs. nonreducing sugars, oxidation, glucose, fermentation, enzyme, protein folding, native structure, denaturation, salting out, protein, isoelectric point, solubility, pH
November
Cell Structure and Function: plant cells, animal cells, cell structures, cell membrane, active transport, diffusion, acid-base indicators, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, chromosomes, crossing over
December
Photosynthesis: Benedict’s test, starch–iodine test, biuret test, Sudan III test, enzyme activity, biotechnology, protein, carbohydrate, fat, reducing sugar, oxidation–reduction, microbiology, indicators, calcium in nutrition, titration, EDTA–complex ion formation, accuracy and precision, food additives, iron, vitamin C, endpoint, freezing point depression, colloids, acid–base neutralization, stoichiometry, concentration and molarity
January
Cell Growth and Division: mitosis stages, spermatogenesis, chromosomes, prophase, anaphase, meiosis, cell cycle control, karyotypes, translocation, biotic and abiotic factors
February
DNA: double helix, replication, genetic code, transcription and translation, DNA spooling/isolation, cell lysis, solubility, chromosomes, protein formation, DNA molecule, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), protein synthesis
March
The Biosphere: soil quality and soil texture, cation exchange capacity, acids, bases and pH, nitrates and phosphates, coagulation and flocculation, water purification, alkalinity, buffers and buffer capacity, acid rain and water pollution, acid–base indicators, water quality, air pollution and air quality, particulates in air, combustion products, acid rain, oil spills, detergents and dispersants, absorbent polymers, photovoltaic cell, photoelectric effect, photoelectrochemical cell, semiconductor, groundwater remediation, permeable reactive barrier, oxidation–reduction, chlorinated organic solvents, dissolved oxygen, Winkler titration, biological oxygen demand
April
Introduction to Genetics: heterozygous vs. homozygous, forms of dominance, dihybrid cross, genotype vs. phenotype, dominant/recessive, independent segregation, pedigree analysis
May
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: coacervates, microspheres, polymerization, artificial selection, anaerobic respiration, fermentation, respiration rate, evolutionary adaptations, frequency within a population, histograms
Grade K
Weather
- Weather Patterns
- Weather Observations
- Weather Tools
- Water Cycle
- Inc. Mystery Science lessons
Pushes and Pulls
- Engineering activities
- Forces
- Motion
Animals
- needs
- characteristics
- groups
- Inc. animal research project
Grade 1
Quarter 1 - Plants
- Diversity of plant kingdom
- Needs of plants
- Growth and development
- Structure and functions of flowering plants
- Ways new plants develop from mature plants
Quarter 2 - Solids and Liquids
- Differences between solids and liquids
- Properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma
- Mixtures
- Changes from one state of matter to another
Quarter 3 - Pebbles, Sand, and Silt
- Properties of earth materials
- Similarities and differences of earth materials
- Identification of earth materials
- Fast and slow changes on the earth (erosion, volcanoes, etc.)
- Fossils and Dinosaurs
Quarter 4 – Chicks
- embryology
- incubation
- life cycle
- care
- Diversity of insect life
- Life cycles (simple and complete metamorphosis)
- Similarities and differences in larvae, pupae, and adults
- Needs
- Structure and function
Grade 2
Force and Motion
- Magnetic Force
- Balance of Motion of Spinning Objects
- Variables of height, force, and distance on moving objects
- Various investigations with magnets
- Twirly birds
- Wheels and axles
- Individual projects where children create their own moving object, collect data and presentation
Structures of Life
- Food Chains and Webs
- Ecosystems and Habitats
- Animal Adaptations
- Skeletal Systems
- Observation and manipulation of seeds
- Ecosystem cards
- Skeletal systems to be organized
- Owl Pellets
- Art Projects
Water and Climate
Projects and Field Trips:
- Chicago Botanic Garden: Pondering the Prairie
- Ongoing Stem Challenges
Grade 3
Sun and Earth
Investigation 1:The Sun
- Changing Shadows
- Sunrise & Sunset
Investigation 2: Planetary Systems
- The night sky
- Comparing Earth and the Moon
- How did Earth's Moon form?
- Changing Moon
- Lunar cycles
- Exploring the solar system
- Planets of the Solar System
- Stargazing
- Our galaxy
Energy
Investigation 1 : Energy and Circuits
- Lighting a bulb
- Conductors and Circuits
Investigation 2: The Force of Magnetism
- Magnets and materials
- Magnetic fields
- Magnetic force
Investigation 3: Energy Transfer
- Presence of energy
- Rolling balls down slopes
Investigation 4: Waves
- Forms of waves
- Light travels
Mixtures and Solutions
Investigation 1: Separating Mixtures
- Making and separating mixtures
- Separating a salt solution
- Separating a dry mixture
Investigation 2: Reaching Saturation
- Salt Saturation
- Epsom salts saturation
Inventors
- Inventor research
- Invention convention independent project
Grade 4
- Motion, Force, and Models
- Living Systems
- Environments
Project: Create a New Organism project
Grade 5
- Earth History
- Planetary Science
- Health: Family Life
Grade 6: Physical Science
September
Introduction to Chemistry: scientific method, chemistry, observation, experiment, mass and volume, water displacement, precision and accuracy, goggle safety, reactivity of strong acids and bases, mixture vs. pure substance, physical changes, physical properties, mass percent composition, percent yield, significant figures, uncertainty, mass vs. density, intensive vs. extensive properties, hypothesis, density, solution. Concentration, calibration curve, element, compound, mixture, classification of matter
October
Introduction to Chemistry: measurement, significant figures, accuracy and precision, experimental error, chemical change, chemical reaction, chemical properties. law of conservation of mass
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: elements, physical and chemical properties, metals vs. nonmetals, metalloids, mixture vs. pure substance, separation of a mixture, chromatography, adsorption, distillation, boiling point, evaporation and condensation
November
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: compounds vs. mixtures, law of definite proportions, hydrates, chemical formula, chromatography, physical properties, separation of a mixture, mixture vs. pure substance, homogeneous vs. heterogeneous, physical and chemical changes, filtration
Atomic and Electron Structure: isotope, percent abundance, mass number, atomic mass
December
Atomic and Electron Structure: atomic emission, wavelength and energy of light, excited vs. ground states, flame tests, atomic structure, chemical bonding, atomic size, density, mass, and volume
January
The Periodic Table: periodic law, atomic mass, ionization energy, alkali metals, acid–base indicator, metal hydroxides, density, periodic trends, electron affinity, atomic radius, electronegativity
February
The Periodic Table: periodic law, density, group IV elements, period number, periodic trends, group vs. period, alkaline earth metals, activity series, double replacement reaction
Chemical Bonding: ionic compounds, empirical formulas, cations and anions, ion charges, polymers, hydrogen bonding, viscosity, bond lengths and bond angles
March
Chemical Bonding: ionic compounds, empirical formula, polyatomic ions, precipitation reaction, covalent bonding, nonpolar vs. polar bonds, electronegativity, bonding electron pair, properties of metals, crystal structure, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, ionic bonds, polar vs. nonpolar bonds, hydrogen bonding
April
Chemical Bonding: valence electrons, covalent bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory
Chemical Reactions: combination vs. decomposition, single vs. double replacement, combustion reactions, combination reaction, exothermic reaction, single replacement reaction, metal activity, oxidation–reduction, catalysis, decomposition reaction, catalyst, chemiluminescence
May
Chemical Reactions: decomposition reaction, electrolysis, oxidation–reduction, double replacement reactions, molecular equations, net ionic equations, solubility rules, qualitative analysis, precipitation reactions, complex ion reactions
Molar Relationships and Stoichiometry: percent composition, empirical formula, molecular formula, percent yield, moles, balanced chemical equation, mole ratio, double replacement reaction, solubility rules
June
Molar Relationships and Stoichiometry: average atomic mass, molar mass, mole concept, Avogadro’s number, mole, mass, limiting reactant, mole ratio, excess reactant, balanced chemical equation, single replacement reaction, combustion
Grade 7: Physical Science
September
Chemistry of Gases: generation of gases, water displacement, hydrogen gas, physical properties, chemical properties, flammability, chlorine gas, acetylene gas, addition reaction, carbon dioxide gas, gas solubility, acid–base reaction, atmospheric pressure, gas generation, combustion, oxygen gas, oxidation–reduction, sublimation, acid–base indicators
October
Chemistry of Gases: density of gases, flammability, fire safety, ammonia gas, gas solubility, acid–base reactions, indicators
Thermochemistry: temperature, heat, enthalpy change, heat of solution, calorimetry, dependent and independent variables, exothermic reaction, combustion reactions, heat of combustion, heat of formation
November
Thermochemistry: heat vs. temperature, exothermic vs. endothermic, heat of fusion, heat of vaporization, enthalpy change, heat, specific heat, heat capacity, calorimetry, endothermic reaction, heat of reaction, enthalpy, entropy, heat of formation, Hess’s law, exothermic reaction
Solids and Liquids: melting and freezing, evaporation and condensation
December
Solids and Liquids: phase changes, melting point, kinetic-molecular theory, properties of liquids, surface tension, capillary action, intermolecular forces, evaporation and condensation, vapor pressure, ideal gas law and Dalton’s law, evaporation, phase changes, phase diagrams, triple point, sublimation
January
Solids and Liquids: phase changes, heat of fusion, calorimetry, surface tension, air pressure, adhesion vs. cohesion
Solubility and Solutions: miscible liquids, hydrogen bonding, salting-out, solution, solute, solvent, saturated solution, saturation temperature, solubility curve, supersaturated solution, crystallization
February
Solubility and Solutions: exothermic reaction, gas solubility, reversible reactions, thermal pollution, freezing point, freezing point depression, colligative property, molarity
Acids and Bases: indicators, acid–base neutralization, solubility, antacids, titration, neutralization, equivalence point, molarity
March
Acids and Bases: indicators, pH scale, neutralization, active metals, conductivity, weak acid, extraction, conjugate base, equilibrium, equilibrium constant, neutralization reaction, strong acid, buffer
April
Acids and Bases: indicators, pH, neutralization
Kinetics: reaction rate, collision theory, oxidation–reduction, temperature, kinetic theory, rate law, order of reaction, iodine clock reaction, catalyst, enzyme, concentration
May
Kinetics: reaction rate, catalyst, collision theory, iodine clock reaction, decomposition reaction, reaction intermediate, rate law, order of reaction, concentration
Exploring Equilibrium: reversible reactions, equilibrium constant, LeChâtelier’s principle, photochemistry, oxidation–reduction, complex-ion reaction, chemical equilibrium
June
Exploring Equilibrium: reversible reactions, equilibrium constant, LeChâtelier’s principle, complex-ion reaction, acid–base indicators, gas solubility, chemical equilibrium, exothermic vs. endothermic reactions
Grade 8: LIfe Science
September
The Nature of Life: classification, scientific names, binomial nomenclature, microscopy, slide preparation, basic usage and care of the microscope, observation, macroinvertebrates, dichotomous keys
October
The Chemistry of Life: semipermeable membrane, diffusion, dialysis, carbohydrates, disaccharides, polysaccharides, classification tests, monosaccharides, reducing vs. nonreducing sugars, oxidation, glucose, fermentation, enzyme, protein folding, native structure, denaturation, salting out, protein, isoelectric point, solubility, pH
November
Cell Structure and Function: plant cells, animal cells, cell structures, cell membrane, active transport, diffusion, acid-base indicators, cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, chromosomes, crossing over
December
Photosynthesis: Benedict’s test, starch–iodine test, biuret test, Sudan III test, enzyme activity, biotechnology, protein, carbohydrate, fat, reducing sugar, oxidation–reduction, microbiology, indicators, calcium in nutrition, titration, EDTA–complex ion formation, accuracy and precision, food additives, iron, vitamin C, endpoint, freezing point depression, colloids, acid–base neutralization, stoichiometry, concentration and molarity
January
Cell Growth and Division: mitosis stages, spermatogenesis, chromosomes, prophase, anaphase, meiosis, cell cycle control, karyotypes, translocation, biotic and abiotic factors
February
DNA: double helix, replication, genetic code, transcription and translation, DNA spooling/isolation, cell lysis, solubility, chromosomes, protein formation, DNA molecule, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), protein synthesis
March
The Biosphere: soil quality and soil texture, cation exchange capacity, acids, bases and pH, nitrates and phosphates, coagulation and flocculation, water purification, alkalinity, buffers and buffer capacity, acid rain and water pollution, acid–base indicators, water quality, air pollution and air quality, particulates in air, combustion products, acid rain, oil spills, detergents and dispersants, absorbent polymers, photovoltaic cell, photoelectric effect, photoelectrochemical cell, semiconductor, groundwater remediation, permeable reactive barrier, oxidation–reduction, chlorinated organic solvents, dissolved oxygen, Winkler titration, biological oxygen demand
April
Introduction to Genetics: heterozygous vs. homozygous, forms of dominance, dihybrid cross, genotype vs. phenotype, dominant/recessive, independent segregation, pedigree analysis
May
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: coacervates, microspheres, polymerization, artificial selection, anaerobic respiration, fermentation, respiration rate, evolutionary adaptations, frequency within a population, histograms