Throughout the year, different science/nature themes will be studied allowing the students the opportunity to explore, discover, and create from the knowledge they gain!

Insects - Through observation and exploration of a variety of insects the students discover how to identify an insect by counting its legs and body parts. They compare insect mouthparts to discover what each insect eats and they observe insects to see how they move and protect themselves. Students are introduced to the natural stages of metamorphosis by observing the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Camouflage is introduced through I-Spy activities and hide-and-seek games.

Trees/Leaves and Forestry - Students identify the parts of a tree and learn the function of each of its parts. They discover the importance of seeds as they investigate the life cycle of a tree. Students investigate, sort, and compare various leaves and learn to identify local trees by their leaves and bark. The children observe trees and marvel at the changes that each season brings. They learn to appreciate the forest as they discover the abundance of life that it brings to our world.

Paleontology - Students gain an understanding of these fascinating creatures through stories, crafts and games. They become familiar with the terms herbivore, carnivore and omnivore as they discover how each dinosaur ate, protected itself and cared for its young. As they become familiar with the various characteristics of these prehistoric creatures, the students will  use the knowledge they gain to identify different types of dinosaurs.

Solar System - Students learn about the planets of our solar system and take a “journey” to each to determine if life could exist on any others. As they encounter storms, poisonous gasses, and extreme freezing and boiling temperatures, they discover that the only planet that can sustain life is Earth. They come to realize the value of our natural resources and how important it is to care for them. The children learn about the excitement of space travel and the thrill of observing the nighttime sky and all of its wonders

Weather - Students explore the world of meteorology as they experiment with wind and water. They discover evaporation by experimenting with puddles and painting with water. They learn about wind speed and wind direction by blowing bubbles and flying kites.

Animal Habitats - Students discover the importance of shelter as they observe various creatures and their habitats. They build, create and explore bee hives, spider webs, holes in the ground, nests, and caves.  Using natural materials they attempt to build their own animal homes and learn to appreciate these skillful, creative and crafty builders.

Life Cycles - Students learn about the life cycle of various animals through observation, stories, and explorations into the woods and fields. They observe the development of worms, beetles, butterflies, and frogs in and outside the classroom. The children discover which animals are born alive and which hatch from eggs, and become experts at identifying oviparous animals. They are witness to mating rituals as they explore the fields, woods, and ponds beyond the classroom and observe birds, amphibians, and snakes involved in the rituals of mating.

Birds - Students use visual and field guides to become bird watchers and learn to identify the birds that are common to our area. They work in cooperative learning groups to research a native bird. Together they investigate how to build the bird’s nest and use natural materials to build one themselves. They learn to look at the bird’s beak to identify how the bird catches its food and what the bird likes to eat. Each group will get the chance to present their findings with a Bird Presentation.