Science Curriculum

Science

Our science program provides a learning environment that emphasizes scientific inquiry, technological literacy, environmental awareness and critical thinking.  In their science classes, students develop necessary skills such as observation, measurement, hypothesis-formation, research and report-writing (expository writing) – skills that will serve them well throughout their educational careers and their adult lives. We want our students to ask questions and enjoy learning about how things work in our world. St. Francis Solano School has implemented Next Generation Science curriculum.

The following topics are emphasized in each grade:

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Science is such a time of discovery. We take the skills the children have learned up until now and give it a name. When a child is studying a bug, we use words like observation; when a Kinders are drawing what they see, we call this documenting. We use this vocabulary to study information on the 5 senses, life cycle, living and non-living things. Science is a fun subject where we see the Kinders flourish.

1st Grade

We focus on Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences, beginning the year with a study of plants and animals.  We move on to study nutrition and good health habits.  We study the seasons,  weather, observation and measurement.  We conclude the year with  the study of solids, liquids, and gases.

2nd Grade

We use FOSS kits to learn about pebbles, sand and silt as well as balance and motion.

3rd Grade

Our Science consists of FOSS kits; “Ideas and Inventions”, “Physics of Sound”, and “Structures of Life”. All activities are ‘hands on’ and are aimed at small group instruction.

4th Grade

The emphasis is on human body, earth materials and electricity. Students do reports and presentations on insects, mammals and minerals.

5th Grade

5th grade students study human body systems such as the circulatory system, the pulmonary system and the digestive system.  Weather, extreme climatic events, and states of matter are also a part of the 5th-grade curriculum.

6th Grade

The Amplify Science 6th Grade Earth and Space Science Course introduces students to topics that support students in meeting the NGSS.  Students will engage in three-dimensional learning to solve real-world questions and problems involving: plate tectonics, Earth, Moon, and Sun orbits, Weather, and Climate.

7th Grade

The Amplify Science 7th Grade Life Science Course introduces students to topics that support students in meeting the NGSS.  Students will engage in three-dimensional learning to solve real-world questions and problems involving: metabolism, heredity, evolution, and ecosystems.

8th Grade

The Amplify Science 8th Grade Physical Science Course introduces students to topics that support students in meeting the NGSS.  Students will engage in three-dimensional learning to solve real-world questions and problems involving: force and motion, magnetics, phase change, chemical reactions, and light waves.