Science

Life Science | Environmental Science | Physical Science | Health & Safety

Environmental Science: Core Concepts

The rationale for environmental education during the early childhood years is based on two major premises. First, children must develop a sense of respect and caring for the natural environment during their first few years of life or be at risk for never developing such attitudes. Second, positive interactions with the natural environment are an important part of healthy child development, and these interactions enhance learning and the quality of life over the span of one’s lifetime.

Explorers:

• Students will learn about recycling materials and caring for the environment when they turn a milk carton into a bird feeder.
• Students will work with their teacher to plant and maintain their own plants for a school garden.
• Students will take an active part in conservation when they help to create and decorate a compost bin for the school.

Trailblazers:

• Students will get a gentle introduction to the three Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse) when they work on a collage using scraps on newspaper, bottle caps, bits of scrap construction paper we’ve saved, etc.
• Students’ love of nature will be fostered on ‘nature walks’ where they collect leaves, acorns, sticks, etc to draw back in the classroom.
• Students will learn about reusing materials when they decorate a reusable bag to bring along on grocery trips with mom and dad.

Pioneers:

• After learning about the importance of recycling, students will play a game in which they sort recyclables on our iPads.
• Students will learn about responsibility to the environment as they use Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax as a jumping off point for a discussion on pollution, endangered species and extinction.
• Students will learn about responsibility to the environment a unit about humpback whales.  Projects include measuring out the size of an actual whale in string and chalk, creating a polymer that simulates blubber and learning about whale body language.

Scholars:

• Students will learn about the vital role worm’s place in our environment as they create a habitat for worms using layers of soil and salt and a clear jar and monitor the worm’s progress over the course of a week.
• Students will learn about life cycles as they watch progress from larvae to pupa to adult.  They will learn about the positive impact ladybugs have on the environment as they are guided by their teacher.  At the projects conclusion, they will utilize what they have learned to create a portable habitat for their ladybugs to take home and set free with their parents/guardians.
• Students will explore their school environment and become acquainted with different types of trash in the school.  They will come up with solutions for disposing of trash to demonstrate their awareness of how they can help the Earth.