TOPICS: Life Science, Cells, Biology, Life Cycles, Organisms,  Body Systems, Food Chains, Food Webs, Habitats, Ecosystems, Nature, Animals, Genetics, and Heredity. 

Science from scripted textbooks and pre-made curricula can be limiting at times because science is progressing faster than these curriculum editions can keep up, often making some of the "new science" in them, old news.  

In this class, we are able to explore new and emerging science in real-time.  Additionally, students are exposed to the modern methods of guided learning through the viewing of websites, news reports, and video content from a variety of online sources.  We will discuss and analyze sources for reliability, and new technologies and discoveries for their possible impacts on our understanding of science.  Students will also have an opportunity to ask questions, make connections to real life and other content areas, and discuss topics in ways not always possible in traditional science class settings.  

This course, when completed with my other 3 science courses (Earth Science, Physical Science, and Technology and Engineering) covers content for a full year of science for grades 3-5.  To fully meet the requirements of NGSS standards, labs, experiments, and writing responses would be needed as well.  Labs and experiments will be provided as suggested extension activities between classes. 

~OVERVIEW ~
This class is designed to be a place for students to develop a deeper understanding of science topics either as enrichment to science taught in school, or as part of a homeschool science program.   

This 16-week course will meet once weekly for 55 minutes for lessons in Life Science that students traditionally learn in grades 3-5.  While the content builds slightly, each lesson is focused on specific content that can be learned without the prior week's knowledge. 

Following completion of this 16 week course, students are encouraged to take the other three 16-week units for a full year curriculum experience.  Units may be taken in any order, or taken in tandem for accelerated completion. 
UNIT 1: Life Science (16-weeks)
UNIT 2: Earth Science (16-weeks)
UNIT 3: Physical Science  (16-weeks)
UNIT 4: Technology & Engineering  (16-weeks)

~ CLASS MEETING STRUCTURE ~
Warm-Up: 
In each meeting, students will be presented with scientific phenomena or questions related to the topic of the week and then participate in a discussion making connections to their own knowledge, learning, or experience. The purpose of this exercise to help students think scientifically about observable phenomena encountered in life. 

Lesson: 
Each lesson will be in the form of slide show presentation with text information that coincides with my teaching. During the lesson I will also share video clips, images, and website links to support and engage learners.    A printable guided notes worksheet will be provided for each week.   Students are encouraged to complete the worksheet during the lesson.  The last few minutes of class will be spent answering any questions about the worksheet and sharing take-aways from the day's lesson. 

Activity:
During select lessons, students will participate in optional virtual lab activities.  Phone or iPad devices do not always work well for this.  The teacher will display the virtual lab so that all students can follow along.  Optional physical labs that pertain to the lesson may be suggested for an extension activity outside of class.  When applicable, the teacher will post instructions on the class page. 

Expectations: 
Students are expected to bring curiosity and questions, and a willingness to participate in discussions and activities.  Keeping cameras on is preferred, but not required beyond a quick check in. 

The ultimate goal is to stimulate or foster a genuine interest in science, and a zest for learning!