Hands-On Science Full Year 2023-2024 | STEM

⭐️General⭐️
This is an ongoing homeroom science class covering the curriculum in 32 lessons. We will be learning through experiments, scientific observation, games, art, nature, videos, writing, listening, speaking and group work. The teacher will provide optional weekly extension activities and extra practice resources including outdoor activities, art activities, online activities, worksheets and games.


⭐️Topics⭐️

🌿Biology
✔cell theory
✔photosynthesis and cellular respiration
✔micro-organisms and immunity

🧪️Chemistry
✔kinetic molecular theory
✔fluid dynamics

💡Physics
✔waves and optics
✔light: properties, behaviours, sensing
✔types and effects of electromagnetic radiation

🌎Earth
✔water cycles on Earth
✔climate and weather
✔plate tectonic movement
✔major geological events


⭐️Class Structure⭐️

✔️Preview: 10 vocabulary words and a short video will be posted to the classroom before our meeting. The preview is optional and recommended. It will provide a good foundation and prerequisite knowledge prior to our class.

✔️New: A new science topic will be taught using a variety of hands-on activities, experiments, and online technologies. Lessons follow a presentation in Nearpod and students are invited to read the slides along with the teacher. The Nearpod presentation is screen-shared and the teacher includes interactive slides and alternative ways to participate through chat and video. Each lesson includes a set of guided notes which match the presentation slides.

✔️Practice: Each week, learners will complete an in-class activity. This is often an experiment, scientific observation or guided drawing.

✔️Extension: Optional extension materials will be suggested to parents for ongoing practice at the parent's discretion. These can be a powerful part of your child’s learning. 


⭐️Teaching Methods⭐️
Our educators bring passion for the natural world, the human world, the technological world and the bridges between them. We lead children on their quest for knowledge, inspire them to create and imagine anew, and to guide them as they carve out their purpose in life. We foster human beliefs and systems that support a peaceful and sustainable future for people and the planet. Our approach to education is hands-on, literacy-based and interdisciplinary. We help students develop the skills, confidence and curiosity to be lifelong learners. You can expect experiments, scientific observation, games, art, nature, videos, writing, listening, speaking and group work.


⭐️Interaction⭐️
Learners will interact with each other and the teacher through discussion, reading, and sharing of creative projects.


⭐️Prior Knowledge⭐️
No prior knowledge is required. Learners are encouraged to watch a related short video and review vocabulary posted to the classroom each week prior to the class.


⭐️Topics by Week 2023-2024⭐️

🌿Biology: Cell Theory
Week 1: Characteristics of Living Organisms
Week 2: Cell Theory 
Week 3: Organelles of the Cell 
Week 4: Animal and Plant Cells 
Week 5: Osmosis, Diffusion and the Cell Membrane
Week 6: Bacteria and Viruses
Week 7: The Innate Immune System
Week 8: The Acquired Immune System

💡Physics: Optics
Week 9: Waves
Week 10: The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Week 11: The Nature of Light
Week 12: Wave Phenomena
Week 13: Vision
Week 14: Mirrors and Lenses
Week 15: Optical Devices

⚛️Chemistry: Fluid dynamics
Week 16: Kinetic Molecular Theory
Week 17: Fluids and Density
Week 18: Pressure 
Week 19: Viscosity
Week 20: The Chemistry of Water

🌎Earth Sciences: Water
Week 21: The Water Cycle
Week 22: Ocean Basins
Week 23: Tides
Week 24: Ocean Currents
Week 25: Oceans and Climate
Week 26: Rivers, Lakes and Streams
Week 27: Aquifers
Week 28: Water Stewardship

🌎Earth Sciences: Plate Tectonics
Week 29: Plate Tectonics
Week 30: Volcanoes
Week 31: Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Week 32: Mountains and Erosion