Science and Social Studies
Science: Our science program is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools. The unifying theme of California landscapes introduces the shapes of mountains, valleys, and coasts, plants and animals that live in them, the properties of rocks and materials that make up the landscape, and the forces that cause change. Students develop an understanding of the the three dimensions of the NGSS including Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts. For example, in the study of Biodiversity in Landscapes, students ask questions and define problems, plan and carry out investigations, obtain and communicate information, and engage in argument from evidence. They make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats and develop simple models to show the interdependent relationships in ecosystems. Students identify patterns, cause and effect, scale and proportion, structure and function and apply math and language skills integrated into the science program.
Social Studies: Our Harcourt Social Studies program is closely integrated with literature, reading and writing. Using the literature list in the California Social Studies Framework, we explore people who make a difference; our parents, grandparents and ancestors of long ago; and people of other cultures. Students also use map skills describing the absolute and relative locations of people, places and environment. The institutions and practices of government are presented with regard to law making and the resolution of problem solving. Field trips and special visitors to the classroom enhance our studies. Self-esteem, getting along, conflict resolution, and community outreach activities are interwoven throughout the entire curriculum.