Science Specials with Mr. Thomas
Science
Hello! Welcome to my page about science. This page will give you a brief overview of what students are currently learning about in science!
About the Science Curriculum
Science lessons are adapted and inspired from the CKLA Science Curriculum. For more information about the CKLA Science Curriculum, please visit this webpage: Core Knowledge Science K–5 - Core Knowledge Foundation. All of the materials are free, so you can also download and read the science stories with your child! I have included a brief description of each unit and grade level below. To learn more about each unit, please visit the CLKA Science Curriculum webpage.
What We're Learning (Updated January 8th, 2024)
Kindergarteners are learning about seasonal weather and how weather occurs in patterns that can be used to plan activities. They will also learn about severe weather conditions, investigate types of severe weather in their area and how people communicate warnings related to severe weather.
1st and 2nd Graders are exploring the phenomena of different landforms to understand how Earth events change Earth's surface. In January, we will wrap up the unit on landforms and begin a new unit about Electricity and Magnetism!
3rd Graders are learning how to describe patterns of weather across time and location. They will learn about the difference between weather and climate and study the Earth's atmosphere. A major focus of the unit is the role of water in the atmosphere and the importance of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
4th Graders are investigating some common forms of waves around them: water, sound, and light. In January, we will finish this unit and begin a new unit that explores the structures and functions of living things.
5th Graders are learning about the complexity of the many parts of Earth. They will explore the four "spheres" that comprise all the physical and biological factors of Earth. After defining the spheres, the unit will address their interactions.
6th Graders are investigating the phenomenon of weather, including the water cycles and climate. The unit allows them to observe weather and climate phenomenon in detail and then start asking questions, formulating explanations, setting up and conducting activities and research, and working with classmates to analyze the shared experience and formulate new questions.
