Working Forward & Backward!

The Second Grade scientists have started the school year by investigating the scientific method. They are taking the steps of the scientific method and using them in their study of plants. So far, they have used their observation skills to classify seeds and to determine what is hidden inside of lima bean seeds. They have tested their ability to follow directions by carrying out their first experiment: getting a lima bean to grow. Finally, these botanists are learning the difference between monocots and dicots and using the outdoor classroom to find real-life examples of these plants.

What is an animal? The Third Graders are working hard to find the answer to this question. By using the scientific method to guide their investigations, these scientists are learning about the ways animals are grouped. Additionally, they are using their skills of observation to determine the similarities and differences between invertebrate and vertebrate animals. They will tour the beautiful grounds of our school to find what vertebrate and invertebrate animals share our campus.
Are all of the planets in our solar system the same size? What do they look like? The Fourth Grade students are taking a journey into space to learn about the solar system. They will use their knowledge of the scientific method to help them identify everyday spherical objects that will accurately represent each planet. They will also use Cheerio’s to gain perspective about the diameter of each planet. Watch out because these astronomers are about to blast off on their study of the solar system!
The Fifth and Sixth Grade marine biologists are busy preparing for their exciting trip to Huntsman Marine Science Centre! What will we see when we travel to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in Canada? What is life like in the intertidal zone? These students are working hard to find out. How can a starfish survive during high tide, when covered in water, and during low tide, when exposed to air? They will use the scientific method to investigate the factors that allow organisms to survive in this harsh landscape. Additionally, the Fifth and Sixth Graders will investigate the Bay of Fundy (where we will be), home of the highest tides in the world. Why and how does this occur? Be sure to ask your student, as they will soon have firsthand knowledge of this amazing wonder of nature!
Kim Breckenridge
Science Specialist, Grades 2-6

 

  
 
Meet Kim Breckenridge, Science Specialist
 

Kim Breckenridge began her career at Rohan Woods School in 2010. With over seven years of teaching experience, something that Kim loves about teaching is the look that crosses over a student's face in the moment when they finally understand a difficult concept. For Kim, these moments inspire her to continue to find fun, hands-on ways for students to learn. In her spare time, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and dogs, as well as running, reading and gardening! Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Indiana University and a Masters degree in elementary education from Indiana University.

E-Mail Science Specialist Kim Breckenridge

  
 
Science Curriculum, Grades 2-6
 

The science program for Second through Sixth Grades at Rohan Woods focuses on four basic areas: earth sciences, biology, chemistry, and physics. The curriculum spirals, meaning that all four of these concepts are repeated at increasing levels of sophistication as the student progresses through the grades. The students are required to demonstrate an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the concepts that are presented. Our approach is very experiential with lots of hands-on activities permitting the children to demonstrate enduring understandings of the ideas that are discussed throughout their tenure at the school. Textbooks used are to supplement the activities-oriented curriculum.

The older a child becomes, the more time is spent in science class. There is a balance in the older grades between whole class time and small group lab sessions.

Health curriculum is introduced in Fifth and Sixth grades and focuses on physiology, human growth and development, diet and exercise, and healthy consumer choices. This emphasis prepares students, at the threshold of making many of their own personal choices, to be informed consumers and responsible family and community members.

  
 
 
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