Science 4 E1  brings science alive by providing students a combination of virtual lab investigations (with options for hands-on learning), interactive lessons, and an array of e-books that capture students’ attention and grow their interest in science. Students engage in science and engineering practices as they explore topics such as weather, climate, earth’s place in the universe, organisms, ecosystems, waves, information transfer, motion, and forces. Throughout the course, students conduct investigations using digital tools and simulations. Some labs also include alternative investigations that use household materials.

This course calls for the following household materials, though they are optional, since digital versions of most labs are available. Other times, students will design their own investigation and choose their own household materials:

· Science Notebook (required)*

· pencil or pen (required)

· crayons or markers (optional)

· notebook paper (optional)

· pot (optional)

· pot holders (optional)

· ice cubes (optional)

· stove (optional)

· string or twine (optional)

· instrument, string (optional)

· water (optional)

· large plastic tub or bathroom sink (optional)

· plastic object or toy that floats, like a rubber ducky

· 1 rock or stone (1inch in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (2 inches in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (3 inches in size) (optional)

· large plastic tubs or containers (optional)

· clear glass (optional)

· plastic cup (optional)

· flashlight (optional)

· piece of wood or wooden surface (optional)

· mirror (optional)

· prism (optional)

· tap water (optional)

· magnifying glasses (optional)

· drinking glasses (optional)

· can, aluminum (optional)

· hand drum or appropriate substitute (optional)

· tape (optional)

· coin (optional)

· scissors (optional)

· stopwatch (optional)

· meterstick (optional)

· ball (optional)

· bat, or other long-handled implement (optional)

*Students may also keep a digital Science Notebook.

Science 1 brings science alive by providing students a combination of virtual lab investigations (with options for hand-on learning), interactive lessons that provide opportunities for inquiry, and an array of e-books that capture students’ attention and grow their interest in science.

The curriculum begins with an overview of what science is and how to study it. Students then focus on plant and animal traits and relationships. In the last half of the course, students explore the patterns they see in the sky and examine how sounds and light are used to communicate and help them understand their world.

This course calls for the following household materials, though they are optional, since digital versions of all labs are available:

• cardboard box, large
• coin
• composition book, notebook, or loose-leaf paper to use as a Science Notebook*
• crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• flashlight
• number cube
• paper clip
• pen cap
• scissors, round-end safety

*Students may choose to keep a digital Science Notebook.

Students develop scientific reasoning and perform hands on experiments in Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences. They construct an electromagnet, identify minerals according to their properties, use chromatography to separate liquids, and assemble food webs.

Students learn to perform experiments and record observations, and understand how scientists see the natural world. They germinate seeds to observe plant growth, and make a weather vane.