First grade Discovery Lab students examine prehistoric life in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras. They develop an understanding of light, its properties, and its role in how colors and shadows are seen. First graders question what they know about materials/substances and discover how they can transform the initial state to something different. They analyze the life cycle of flowering plants, building their knowledge through activities in which they observe and document the stages of growth and development. Through engineering challenges, students learn that there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
Second grade Discovery Lab students take on the role of a marine scientist as they study the anatomy and workings of the Earth’s amazing oceans, making connections on how humans collaborate ideas regarding ocean ecology. Using prior knowledge from the unit on ocean properties, second graders study water and air and relate them to the importance of their contributions to weather patterns around the world. They gain understanding with the aspects of sound, including production, perception, properties, and characteristics in conjunction with the operation of musical instruments and sound equipment used in communication. Students apply the Engineering Design Process to develop a musical instrument, and they use the curated collection of trees and shrubs on the Harding Academy campus to complete a nature study. Additionally, second grade students analyze the life cycle of various living organisms and activate prior knowledge to carefully document the stages of growth and development.
Third grade students investigate how the human body’s structural systems (skeleton, joints, and muscles) work together to provide movement and coordination. They examine foods by conducting experiments in which a chemical reaction will be observed if a nutritional element is present. Third graders design, assemble, and program a robot that can move an object, and they explore the properties and formation of rocks and minerals. They perform geologic experiments using collections of rocks and minerals which must be identified.
Fourth grade science includes a study of the common elements and functions among machines and laws of motion, considering the true meaning and purpose of machines and how motion affects them by designing and building a small-to-scale playground for a figurine. Students develop a robot that mimics a task that a simple machine can perform. They examine key concepts of energy and electronic circuits to build and install parallel and series circuits in a miniature house, and they tackle energy conservation by discussing ways to use circuits efficiently, and ultimately save energy. Fourth graders carry over connections mastered from the study of energy and electricity to the concepts of magnets and electromagnetism to engineer a magnetic levitating toy or train.
Fifth grade science students begin the year with a review of basic lab measurements, equipment, and lab safety. We continue to use these skills throughout the year. Early fall we look at the sun and planets in our astronomy unit. As late fall arrives, students transition into learning about the earth’s atmospheric layers and the basic weather fronts we commonly experience. Ecology connects the non-living to living in our environment. We finish the year looking at the bacteria, protist, and fungi kingdoms. Spring also has us thinking ahead to the Harding garden and preparing it for planting. Fifth grade students regularly use laptops in science. They organize collected data and use computer simulated experiments on Explorelearning.com to reinforce concepts.
Kindergarten science includes activity based hands-on lessons that encourage students to “think and observe like a scientist” and enhance their abilities to look closely at the physical world around them and scientifically address curiosities. Kindergarten students make real life connections in nature through a specimen study, and they use scientific tools to measure and strengthen tactile skills through manipulation of materials. They explore types of motion and study how force can be used to change the direction of a moving object. Kindergarten students engage in engineering investigations that develop curiosity, while strengthening problem solving and critical thinking skills.
