Roll over logs and meet vitally essential members of the ecosystem, the decomposers! Learn more about the variety of critters whose job it is to transform decaying material into rich soil through observations and hands-on learning.

Next Generation Science Standards:

4th grade

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

5th grade

• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Students use maps and compasses to represent and analyze the spatial distribution of landforms, water features, and ecosystems in their local environment. Through hands-on navigation activities, students apply evidence-based reasoning to understand how geographic tools help people describe and solve problems related to Earth’s systems.

Next Generation Science Standards:

4th grade

• 4-ESS2-2: Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features. 

5th grade

• 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

Using reference guides and field equipment, students will have the opportunity to collect and identify aquatic insects. Through careful observation, we will gain an appreciation for the diversity of life found in freshwater. Sketching and discussion will help students better understand animal adaptations and how aquatic life determines water quality.

Next Generation Science Standards:

4th grade

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

5th grade

• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Students explore the relationships between predators and prey in local ecosystems by observing animal tracks, scat, and skulls. Through hands-on activities and guided discussion, they analyze how adaptations, population changes, and environmental factors influence survival and balance within food webs.

Next Generation Science Standards: 

4th grade

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

5th grade

• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

Students become plant survival experts as they explore roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. They discover how plant structures help them survive, grow, and thrive in different habitats. We will also take a closer look at plant adaptations and students will design their own plants adapted to different habitats.

Next Generation Science Standards:

4th grade

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

5th grade

• 5-LS1-1: Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.