This science course is offered as two separate but connected classes: a lesson class and a lab class. Families may enroll in either one on its own or both together.

Lessons (Tuesdays): The lesson class is discussion-based and concept-focused. Each week, students explore a big science idea through guided discussion, questioning, and problem-solving. The emphasis is on understanding how scientific ideas work and building clear conceptual knowledge. There are no hands-on experiments in this class.

Labs (Thursdays): The Lab class is lab only. Each session is a hands-on investigation using simple household materials. Students experiment, observe results, compare outcomes, and share discoveries.

Labs are designed to apply or explore scientific ideas through experience. The lab class does not repeat or re-teach the lesson content.

How the Classes Work Together

The lesson and lab classes are designed to complement each other, but neither is required.

• Students may enroll in lessons only for a discussion-based experience.
• Students may enroll in labs only for hands-on experimentation.
• Students may enroll in both to explore ideas in lessons and then test them through labs.

There is no pressure to attend both. Families can choose the format that best fits.

Students may drop in at any time.

January

Lesson: Matter and Phase Changes | Lab: Phase Change Modeling (beads, bags, warm water)

Lesson: Physical vs. Chemical Changes | Lab: Reaction Lab (baking soda, vinegar, paper)

Lesson: Mixtures and Solutions | Lab: Separation Techniques (salt, sand, filters)

Lesson: Motion and Forces | Lab: Friction Testing (toy cars, ramps, books)

February

Lesson: Newton’s Laws of Motion | Lab: Balloon Rocket (balloon, straw, string)

Lesson: Energy Transfer in Systems | Lab: Elastic Launcher (rubber bands, spoons)

Lesson: Magnetism and Electric Forces | Lab: Magnetic Maze (magnets, paper clips)

Lesson: Weather Patterns and Atmosphere | Lab: Anemometer (paper cups, pencil, straws)

March

Lesson: Body Systems — Circulatory, Respiratory, Muscular | Lab: Body Systems Response (timer, step, notebook)

Lesson: Homeostasis and Adaptation | Lab: Recovery Simulation (ice pack, warm water, thermometer)

Lesson: Earth’s Water Systems | Lab: Water Cycle in a Bag (ziplock, water, marker)

Lesson: Natural Disasters and Weather | Lab: Forecasting Simulation (maps, charts, crayons)

Lesson: Plate Tectonics | Lab: Tectonic Plate Model (clay, cardboard, markers)

April

Lesson: Solar System — Orbits and Motion | Lab: Planet Orbit Model (string, paper, ruler)

Lesson: Moon Phases and Tides | Lab: Moon Simulation (lamp, ball, paper)

Lesson: Natural Resources and Sustainability | Lab: Resource Simulation (paper, coins, timer) May

Lesson: Environmental Engineering | Lab: Water Collection Device (plastic, foil, tape)

Lesson: Designing Investigations | Lab: Student Mini-Labs (provided prompts and basics)

Lesson: Inquiry in Action | Lab: Scenario Investigations (basic classroom supplies)

Lesson: Real-World Solutions — Energy, Health, Tech Lab: Innovation Brainstorm (notebook, recycled materials)

June Lesson: Oil Spill Disaster Response | Lab: Spill Challenge (cotton, foil, oil)

Lesson: Deep Sea Mysteries | Lab: Ocean Adaptation (sponges, rubber bands)

Lesson: Space Mysteries — Black Holes and Planets | Lab: Data Case Study (worksheet, calculator)

Lesson: Great Scientific Mysteries | Lab: Open Investigation (student choice — options provided)

Sneak peek into next year: September

Lesson: Real-World Mysteries — The Marsh Frog Decline Lab: Environmental Sample Testing (cotton swabs, water cups)

Lesson: Scientific Method — Variables, Hypotheses, and Fair Testing Lab: Surface Temperature Investigation (thermometers, cups, paper)

Lesson: Observations vs. Inferences — Biological Clues Lab: Wildlife Evidence Investigation (photos, small objects)

Lesson: Microbiology — Life You Cannot See Lab: Mold Growth Study Setup (bread, plastic bags)

October

Lesson: Cells — Building Blocks of Life Lab: Water Droplet Magnification (plastic wrap, flashlight)

Lesson: Ecosystems and Energy Transfer Lab: Food Web Building (scissors, glue, paper)

Lesson: Adaptations and Survival Lab: Beak Adaptation Simulation (chopsticks, tweezers, small items)

Lesson: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability Lab: Biodiversity Survey (checklist, pencil, object cards)

November

Lesson: Human Impact — Oil Spills and Recovery Lab: Oil Spill Cleanup Challenge (cooking oil, feathers, dish soap)

Lesson: Energy Resources — Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Lab: Solar Heating Test (plastic bottles, black paper)

Lesson: Scientific Reasoning — Drawing Conclusions Lab: Reasoning Challenge (graph paper, pencil)

December

Lesson: Adaptations for Cold Survival Lab: Ice Insulation Challenge (ice, foil, plastic containers)

Lesson: Scientific Inquiry Reflection Lab: Student Mini Investigations (common supplies as needed)

Lesson: States of Matter — Melting and Freezing Lab: Hot Chocolate Science (marshmallows, chocolate chips, warm water, ice)