Science and Social Studies

P.E.

What themes/units will we study this year?

When I am mapping out the teaching of our Social Studies and Science standards, I try to integrate as much as we can. This means I teach much of our science and social studies curriculum throughout the day, such as during read aloud, writers workshop, or an art project. However, there are some concepts which lend themselves wonderfully to units of study. Within these units of study, we'll do many fun things such as perform experiments, keep Science Journals, observe our environment over time, write about our learning with a poem, or even dramatize a special event with Reader's Theater.

September In September, we'll study apples. The California state standards we are addressing with this unit are Life Science 2.a - 2.c: Students know how to observe and describe similarities and differences in the appearance and behavior of plants and animals (e.g., seed-bearing plants, birds, fish, insects); Students know stories sometimes give plants and animals attributes they do not really have; and, Students know how to identify major structures of common plants and animals (e.g., stems, leaves, roots, arms, wings, legs).

We'll also study Johnny Appleseed. The California state standard we are addressing with this unit is Social Science K.6: Students understand that history relates to events, people, and places of other times - Know the triumphs in American legends and historical accounts through the stories of such people as Pocahontas, George Washington, Booker T. Washington, Daniel Boone, and Benjamin Franklin.

School Helpers/The Gingerbread Man

I'm sure you've heard that the Gingerbread Man has been running away from our classroom! We have found the Gingerbread Man in the health office, the library, and the front office! While retrieving him, these school community helpers have taken a few moments to tell us about their job. The standard addressed is Social Science standard K.3: Students match simple descriptions of work that people do and the names of related jobs at the school, in the local community, and from historical accounts; and, Social Science standard K.4.5: Students will demonstrate familiarity with the school's layout, environs, and the jobs people do there.

The Gingerbread Man is part of a unit we do in December to incorporate Social Studies and literacy. We will make a Gingerbread Man book, and make gingerbread houses for our holiday party.

Pumpkins

October In October, we'll study pumpkins. The California state standards we are addressing with this unit are Life Science 2.a - 2.c: Students know how to observe and describe similarities and differences in the appearance and behavior of plants and animals (e.g., seed-bearing plants, birds, fish, insects); Students know stories sometimes give plants and animals attributes they do not really have; and, Students know how to identify major structures of common plants and animals (e.g., stems, leaves, roots, arms, wings, legs).

We will be visiting the Pumpkin Patch as part of this unit. The students will even make Pumpkin Pie at school!

Click on these links to learn more about Pumpkins:

Click HERE to print out, color and order the stages of the Pumpkin Life Cycle

Click HERE to learn about the parts of a Pumpkin

The First Thanksgiving

11/11/09

During the month of November, the class will learn about the First Thanksgiving. The standard addressed is Social Science standard 6.3: Students will understand how people lived in earlier times and how their lives would be different today (e.g., getting water from a well, growing food, making clothing, having fun, forming organizations, living by rules and laws). We will read a variety of books, act out what it was like on the Mayflower, wear Pilgrim and Indian costumes, make a book called, "Long Ago", and have a feast!

Click on the Mayflower to virtually visit Plimoth Rock:

Click on the Wampanoag to learn more about the First Thanksgiving:

Landforms

This month we are studying landforms. We'll talk about continents, oceans and the different landforms present on our planet. Specifically, we'll learn about mountains, valleys, rivers, oceans, and deserts. The students will make a book about landforms and complete an art project on each page.

Water

March is the month for water. Kindergarten students learn about the 3 forms of water (gas, liquid and solid), and how it changes from one form to another. We'll do a few science experiments (like making rain and clouds), and even learn a little about the water cycle.

Click on the picture to learn more!

The water cycle

America

In February we'll study American symbols and 2 famous American presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The students love this unit and will even get to make a book all about America.

Click on the pictures below to learn more!

Our flag

American Symbols White House Kids