Elementary Science

  • The Gates Chili elementary science program emphasizes:

    • A hands-on and student-centered approach. 
    • Students actively engage in the discovery process, often working in small groups. 
    • Focus on problem-solving, positive science attitudes, new content, and scientific literacy. 
    • Inquiry-Based Learning:
      • Regular investigations in grades K-5. 
      • Nurture curiosity and foster lifelong positive attitudes toward science. 
     

    Each grade level completes life science, physical science, and earth and space science units. 

     

    Grade K 

    • Life Science: "Worm Scouts" - Ecosystem exploration with redworms. 
    • Earth and Space Science: "Weather for Kindergarten" - Understanding sun's effects on Earth. 
    • Physical Science: "Pushes and Pulls" - Exploring forces and motion. 
    •  

    Grade 1 

    • Life Science: "A Bunny's Life" - Observing animal traits, behavior and survival. 
    • Earth and Space Science: "Sky Patterns" - Investigating sky patterns. 
    • Physical Science: "Sending Messages with Light and Sound" - Exploring sound and light. 

     

    Grade 2 

    • Physical Science: "Made of Matter" - Properties and uses of matter. 
    • Earth and Space Science: "Earth's Features" - Land and water features and solutions. 
    • Life Science: "Save the Bees" - Understanding plant and animal relationships. 

     

    Grade 3

    • Life Science: "Where are the Wolves" - Ecosystem impact of wolves. 
    • Earth and Space Science: "Investigating Weather and Climate" - Weather and climate study. 
    • Life Science: "Generations of Butterflies" - Life cycles and inheritance.
    •  

    Grade 4 

    • Life Science Kit: “A Walk in the Park”- Interaction between their internal and external structures 
    • Earth Science: “Earth’s Processes in NY”- Changes in a landscape over time zooming in to New York State  
    • Physical Science: "Powering through the Fair" - Energy exploration 

     

    Grade 5 

    • Life Science: "Deer, Deer, Everywhere" - Matter and energy in ecosystems 
    • Physical Science: "Toys Matter" - Structure and properties of matter, engineering. 
    • Earth and Space Science: "Got Water?" - Exploration of earth's systems and pollution cleanup.