Science Program
At PS154, students come to the science lab (Room 309) two times a week for grades 2-4 and once a week for grades 5 and the 3/4/5 classes. Each child keeps a Science Notebook in which they record their experiences. This notebook, kept in the lab, is an invaluable record of the student's participation and comprehension, on which the majority of his or her grade is based.We use inquiry-based science techniques that are standards-based and follow the workshop model. As scientists, children work in pairs or small groups to answer questions and problems, talk about observations and wonderings, write and make sketches in their notebooks, use tools to collect data, and explore their natural world. We believe that "science" learning should continue to flourish outside of class. Whether in the form of nature walks, read-alouds about our current unit of study, or shared journal writing, whatever you as parents can do to encourage your child to see and write about science outside of the classroom will greatly improve their performance in the classroom.
Curriculum
The Department of Education has established a city-wide standard curriculum for teaching science. A copy of the standard curriculum, officially known as the Elementary School Scope and Sequence for Science, may be downloaded from the Department of Education website.In Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first grade, science is taught in the classrooms. In grades 2 through 5, most of the standard curriculum is taught in the science room, with the remaining elements of the curriculum taught by the regular classroom teachers. To learn what the students in these grades are studying, click on the links below: Fourth Grade Science Test
All Fourth Grade students take a citywide science test. There are two parts to the test:
For the manipulative portion of the test, students will need to know and use the following (you can practice some of these skills at home with your child):
Materials Needed
While the science lab is well-equipped, we are always in need of additional materials. Click here for a list of the things we need the most.We are also VERY excited about having live animals in the classroom. We already have much of the necessary equipment - we only need the animals. If you would be willing to donate a "foster animal" for anywhere from a few weeks to a year, please let us know. These may be animals you already have that you would provide for during the year and would return home with you over long holiday breaks. Please send us a letter describing your animal and desired commitment. Also, the company Insect Lore (http://www.insectlore.com) has many wonderful critters we like to order each year! Families can purchase redeemable certificates that we can use to order the live specimens at any time during the year. We mostly need: Butterfly Culture, Ant Hill Refill, Ladybug Larvae Refill, and Live Mealwork Kit. We also would love to have Amazing Dinosaur Plant, Carnivorous Creations, Sensory Dome, and Odd Pods.
Visitors and Volunteers
Visitors are always welcome in the science room; indeed they are vital to many of our labs. If you are available one day or hour a week or month, please drop me a note. There is always more to do in a day than I have time for. I need help organizing the science library and science closet, creating hands-on exploration tables, and taking photographs. Any additional ideas are welcome. Come, get involved!
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