The ABC-Stewart Elementary Science Curriculum for students of ages 8 – 12 years is covered on a three-year rotation of subjects with year 1) earth science, ecology, space, astronomy, the bones and muscles of the body; year 2) life sciences, living a safe, healthy life, and the general body systems; year 3) chemistry, physical sciences, simple machines, and organs of the body.

The 2009-10 year will focus on the life sciences. Our study seeks to captivate the student’s imagination and fill them with a sense of wonder as they are introduced to the living world of plants and animals.

Students will have the opportunity to investigate the world of nature through a variety of projects such as leaf collection, seed growth, owl pellet and fish dissection. In preparation we will practice dissecting techniques using a pickle.

We begin the year becoming familiar with the 5 kingdoms of classification for living organisms, discussing the characteristics of the different kingdoms and how to classify the organisms into their proper kingdoms. The students will label living organisms through the use of taxonomy.

Children will examine plants through a study of their functions in the living world, including observation of seed growth and flower dissection. We will cover photosynthesis, plant anatomy, and plant reproduction.

A study of the major classes of the animal kingdom will occur, including a discussion of the characteristics of how these animals are classified and how they are similar and dissimilar. The food chain will be used to examine the different functions of animals in their habitat. Another project used in our studies will be a spider collection.

As we study the systems of the human body, we will be comparing and contrasting the systems of the human body with those of animals in major classes. We will be learning how heredity functions and how traits are passed from parents to children.

In our study of cellular biology, the students will be introduced to the parts and functions of cells, different types of cells and cell life cycle. Microscopes will enable the students to examine of the different types of cells and one-celled animals.

This fall the children will participate in a science expo using the scientific method for their projects.