Science Explorations 5/6

Inspire wonder and spark scientific thinking with this hands-on, multi-topic science course for upper elementary students!
Throughout the year, students will explore exciting topics such as how our senses help us navigate the world, how water moves through Earth’s systems, what lives in the deepest parts of the ocean, and how planets stay in orbit around the Sun. They’ll learn how the sun, moon, and Earth work together to create seasons, tides, and day/night cycles—and compare how living things, from sea creatures to humans, rely on their senses to survive. Along the way, students will practice scientific inquiry skills like asking great questions, spotting patterns in nature, making predictions, and drawing conclusions. Cross-cutting themes such as scale, proportion, and systems thinking will help students see how microscopic plankton and massive planets are part of one amazing, interconnected world. This course is perfect for curious learners who love asking “why” and enjoy discovering how science connects everything from the ocean floor to outer space!

Semester 1:

Marine Science (first 8-weeks)

In this ocean science course, students will explore the wonders of the sea—from the movement of tides to the mysteries of the deep ocean zones. They’ll learn how the moon and sun work together to create ocean tides and discover the fascinating creatures that live in different ocean layers, from the sunny surface to the dark, deep abyss. Along the way, students will also learn why healthy oceans matter and how humans can help protect marine ecosystems. This course is a fun and engaging way to build a strong understanding of Earth science while encouraging curiosity about the natural world.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Explain how ocean tides are created by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun
• Identify and describe major ocean zones (sunlight, twilight, midnight, and abyssal zones) and the unique organisms that live in each
• Understand the importance of marine ecosystems and how human activities impact ocean health

The Wonders of Water (second 8-weeks)

In this engaging science course, students will explore the essential role water plays in Earth’s systems and life. From tracing each step of the water cycle to experimenting with the unique properties of water—like surface tension and density—students will gain hands-on experience and real-world knowledge. They’ll also compare freshwater and saltwater ecosystems and investigate how water quality impacts living things. This course builds a strong foundation in environmental science and encourages curiosity about the natural world.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the water cycle and explain how water moves through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection
• Explore the properties of water, including surface tension, density, and its ability to dissolve substances
• Compare and contrast freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
• Investigate how water quality affects living organisms

Semester 2:

Investigating Senses (first 8-weeks)

In this engaging science session, students will dive into the five main senses and learn how our eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue work together to help us understand our surroundings. Through fun experiments, they’ll see how senses interact—for example, how smell affects taste or how touch helps with balance. Students will also explore how animals—whether deep in the ocean, roaming on land, or living among us—use their senses in unique ways to find food, stay safe, and survive. It’s a hands-on, curiosity-sparking journey into the science of perception and survival.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Identify the five main senses and explain how sensory organs collect information from the environment
• Conduct experiments to test how different senses work together to help us interpret our world
• Compare how different organisms (marine life, land animals, humans) use their senses to navigate and survive in their environments

Science in the Skies (second 8-weeks)

Students will explore the fascinating relationship among Earth, the Moon, and the Sun—discovering how their movements create patterns such as day and night, seasons, and ocean tides. They’ll learn about each planet in our solar system and where it fits in the cosmic lineup, building a strong foundation in planetary science. Along the way, students will also discuss the activities at the International Space Station and historic space exploration missions. With clear explanations and hands-on learning, this course is perfect for young scientists eager to explore the universe!

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between Earth, the moon, and the sun, including how this creates day/night cycles, seasons, and tides
• Identify and describe the planets in our solar system and their relative positions
• Demonstrate a grasp of space exploration and its effect on our everyday lives.

Course Structure

During our live class, we will review content from the previous week using review questions and games and address any areas where students need additional support. Although it is always best for students to attend live classes, I will post the recording so students who can’t attend can watch it later.

The rest of the week is focused on new content. Students are assigned additional tasks throughout the week, such as reading, listening to audio clips, watching videos, doing experiments and activities, or watching videos of those activities. Students should try to do as many assigned experiments/activities as possible, since science is best learned by doing. Additional work outside of class time shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes per day.

Who should enroll?

This course is for all students in grades 5–6 who are curious, like active, hands-on learning, and want to know more about how the world works.

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
• A printer for printing handouts.

Evaluation and Feedback

I typically grade every day or two, and I aim to respond to student questions within 24 hours.

Communication

I welcome any and all communication from students and parents. I want to partner with you in your students’ education, so if you have any questions or concerns, my virtual door is open.