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The Lower School science program is based on the philosophy that science is a process rather than just a collection of facts. Children need to be doing science in order to learn science. We have developed a hands-on program where they are actively engaged with science materials and encouraged to discover things for themselves
The third grade curriculum is centered around the theme of abiotics, the nonliving components of the environment. Through a variety of experiments, fieldtrips, crafts, and other activities, students examine the critical role that water, air, rocks, and soil play in our lives.
From Source to Sea (Fall Term)
Students investigate the many forms of water and follow its journey through the water cycle. They study life in the Wissahickon Creek, create stuffed aquatic animals, build their own rivers in diatomaceous earth, experiment with colliding raindrops, experiment with techniques for cleaning polluted water, and discover what makes up a watershed. Fieldtrips include a lesson on watersheds at the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, a tour of the Fairmount Waterworks, and a tour of the Southeast Water Treatment Plant
Although the air is invisible, it has mass and volume and it exerts pressure. Students investigate some of the amazing properties of air. They experiment with air pressure, observe how smog is formed, experiment with moving air, compare hot and cold air, design their own parachutes, have airship balloon races, test their lung capacaity, and build their own diving toys.
Students study the layers of the earth and examine some of the rocks that form the earth's crust. They perform a variety of tests on different rocks and minerals, build a model volcano, make their own continental drift flip books, compare soil samples from around the world, and start their own rock collections. As part of this unit, students go on a rock collecting trip along the Wissahickon creek and visit the Wissahickon gorge.
Contents
Adventures of a Water Drop
Our Trip to the Wastewater Treatment Plant
How to Clean Polluted Water
Science Links
Craig Newberger, Lower School Science Coordinator, Germantown Academy
Last updated February 2001
