• Fall Kit: Properties of Matter

    Students investigate the properties of matter, and evaluate how physical properties influence the suitability of various materials for specific uses. Students make observations and collect data to classify materials based on properties. Students explore the relationship between temperature and the state of matter of a material, and examine the difference between reversible and irreversible changes. Students also use a variety of materials to demonstrate the foundational understanding that some objects are a combination of smaller objects that make a whole.

     

    Fall Topics

    • Properties of Matter
    • The Physical States of Water
    • Reversible and Irreversible Changes
    • Material Properties
    • Engineering Design

  • Spring Kit: Earth Systems

    Students model the basic interrelationships between the sun, Earth, and moon to explore the causes of day and night and interpret the phases of the moon. Students investigate how the amount of daylight relates to seasonal changes by creating a class graph to record sunrise/sunset times to show the gradual changes in the amount of daylight gained or lost over time here in Alaska. Students develop models of Earth Systems in Alaska to represent the shapes, kinds of land, and water of an area around Anchorage. Students investigate fast and slow land changes caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, weathering, erosion, and glaciers. Students learn the importance of weather forecasting as they explore the impact of severe weather on communities. Students understand how communities prepare for severe weather by creating a Severe Weather Handbook. Finally, students discover how humans can make less of an impact on Earth by learning ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

     

    Spring Topics

    • Sun, Earth and Moon Interactions
    • Day and Night
    • Moon Phases
    • Mapping of Landforms
    • Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Erosion
    • Severe Weather
    • Human Impacts on the Environment