Science | PS 52 SI

Welcome to Science Grades K-2

Teacher: Mrs. Oliveri

I am excited to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration with your children this year. In our K-2 science classes, we focus on developing curiosity, observation skills, and a love for the natural world through hands-on experiences.

Curriculum Overview

Our K-2 science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and focuses on three main areas:

Physical Science

Properties of matter
Pushes and pulls (forces)
Light and sound

Plants and animals

Plants and animals
Living vs. non-living things
Habitats and survival needs
Life cycles

Earth and Space Science

Weather and seasons
Day and night sky
Water and land on Earth
Natural resources

Grade-Specific Units

Kindergarten

Weather and Climate: Observing, recording, and predicting weather patterns
Forces and Interactions: Push, pull, and motion
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, plants, and their environments
Plants and Animals: Basic needs and structures

First Grade

Light and Sound: Properties and applications
Structure, Function, and Information Processing: Plant and animal parts and their functions
Space Systems: Patterns and cycles in the sky
Engineering Design: Solving problems with technology

Second Grade

Structure and Properties of Matter: Different materials and their uses
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Plants, animals, and their environments
Earth's Systems: Processes that shape the Earth
Engineering Design: Designing solutions to problems

Class Expectations

In our science classes, students are expected to:

Follow safety rules at all times
Participate in discussions and activities
Work cooperatively with classmates
Show respect for living things and the environment
Ask questions and share observations
Take care of science materials and equipment

Science Process Skills

Throughout the year, we will focus on developing these important science process skills:

Observing: Using the five senses to gather information
Classifying: Grouping objects based on similarities and differences
Measuring: Using tools to collect data
Communicating: Sharing observations and ideas
Predicting: Making informed guesses based on observations
Inferring: Drawing conclusions from evidence

Home Connections

You can support your child's science learning at home by:

Taking nature walks and discussing observations
Growing plants together
Observing and discussing weather patterns
Exploring simple machines around the house
Reading books about science topics
Visiting museums, zoos, aquariums, and parks
Asking "What do you notice?" and "Why do you think that happens?"

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's progress, please feel free to contact me:

Email: joliveri2@schools.nyc.gov

Class Dojo: Please make sure you are connected to our class

Welcome to 3-5 Science!

Teacher: Mrs. Spagnuolo

I am thrilled to work with your children in our science program this year. In grades 3-5, we build upon earlier scientific knowledge and deepen our understanding of core concepts while developing more sophisticated scientific practices and critical thinking skills.

Curriculum Overview

Our 3-5 science curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and explores the following disciplinary core ideas in greater depth:

Physical Science

Matter and its interactions
Forces and interactions
Energy
Waves and their applications

Life Science

Structures and processes of organisms
Ecosystems
Heredity
Biological evolution

Earth and Space Science

Earth's place in the universe
Earth's systems
Earth and human activity

Grade-Specific Units

Third Grade

Forces and Interactions: Balanced and unbalanced forces, patterns of motion
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Environmental traits, adaptations, and survival
Inheritance and Variation of Traits: Life cycles and inherited traits
Weather and Climate: Weather patterns, climate in different regions

Fourth Grade

Energy: Transfer, conversion, and relation to matter
Waves: Properties, patterns, and information transfer
Structure, Function, and Information Processing: Plant and animal structures
Earth's Systems: Processes that shape Earth's features

Fifth Grade

Matter and Its Interactions: Properties, changes, and conservation of matter
Energy in Earth's Systems: Energy from the sun, energy in food
Earth's Systems: Interaction of Earth's major systems
Space Systems: Stars and the solar system
Engineering Design: Defining problems and designing solutions

Scientific Practices

Students will engage in these essential scientific practices:

Asking questions and defining problems
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Class Structure

Our science classes typically include:

Engagement activities to spark curiosity
Hands-on investigations and experiments
Scientific discussions and debates
Data collection and analysis
Science notebooks for recording observations and reflections
Collaborative group work
Connections to real-world applications

Assessment

Student progress will be assessed through:

Science notebook entries
Participation in investigations and discussions
Project-based assessments
Written explanations and models
Unit quizzes and tests

Resources

Recommended resources to support science learning:

Mystery Science (online platform)
National Geographic Kids
NASA Kids' Club website
STEM activities from PBS Kids
American Museum of Natural History
Liberty Science Center
Local parks and nature centers

Contact Information

Please reach out with any questions:

Email: spagnuolo@ps52.org

Class Dojo: Please make sure you are connected to our class

Monthly Newsletter

Coming Soon

Science Program • Science Teachers

Discovering Science Wonders! 🔬
Happy New Year! We're excited to continue exploring the amazing world of science. This month brings exciting experiments, observations, and discoveries for all grade levels!

Scientific Investigations 🧪
‍
Grades K-2: We're exploring states of matter through fun experiments with ice, water, and steam. Students are learning to make predictions and observe changes.

Grades 3-5: We're diving into ecosystems and food chains, conducting investigations about animal adaptations and environmental interactions.

Science Skills: All students are practicing the scientific method, recording observations, and learning to ask thoughtful questions about the natural world.

Science at Home 🏠
Encourage curiosity and questions about everyday phenomena
Observe nature together - weather, plants, animals
Try simple kitchen science experiments safely
Visit science museums or nature centers
Read science books and watch educational science shows

📧 Young Scientists!
Science is all around us! I love hearing about the scientific observations and questions your children make at home. Please share their discoveries with me!

Keep questioning and exploring!