Year at a Glance

September: My Country, My Rights (Social Studies; Government; Civics)

Essential Question: What are our rights as citizens? How does the constitution protect those rights?

Key concepts: government, laws, Revolutionary war, slavery

Unit Vocabulary

October: Middle School Science Fair (Science)

Essential Question: How do we use the scientific method to solve problems?

Key conepts: questioning, research, process, scientific method

Unit Vocabulary

November: Our Place in Space (Earth and Space Science)

Essential Question: How does the Earth fit in and compare with other planets and features of our solar system?

Key concepts: astronomy, planets, solar system

Unit Vocabulary

December: It's a Tradition (Social Studies)

Essential Quesition: How do cultural differences influence customs around holidays?

Key concepts: holidays, customs, family, traditions

Unit Vocabulary

January: We need Change (Social Studies)

Essential Question: How does conflict contribute to personal and societal changes?

Key concepts: conflict, war, compromise

Unit Vocabulary

February: What Makes This Place Special? (Social Studies; Geography)

Essential Question: How and why do people travel to places?

Key concepts: natural, man-made, maps, travel

Unit Vocabulary

March: Making Waves: Light and Sound (Science; Physical Science)

Essential Question: How do light and sound waves travel and interact with different materials?

Key concepts: light, sound, reflect, absorb, waves

Unit Vocabulary

April: I Can Earn Money (Social Studies; Math; Economics)

Essential Question: How can we make, save, and spend money?, 

Key concepts: money, budget, loan, credit, savings

Unit Vocabulary

May: Why Are My Eyes Brown? (Science; Life Science)

Essential Question: How are different traits passed from parents to children?

Key concepts: genetics, DNA, traits

Unit Vocabulary