Theme/Science

Thematic study emerges from the four natural elements: water, land, air, and fire. We build these studies by focusing on children’s interests, ideas, and experiences, develop each curriculum unit so children and teachers are excited about learning together. This approach validates children’s initiatives and invites fresh, creative energy to be infused into the program each year, and allows parents, teachers, and children to share their talents in an integrated, meaningful context.

One of our themes has been Color, Light, and Shadow. This unit includes:

• Exploring the transformation of tiny caterpillars into monarch butterflies, which are released into the butterfly garden at Mount Auburn Cemetery, through our ongoing educational partnership. • Learning about the constellation myths, culminating in children creating and writing about their own constellations. • Creating a planetarium in the classroom, and visiting the planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science.

In first grade, when studying water, our studies include field trips to the nearby Charles River, the Boston Harbor Islands, and the Charles River Dam to observe animal and plant life, as well as island history and the construction of bridges. Highlights include:

• Physical science units include Sink and Float, Balls and Ramps, Bridges, and Boat Building. • Children demonstrate what they are learning through pencil drawings, dioramas, group murals, model bridges, clay boats, and Lego riverside communities.