|
Overview
The goal of the elementary science program is to provide a balanced understanding of scientific concepts of process skills. In an exemplary science program, students engage in meaningful problem solving, and in implementing their own investigations and solutions. Teachers utilize open-ended, hands-on inquiry lessons that promote student generated questions and student researched answers. This instructional approach requires students to use higher order thought processes to address real life situations.
The science curriculum is a spiraling curriculum which is aligned with the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum for science. The curriculum incorporates an inquiry-based learning cycle using engagement, expiration, extention, and evaluation. The integration of all subject areas, including technology enables the students to experience science in a holistic approach. Skills and processes are integrated with the teaching of the science concepts of earth/space, life science/ chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Please see the links at the right for a detailed description of the science curriculum.
Grade 5 Outdoor School
Allegany County Public Schools’ outdoor education program for 5th grade students is held at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in nearby Garrett County, MD. This program provides weeklong residential experiences for fifth graders focusing on experiential and environmental education. The 4-H Center offers 12 rustic cabins, several of which are handicap accessible and have the capacity to sleep 10 students and 2 volunteer parents each. Heated restrooms and showers were recently renovated and are located close to the cabins. The Center also provides several smaller cabins for staff, a medical clinic, cafeteria, lodge, and an educational classroom.
During a week at Outdoor School, students will learn about the natural world, explore the forest and lake ecosystems and work cooperatively through hands-on lessons aligned with the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum and designed to extend and enhance classroom learning.
Students attending Outdoor School are closely supervised 24 hours a day through school personnel and parent volunteers. If you would be interested in volunteering for this program, please contact your child’s school.
Back to top
|
