Science

The Scientific Method.   Science is considered an indispensable and important subject and is taught at all grade levels by special subject teachers.  Our approach and curriculum work to build a comprehensive foundation and a thorough understanding of scientific concepts from a young age.

We follow the California Science Content Standards at all grade levels and employ an inquiry-based approach that balances Earth, Life, and Physical Science studies.  Application of the Scientific Method is emphasized with all students, including the younger children who are taught a more simplified approach.  Students are engaged in hands-on experiments, data analysis and content assessment for each unit of study to develop their interest, vocabulary, and understanding of Science.

In keeping with our belief that Science is indispensable and important, Carden Academy seeks to foster a sense of wonder about the world in students and encourages a passion for Science with activities such as our Spring Science Fair, in which the students present their projects and participate in special activities. Science Fair participation is optional for younger students but required in Sixth through Eighth Grade.

Outdoor Learning Environment.   Students in Junior Primary through Fifth Grade participate in our Native Riparian Habitat Project and conduct hands-on experiments in our 3-acre nature preserve.  Students learn about land management, native and invasive plants, and the life cycles of the fish and tadpoles that inhabit our small creek.  In our year-round fruit and vegetable garden, students study soil composition, erosion, plant lifecycles, and more.  Important stewardship concepts are learned as students develop a life-long appreciation of nature’s bounty and beauty.

Junior Primary through Second Grade.  Students build their vocabulary and understanding of scientific concepts through observation, data recording, hands-on experiments, and written work.  Our outdoor classroom in Pioneer Park, which includes a riparian habitat and the Carden Garden, is utilized for many Life and Earth Science lessons.

Third through Fifth Grade.  The Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum is introduced to students. This curriculum, which was developed at Cal Berkley by a team of scientists and educators, has proven success in classrooms across the nation and here at Carden Academy.  The objective of this inquiry-based science curriculum is to engage students in an active learning process that involves investigations, analyses and assessments.   Students are encouraged to test ideas and generate explanations as they explore scientific concepts.

FOSS Modules:

Third Grade

1.     Sun, Moon and Stars

2.     Matter and Energy

3.     Structures of Life

Fourth Grade

1.     Magnetism and Electricity

2.     Solid Earth

3.     Environments

Fifth Grade

1.     Mixtures and Solutions

2.     Living Systems

3.     Water Planet

Sixth through Eighth Grade. The FOSS Middle School Program is utilized for Sixth through Eighth Grades.  The inquiry-based method is continued so that students master all Science Standards with first-hand experience through active investigations.  Students record and analyze data in comprehensive lab notebooks for each unit and complete text reading for application and critical thinking of scientific concepts.  In addition to lab assessments, students are formally tested with mid-summative and final exams.  Some computer analyzation of data is also conducted at this level.  Students are required to demonstrate their mastery of the scientific method with science projects at our annual Science Fair.

FOSS Modules

Sixth Grade

1.     Weather and Water

2.     Earth History (plate Tectonics, land formation and erosion)

3.     Population and ecosystems (part 1)

Seventh Grade

1.     Population and Ecosystems (part 2)

2.     Diversity of Life

3.     Human Brain and Senses

Eighth Grade

1.     Chemical Interactions

2.     Force and Motion

Science

The Scientific Method.   Science is considered an indispensable and important subject and is taught at all grade levels by special subject teachers.  Our approach and curriculum work to build a comprehensive foundation and a thorough understanding of scientific concepts from a young age.

We follow the California Science Content Standards at all grade levels and employ an inquiry-based approach that balances Earth, Life, and Physical Science studies.  Application of the Scientific Method is emphasized with all students, including the younger children who are taught a more simplified approach.  Students are engaged in hands-on experiments, data analysis and content assessment for each unit of study to develop their interest, vocabulary, and understanding of Science.

In keeping with our belief that Science is indispensable and important, Carden Academy seeks to foster a sense of wonder about the world in students and encourages a passion for Science with activities such as our Spring Science Fair, in which the students present their projects and participate in special activities. Science Fair participation is optional for younger students but required in Sixth through Eighth Grade.

Outdoor Learning Environment.   Students in Junior Primary through Fifth Grade participate in our Native Riparian Habitat Project and conduct hands-on experiments in our 3-acre nature preserve.  Students learn about land management, native and invasive plants, and the life cycles of the fish and tadpoles that inhabit our small creek.  In our year-round fruit and vegetable garden, students study soil composition, erosion, plant lifecycles, and more.  Important stewardship concepts are learned as students develop a life-long appreciation of nature’s bounty and beauty.

Junior Primary through Second Grade.  Students build their vocabulary and understanding of scientific concepts through observation, data recording, hands-on experiments, and written work.  Our outdoor classroom in Pioneer Park, which includes a riparian habitat and the Carden Garden, is utilized for many Life and Earth Science lessons.

Third through Fifth Grade.  The Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum is introduced to students. This curriculum, which was developed at Cal Berkley by a team of scientists and educators, has proven success in classrooms across the nation and here at Carden Academy.  The objective of this inquiry-based science curriculum is to engage students in an active learning process that involves investigations, analyses and assessments.   Students are encouraged to test ideas and generate explanations as they explore scientific concepts.

FOSS Modules:

Third Grade

1.     Sun, Moon and Stars

2.     Matter and Energy

3.     Structures of Life

Fourth Grade

1.     Magnetism and Electricity

2.     Solid Earth

3.     Environments

Fifth Grade

1.     Mixtures and Solutions

2.     Living Systems

3.     Water Planet

Sixth through Eighth Grade. The FOSS Middle School Program is utilized for Sixth through Eighth Grades.  The inquiry-based method is continued so that students master all Science Standards with first-hand experience through active investigations.  Students record and analyze data in comprehensive lab notebooks for each unit and complete text reading for application and critical thinking of scientific concepts.  In addition to lab assessments, students are formally tested with mid-summative and final exams.  Some computer analyzation of data is also conducted at this level.  Students are required to demonstrate their mastery of the scientific method with science projects at our annual Science Fair.

FOSS Modules

Sixth Grade

1.     Weather and Water

2.     Earth History (plate Tectonics, land formation and erosion)

3.     Population and ecosystems (part 1)

Seventh Grade

1.     Population and Ecosystems (part 2)

2.     Diversity of Life

3.     Human Brain and Senses

Eighth Grade

1.     Chemical Interactions

2.     Force and Motion