Age: 9-12

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Prereqs:     Must be able to read and write to be successful in this class.

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Each term will focus on a different aspect of science: Fall term – physical science, Winter term – earth science, and Spring term – biological science.  This class can be taken for 3 years with no repeating topics!

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Fall:  Forces & Engineering

In this hands-on class, students will learn basic physics concepts and apply them to simple engineering projects. We start off exploring Newton’s Laws of Motion in depth. We develop an understanding of inertia, balanced and unbalanced forces, and equal and opposite forces. We compare how objects are affected by gravity, friction, air resistance, etc. We are introduced to engineering design basics which we then apply to examine how simple machines such as pulleys and ropes can make work easier. We then use the engineering design process to solve simple engineering problems creatively!

 

Winter:  Air and Space

Students learn the characteristics of the atmosphere before embarking on a series of simple builds to explore what forces are at play in the creation of flying machines. We learn the language of human-controlled flight and build and test simple models of planes.  Aiming ever higher, students examine how Newton’s third law enables rockets to blast off. We explore how gravity and microgravity affect objects in the air and orbiting the Earth.  We also experiment with various toys and hypothesize how each would behave in space. Students learn about many of the obstacles every astronaut must overcome to safely work in space. We complete our course with a discussion of our Sun and fellow planets, examining how each differs from Earth and how Earth is our perfect home. 

 

Spring:  Marine Bio and Oceanography

Students learn how the physical environment of the ocean shapes and is shaped by the abundant life it contains. We experiment to discover the unique molecular structure of water and develop new vocabulary based on water’s unusual behavior. We explore salinity to understand how minerals that erode from the earth’s crust dissolve into the oceans to make them salty.  The junior oceanographers then experiment with buoyancy by creating and testing boat designs. Small desktop wave generators and wave bottles are used to investigate the movement of waves in the ocean. We are then introduced to the diversity of marine organisms by observing a variety of animal specimens. Students identify the three types of marine life:  plankton, nekton, and benthos.  They learn about the characteristics of each group and the zones in which they live.  They also learn how the marine life in each zone interacts with the others. Students participate in hands-on experiences with brine shrimp, fish, and squid to understand how their bodies are adapted to marine life, and how they affect marine ecosystems. 

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Previous Classes!

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Awesome Science 2

 

Ages:  9-11

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This is a standalone class.  Students that attend this class and do the homework do not need to do additional learning outside of the class to learn this subject.

PreReqs:   Must be able to read and write to be successful in this class.

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Each term will focus on a different aspect of science: Fall term – physical science, Winter term – earth science, and Spring term – biological science.

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Fall- All about Energy
Quest in Science proudly presents, “All About Energy”, a hands-on science course that will simulate your child’s curiosity and interest in science through exciting experiments and activities. This class will focus on Energy and Matter and how energy affects matter's behavior.
Students will examine the many different forms of energy, such as kinetic, potential, heat, chemical, solar, and electrical. Some of the activities they will experience are

- observing convection, conduction and radiation

- creating different kinds of electrical circuits
̄- Using a solar oven and examining the effect of the Sun’s energy on temperature
̄ Experimenting with different ways that matter can change
̄ Combining chemicals and observing the energy of chemical reactions
̄ Assembling and racing a solar car

 

Students will work together in small lab groups to perform experiments and make observations. Your child will maintain a folder of our adventures together. Please encourage your child to share what they are learning with you and your family. It is our hope that this course will stimulate your child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm about science.

 

Winter- Junior Geology
This exciting hands-on Quest in Science course by will turn students into junior geologist as they explore the Earth’s crust, rocks, minerals, and landforms. Our goal is to inspire your child’s interest in science and to introduce them to the fascinating study of geology.
In this course, your child will...
• Investigate the layers of the earth
• Classify igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and learn how they are formed
• Learn procedures for testing mineral properties
• Identify a variety of minerals through experimentation and testing
• Examine crystals and study how they are formed
• Study landform creation through weathering and erosion
• ... and much, much more

 

Students will work together in small lab groups to perform experiments and make observations.
In addition to class experiments, students will be responsible for a presentation assignment on
an earth mineral of their choice explaining the mineral’s properties, benefits and uses. They will
keep a science folder for all their work related to our studies in geology.

Spring- Life from Cells to Systems
This spring term, your student will be taking the exciting, hands-on science course by Quest in
Science, Life from Cells to Systems. This stimulating course will explore topics in Biology by
- learning to use a microscope,

- examining plant and animal cells,

- conducting respiration experiments,

- simulating food digestion,

- observing how body systems work together in organisms and examining the life cycles of organisms.

Throughout the term, students will work together in small lab groups to perform experiments,
test hypotheses, and gather and record data. They will keep a science folder for all their work
related to our science studies that will go home with them each week and can be used for their
evidence of science for your records! Please have them share with you what they learn. Also,
please have them bring their folder back to class each week, along with a pencil and, if possible,
a box of crayons.