Science units we will be studying this year: 

PLATE TECTONICS - 5th Grade, Semester 1
The theory of plate tectonics represents a revolutionary breakthrough in the 
earth sciences, providing a coherent model of how the outer surface of the 
Earth moves and changes. In Quest, students will investigate this theory and 
create models of erupting volcanoes, strike-slip faults, rock layers, and 
sea-floor spreading to help reveal the dynamic nature of the Earth's crust

ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTIVES - 5th Grade, Semester 1
Students will explore a range of crucial environmental issues as they 
investigate and solve a "crime": a mysterious environmental calamity in 
which fish die off over a five-year period. Potential causes of the fish 
dying include chlorine pollution, acid rain, erosion and sediment pollution, 
predator-prey relationships, phosphate pollution and algal blooms, and oil 
pollution. In this real-world learning scenario, students become aware of 
the interconnectedness of the natural world and the complexity of many 
environmental problems. They discover that science and society are 
inextricably linked, and that most solutions require compromise.

LIVING WITH A STAR - 6th Grade, Semester 2

During this unit, students become solar scientists, studying fascinating and lesser-known aspects of Sun and Earth interactions. Using research, experiments and simulations, students learn important and useful concepts in earth and space science, technology, physics, and health science. Students will also gain experience making considered choices—now and in the future— that will impact themselves, their community and the planet as a whole.

LEARNING ABOUT LEARNING - 6th Grade, Semester 2

How do humans learn? Do animals learn in a similar way? How do we learn things that are important for survival? Does the structure of our brains change as we learn? This unit focuses on these kinds of questions on how we acquire, assess, and retain information. In this interdisciplinary guide, students delve into the human organism and nervous system, animal behavior, health and safety issues, product testing, and the ethics of experimentation. In the process, they learn a great deal about what scientists actually do.