Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year and 5th/6th Grade Science, Room A206 Stephens College! I am honored to be the 5th/6th-grade science teacher. Science is all about investigating the world around us: why do certain scientific phenomena occur, and what impact might those phenomena have on the world around us? Our world is governed by science: behind every aspect of our life, there is a scientific explanation for why it occurs. The goal in this class is to use our critical thinking abilities to investigate the world around us as we seek to explain how and why the world around us functions the way it does. We will then apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems through the usage of the Engineering Design Process to better the world around us.

5th Grade Science Topics

Life Science – This topic focuses on foundational knowledge of the structures and functions of ecosystems.

Earth & Space Science – This topic focuses on the characteristics, cycles, and patterns in the solar system and within the universe.

Physical Science – This topic focuses on the forces that affect motion. This includes the relationship between the change in speed of an object, the amount of force applied, and the mass of the object. Light and sound are explored as forms of energy that move in predictable ways, depending on the matter through which they move.

Computer Science – Students will be learning about computer science fundamentals. This includes learning about programming concepts and computational thinking and developing problem-solving skills and persistence. Along the way, they create computer programs, including interactive games and creative projects they can share.

6th Grade Science Topics

Life Science – This topic focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. All organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental unit of life. Cells carry on the many processes that sustain life. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Earth & Space Science – This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals, and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals, and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.

Physical Science – This topic focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, linear motion, and kinetic and potential energy.

Computer Science – Students will be learning about computer science discoveries. This class takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems

Because you are an integral part of your child’s education, I feel home-to-school communication is of vital importance. I can be reached through the main office at school (838-8950), ClassDojo, or by email at carla.neely@clevelandmetroschools.org. I will respond to messages as soon as I am able to.

Sincerely,

Ms. Neely