In addition to this breif overview below, the Lower School has its own Math and Science specialist who works directly with teachers and accelerated students to enrich the classroom experience.

First grade students spend their second nine weeks learning about the Dessert and Arctic habitats. We discuss the weather, plants and animals that live in these habitats.All students write a short report on their favorite dessert animal and their favorite arctic animal. During the fourth nine weeks the students discuss magnets, weather, seasons and plants. The children experience hands-on activities with magnets, weather and seed planting during the study of plants.

Second grade students spend nine weeks learning about Physical Science, Earth Science, Life Science and the Human Body. During the Physical Science unit students learn about magnets, electricity and matter. This unit culminates with one of the highlights of second grade at Southfield when students work together to design and construct an “Electric City.” In Earth Science, the sun and other stars are studied. The focus of the Life Science unit is grassland ecosystems around the world. The Human Body unit is focused on the main organs, the bones, muscles and nervous system.

Students will use a variety of skills and resources in their study of science. Hands-on experiments using the scientific process in cooperative and group learning settings make the lessons relevant and meaningful.

In fourth grade, the curriculum alternates between science and social studies units each quarter. Fourth grade students study Earth Science and the Human Body. The focus of the skills in science is the same as in most content areas. Helping students become better thinkers, readers, and writers is most important.

In the Earth Science unit, students learn about the ecosystems of the Rainforest. Students research, write notes and compile information for a report on a specific rainforest animal. The research project includes a contour drawing of their animal and a Power Point presentation about their research. Students also make a two-sided large replica of their animal to be hung from vines in the classroom to mimic a rainforest. The Life Science unit ends with a Rainforest Tasting Bee will conclude the study. Individual foods or products from the rainforest will be brought to school to allow others to taste the various products that come from the rainforest.

Students are assigned a system or sense (other than circulatory and digestive to research during the Human Body unit of study. A report and visual will be made and the student will take the role of teacher to inform the class of the information. Notes will be taken and compiled into a study guide. A “gross digestive system” t-shirt will be drawn and painted and worn to school at the conclusion of the study.