Earth Studies

Abbe Futterman, Teacher

The Earth Studies program is a rich menu of scientific explorations that offers children the opportunity to learn basic concepts while investigating their roles in sustaining their own health and that of the planet. Through a progression of hands-on units of study, students explore aspects of geology, biology, physics, ecology, conservation, nutrition, and sustainability.  

All students have opportunities to visit the Earth Studies room with their classes. The Earth Studies room is a fully equipped children’s science laboratory with an extensive library of trade books. A vast collection of natural artifacts is available for student exploration. The Earth Studies room has an adjoining garden in which students work and investigate.

Kindergarten through second grade students attend Earth Studies once a week; grades three through five participate twice weekly. During these classes, the children engage in activities organized around a central theme. A typical Earth Studies class consists of a book or mini-lesson related to the topic of study, an activity at the tables, and a closing, such as a share or a colloquium where ideas are recorded for further debate. 

Skills of observation and description are honed as children spend time studying a variety of organisms and natural objects. Encouraged to make their own "discoveries," the children's natural sense of wonder and inquiry infuses the classroom dialog. They document their observations in drawings, diagrams, charts, booklets, journals, paintings, and writing. Valuing approximations and divergent ideas builds confidence and encourages creative thinking. 

Large Concepts 

Interdependence:  Living things depend on other things-- both living and non-living-- for their survival. 

Community:  There are many different types of relationships between things on Earth.  The relationships are often part of complex communities of living things. 

Natural Cycles:  Many cycles exist on earth which help to sustain and regenerate life. 

Energy:  All living things use energy.  Nature provides many energy sources. 

Place and Home:  There are many different types of environments.  Each place is particular in its natural and cultural resources. 

Change:  The environment is constantly changing. 

Impact:  Human beings have had a major impact on the environment.  People can learn to "live lightly" on the planet. 

Topics of Study

Specific topics serve as vehicles to explore large concepts. Most Earth Studies topics integrate environmental issues. For example, Grade 1 and 2 students have regular opportunities to work in the school garden. There they learn about the soil cycle through ongoing monitoring of the compost bins. Grade 3 students investigate interdependence through an extended study of owls and owl pellets. Grade 4 and 5 students investigate topics such as Sustainable Nutrition, Water Systems and Watersheds, Resource Conservation, and Global Warming.

Scientific Inquiry

The Earth Studies curriculum enhances each child's skills and abilities to do scientific inquiry.  Children have opportunities to develop the following inquiry skills as defined by the National Science Education Standards:

• Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment.

• Plan and conduct a simple investigation.

• Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.

• Use data to construct a reasonable explanation.

• Communicate investigations and explanations.