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CURRICULUM
Each classroom focuses on teaching the core curriculum including Science, Mathematics, English/Language Arts and Social Studies using innovative and hands on learning techniques.
In addition to the core curriculum each classroom has a grade appropriate Environmental curriculum. From Kindergarten through 5th grade the curriculum evolves and changes to teach our students about their relationship with the Earth.
Our students also participate in special classes each week including Spanish, Music, Art and Physical Education.
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST
The Science curriculum utilizes the Battle Creek Mathematics and Science Centers inquiry focused Science kits. The curriculum focuses on life, earth and physical sciences.
The Mathematics program uses Everyday Math Created by the University of Chicago.
The focus in English/Language Arts is on meaning and communication and the mechanics of writing using Six Traits for Effective Writing.
The Social Studies program focuses on the four content areas of history, civics, economics, and geography.
ENVIRONMENTAL CURRICULUM
New Branches School is proud of the level of environmental learning we incorporate into our curriculum. Each grade level builds upon our students knowledge to help them achieve our vision of realizing their responsibility to care for the Earth.
ENVIRONMENTAL CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Kindergarten- Through the year students will learn about ecology, pollution, littering, plants, earth science, cleaning up the environment by picking up waste products, respecting living things, providing necessary elements for living things. The kindergarten students will also participate in raising chickens, and hatching butterflies.
First Grade – Through the school year the students will learn about ecology, the 4 R’s reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, endangered species, weather, water quality and usage, pollution, the circle of life. First graders will also benefit from recycling truck visits to the school.
Second Grade – Students will learn about plant life cycles, the importance of plants in the environment, landforms, bodies of water, sources of usable water and water conservation effects of litter and pollution on land and how it can affect water.
Third Grade – Students will learn about land use, analyzing waste, how packaging effects the environment, and erosion.
Fourth Grade – students will learn about composting and build on their knowledge of the 4 R’s. The will take part in an experiment on the environmental impact of soybeans and partake a class project using recycled items.
5th Grade – Students in fifth grade will learn about ecosystems and human effects, recycling, and garbage and weather. The 5th grade class is also involved in the Adopt a Stream Program.
Check out the information on the Environmental Outreach 6th Grade program to learn about the curriculum
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