Event Details

Announcing the 5th Grade Fall Science Program: Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics This fall, our 5th graders will participate in an immersive, hands-on science experience through a partnership with Headwaters Science Institute. The Ecosystem Dynamics Program brings real scientific research into the classroom, guiding students to investigate how energy and matter move through ecosystems. Over four sessions, students will: Collaboratively design and conduct their own field-based research. Learn how producers, consumers, and decomposers interact. Explore the impacts of environmental changes on ecosystems. Present their findings in a live-streamed, recorded presentation. The program builds skills in the scientific method, data analysis, and public speaking. This is not a sit-and-get program, students will ask real questions, collect real data, and share real discoveries.

Agenda:

• September 29: Day 1 – Question Asking & Method Development Students form research teams and create testable questions. Science class (55 min)
• September 30: Day 2 – Field Data Collection Students collect data at a local site based on their research questions. Science class (55 min) Note: Dress for outdoor activity
• October 1: Day 3 – Data Analysis & Interpretation Students graph their data, interpret findings, and prepare presentations. Science class (55 min)
• October 2: Day 4 – Student Presentations Students present their research to peers and the school community. Science class (55 min) Presentations will be live-streamed and recorded for families to view

Note on Scheduling Due to the rotating nature of our class schedule, 5th grade science periods are not consistent from day to day. In order to ensure students receive the full benefit of the four-day Ecosystem Dynamics program, we may need to adjust the regular schedule during the program week. This could include swapping class periods with other subjects or making other temporary changes to ensure that science has a dedicated time block on each of the four program days. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility in making this unique and valuable experience possible for our students.

If you have any questions, please contact Brady Janes at bjanes@sageridge.org or (775) 852-6222 ext. 519