As a fifth grader, your child will participate in an inquiry-based classroom, fostering curiosity in the sciences and encouraging exploration and expression of scientific knowledge in all academic areas.

Sciences emphasized at this grade level include Mixtures and Solutions, which introduces your child into the wonders of chemistry and the structures of matter.  In Water/Planets, students will be investigating the dynamic water and weather cycles and the applications in their world.  In Living Systems, curiosity peaks with the investigations of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems in humans and they begin to understand how the human body works.  Focus is on the scientific process through science journals, predictions, observations, and drawing conclusions.

A cornerstone of the fifth grade program is Students Helping Restore Unique Biomes, known as SHRUBs.  Under the guidance, support, and directions of the National Park Service Rangers of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area (SAMO), your child will participate in the SHRUB service-learning project, a yearlong event.  Once each month, students take a field trip to SAMO, and participate in the collection of seeds from native plants, storing, planting, transplanting, and establishment of native plants in the restoration area.  In the spring, an exciting family celebration occurs, and interpretations are offered to fourth graders, as they are welcomed into the SHRUB program.  In February, there is a three day camping trip to Death Valley National Park which is a service-learning project allowing your child to compare and contrast two extremely different biomes.

Fifth graders, welcome to EARTHS where you will be a SHRUB!