SPIRAL Curriculum Overview
Adventures in Wild Weather, Mahrukh Siddiqi - Get ready for a wild weather ride as we focus on the science of meteorology and investigate the phenomenon of our Earth’s weather and discover why things happen the way they do. Thunderstorms? Tornadoes? Hurricanes? Tsunamis? How do they work? What causes them? Where in the world do they happen and why? These are just a few of the questions we will explore and understand the answers to. Hold onto your hats for a stormy adventure!
Ancient Civilizations, Ashley Kopczynski - SPIRAL is bringing history to life in Ancient Civilizations! We will learn about the Mesopotamians, Mayans, Chinese, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks in the semester. We will investigate the civilizations’ geography, inventions, stories, languages and number systems. We will use geometry concepts to study architecture and art and have chances to create some of our very own. We will use all areas of study to explore the amazing wonders of this world. Prepare to board the SPIRAL time machine!
The Atoms Family, Iain Pace - Have you ever wondered why water is such an important part of our world, or why an apple turns brown after you cut it? Questions like these will be answered when you begin to explore the bonds that make our physical world. In the beginning, students will learn about the humble atom and by the end of the semester they will have a basic understanding of chemical reactions and compounds. All the while learning the history of chemistry with lots of hands on activities.
Code, Create, Collaborate – Program On! (3CPO), Jiye Song - Many of us play video games every single day. Whether it’s on a phone, a computer, or a digital device; but, what do we really know about this technology?
Have you ever wanted to create your own game, app, or invention? Ever wonder what was inside your computer? Coding will help us learn how to take an idea then program it using a computer. We’ll program robots to move through mazes, draw unique designs on our computers, even make it do some math for us! To do this, we will need to learn how to read and write code in both Scratch, Blockly, and Python. So, let’s code, create, collaborate and program on!
Exciting Explorations in Engineering, Krystal Austin - In this highly engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based STEM class, students will study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students will use the engineering design process to create solutions as they discover and apply physics principles in elementary school! As students learn about multiple engineering disciplines, they will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and team collaboration skills during class projects throughout the semester. As little engineers, students will engage in individual and team challenges such as the “Eggsperiment” Challenge, Rube Goldberg machines and mousetrap race cars. To apply math skills, students will learn to calculate physics math problems. We will learn about past, present and future epic engineering feats and space explorations. Students will leave on fire for engineering and more!
From Rocks to Robotics, Violeta Ortega - Rocks to Robotics takes students on a journey through time and technology! The learner will pick apart how different inventions function and how technology has changed over the years, while also connecting these technologies to exciting historical eras – such as the Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and the World Wars. Students discuss the climate of the different historical eras and how they impact the inventions that were created during that time period. Students analyze how technology impacts our daily lives in multiple ways and how it helps solve real world problems. Get ready for exciting learning adventures!
Mysteries in Medical Science, Sarah Chu - Refine your sleuthing skills as you solve mysteries in life sciences! We will explore mysteries in medical science and go on adventures through the human body, forensics, and DNA. You’ll practice your surgical skills, learn to save lives and expand your career opportunities all while enhancing your artistic abilities. Get your scalpel ready!
Our Energetic Earth, Polly Osei - What do the words fuel, fossils, frac, fish, fusion and FUN have in common? Energize your learning in this unit about energy with an emphasis on petroleum. We are diving deep into the history, chemistry, extraction, geology, uses, geography and economic impact of what has been said to be – next to water – the world's most important resource. This unit is full of learning experiences that will keep minds and hands busy. Renewable resources like wind, geothermal, biomass, solar energy and alternative energy sources are also examined. In addition, students will transform into A Disney Imagineer and create their own Disney story, character and amusement park ride.
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned, Taylor Hayes - Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into economics! We'll explore how consumers, producers, supply, and demand shape the value of goods and services. You will dive into the banking system to learn how to earn, save, spend, and donate money effectively. On Market Day, become an entrepreneur as you create and sell duct tape products, experiencing the thrills of running a micro-economy. We’ll also examine the stock market and discover what makes Fortune 500 companies thrive. We’ll study global economic systems and innovative entrepreneurs who’ve made a difference. For the grand finale, you’ll use the Design Thinking Process to develop a groundbreaking product and pitch it in our Shark Tank-style event. Roll up your sleeves, think creatively, and let’s make our mark. It’s time to "Show me the money!"