FIRST Grade
Study topics include the structure and function of trees, tree diversity and identification, a year-long observation and documentation of seasonal changes in trees; study of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkins); rainforest plants, animals and habitat; physical states of water; forms of energy; life cycle of amphibians; life cycle of Brassica plants; and density and buoyancy of objects.

SECOnd Grade
Study topics include the properties of sound and light; insect behavior and adaptations; weather; structure and function of cells; introduction to human body systems; and a study of earthworms. Students increase their use of tools, such as microscopes and weather instruments, to make observations and measurements.

THIrd Grade
Study topics include animal diversity, with emphasis on the characteristics, habitats, and behavior of snails and spiders; food webs and the interdependence of life; biomes of the world; bird diversity and adaptations; and simple machines. Increasing emphasis is placed on the development and practice of research skills, including designing and conducting experiments, recording data and observations, and summarizing and organizing information for oral and written presentations.

FOURth Grade
Study units include geology/earth science, microbiology, water, botany, and the Great Salt Lake environment. Emphasis is placed on the study of forces that reshape the earth’s surface, study of the rock cycle, classification of rocks and minerals, mining, and analysis of soil samples. The chemical and physical properties of water, water quality and treatment, and Utah’s water systems are explored. More advanced microscopic and culture techniques are employed in the study of microbes. Knowledge about plants is extended with more detailed studies of plant anatomy and physiology. Students pursue group and independent investigations. Numerous outdoor field trips provide direct learning opportunities in connection with studies of the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountain environments.

FIFth Grade
In depth, trimester-long study topics include chemistry, select human organ systems, and flight. Special emphasis is placed on honing design and experimentation skills. Students study atomic structure, elements, the periodic table, chemical bonding, and reactions. The importance of chemistry in everyday life is highlighted. Increased emphasis is placed on identification and control of variables, the use of more complex tools and equipment, and precision in experimentation. Knowledge about cells is extended with more detailed study of subcellular structure and the function and organization of different cell types. Emphasis is placed on understanding the structure and function of the circulatory, immune, and nervous systems. The principles and history of flight are explored, including study of air pressure, the Laws of Motion, and design and construction of airborne objects.