Elementary Science Program 

The elementary science curriculum at St. Charles utilizes the FOSS (Full Option Science System). This is a comprehensive hands-on curriculum that uses inquiry-based science in practical lessons that include experiments, readings, models, debates, role-plays, and projects. Students will discover the nature of science, learn science content, and experience the relevance of science in today’s world. The FOSS curriculum follows the Indiana State Standards for Science and was developed by the University of California at Berkeley and the National Science Foundation.

Each grade level will participate in life, earth, and physical science units.
1st grade units include: Balance & Motion, Air & Weather, and Plants & Animals
2nd grade units include: Insects & Plants, Solids & Liquids, Pebbles, Sand & Silt, and Sound & Light
3rd grade units include: Structures of Life, Human Body, Motion & Magnets, and Water & Climate
4th grade units include: Simple Machines, Energy, Soils, Rocks & Landforms, and Environment
5th grade units include: Variables, Earth & Sun, Living Systems, and Mixtures & Solutions

Other highlights include: 

• Participation in Garden Club and Monarch Butterfly Conservation activities
• Field trips to the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, and Indiana University Arboretum
• 1st Grade Animal Projects, 2nd Grade Landforms Projects, 3rd Grade Leaf Projects, 4th Grade Endangered Species Projects, 5th Grade Science Fair 
• Events like energy conservation programs, Arbor Day, Earth Day activities, and the Annual Egg Drop