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We are very excited about our Integrated Science Program at Almena Elementary. Part of our district’s Strategic Plan focuses on the educational environment. We have a unique school because it is so small, yet so diverse. Our school also has a “family feel” to it. To promote these qualities and also help our children develop at their unique rate, while encouraging team work, we have developed an integrated science program. During science the grade levels will become integrated and will rotate through the different classrooms during the course of the school year. Three to four kindergarten children, first, second and third graders will make up each group. This year Mrs. Larson will teach Human Body studies. Mrs. Dipprey will teach the Life Science units. Mrs. Wohlk will cover the Physical Science themes and Miss Schlosser will focus on the Earth Sciences. Each theme will be about eight weeks long and then the groups will rotate to the next theme.
We feel that this method will allow the older students to fit into a nurturing role while they help the younger children write and read. It will also allow the younger children to become involved in some more detailed experiments that they might otherwise have to forgo.
The science curriculum will rotate on a two year cycle. The big focus such as Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science and Human Body will be the same but the units will be varied.
We realize that this is a different approach, but we believe that it will be very beneficial to our children. Please feel free to contact us or come in to visit during science if you have questions.
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