Thematic Science & Social Studies Units
At Treehouse we build learning around our science or social studies themes, which means we integrate subjects such as language arts, math, reading, art, and projects into this topic. Research has shown that children develop a deeper level of understanding by making connections to a topic. Units also make subjects more exciting and engaging, which helps students build intrinsic motivation to continue learning!
2024 - 2025 Year
August - September: Social Emotional + Community Building
Skills, read alouds, calm corner, community building games/activities
October: Plants - Flowers & Pumpkins
Parts of a flower - sunflower dissection
Identifying different floral varieties
Parts of a pumpkin + dissection
Pumpkin recipes
ELA extension: adjectives
November - January: Objects in the Sky
Orbiting patterns of the Earth and Moon around the Sun
Facts about the Sun and Moon
Moon phases and observations
Astronauts
Planets
Science: fizzy moon rocks; bottle rockets
December: Gingerbread Stories & Holidays Around the World
Literature Study: Gingerbread stories
Holiday baking
Kwanza, Hannukah, Christmas in Mexico & Slovakia
February - March: Long Ago / Then vs. Now
George Washington & Abraham Lincoln
Transportation and Communication
STEM: Toilet paper roll balloon cars
March - April: U.S. Symbols
Flag, Eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell
April - May: Animals & Insects
Bald Eagle study
Caterpillar & Butterfly study - growing our own
Animal Tracking Field Trip
2023 - 2024 Year
September - October : Community Helpers
Building a Classroom Community
Jobs in our Community
Community Heroes
November - December : Plants
Plant Parts
Life Cycle of a Plant
Growing and Observing Lima Beans
January - March : Animals
Squirrels - external parts, what they eat, how they live
Earthworms - external parts, what they eat, how they live, built and maintained a wormery
Student’s Animal of Choice - they pick an animal and learn all about it, then present to peers
April - May : Weather
Types of Weather - rain, sun, fog, wind, snow
Studying the Weather Over Time - graphing, predicting
Extreme Weathers