Spiral curriculum
SPIRAL students attend one class per semester, changing classes after the winter break. Students are assigned to a class and progress through the different classes in the following order.
Adventures in Wild Weather, Susan Dickinson
Get ready for a wild weather ride as we focus on the science of meteorology and investigate the phenomenon of our Earth’s weather, discovering 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. Hold on to your hats for a stormy adventure!
Code, Create, Collaborate – Program On! (3CPO), Jiya Song
Have you ever wanted to create your own game, app or invention? Coding will help us learn how to take an idea and program it using a computer. To do this, we will need to learn how to read and write code in both Scratch, Blockly, C programming and Python. So, let’s code, create, collaborate and program on!
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!
Ancient Civilizations, Ashley Kopczynski
SPIRAL is bringing history to life in Ancient Civilizations! We will learn about the Mesopotamians, Mayas, Chinese, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks in the semester. We will investigate the civilizations’ geography, inventions, languages and number systems. We will discover their architecture and have chances to construct 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!
Exciting Explorations in Engineering, Molly Nipper
In this highly engaged, hands-on, inquiry-based STEM class, students will study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students will discover and apply physics principles as they study engineering in elementary school! Students will develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and teamwork during in-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 also explore space. Students will learn about past, present and future space missions to the moon and Mars. Prepare to blast off!
From Rocks to Robotics, Violeta Ortega
Take a journey through time and technology! We will pick apart how different gadgets function and how technology has changed over the years while connecting these technologies to exciting historical eras like the Renaissance and the World Wars! Get ready for exciting learning adventures!
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 Disney Imagineers and create their own Disney stories, characters and amusement park rides.
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 while learning the history of chemistry with lots of hands-on activities.
A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned, Annie Mitchell
We will learn about how consumers, producers, supply and demand play important roles in the value of goods and services. We will understand the banking system and how we can earn, save, spend and donate money. We will create a micro-economy on Market Day with duct tape products. We will analyze the stock market and why current Fortune 500 companies are successful. We will study different types of economic systems and key entrepreneurs, and we will create an innovative product through the Design Thinking Process that will be presented to a Shark Tank! It’s time to show me the money!
