Our K-5 science program is based on the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Through a “hands on” approach to learning, the elementary science program emphasizes students’ understanding of important science ideas in the context of the world around them.

Students develop inquiry and thinking skills as they explore problem and phenomenon based learning, sort and classify, create models, generalize, design experiments, record and interpret data, manipulate materials, measure, observe and predict.  Literacy is embedded into the science work through journal entries as well as guided reading, read alouds and non-fiction science texts.

Science topics are integrated into an environmentally rich curriculum designed to take advantage of our schoolyards, gardens and local environmental issues on Long Island. 

Thematic units offer a science narrative through the years to help students synthesize the world around them. These include:

Kindergarten      Schoolyard Trees

Grade 1                  Water

Grade 2                  Soil   

Grade 3                  Air and Birds     

Grade 4                  Sun and Energy

Grade 5                 Synthesis of Systems

STEAM Now at Baldwin UFSD

STEAM is a new course offering in our elementary schools for all 4^th and 5^th graders during the year. In addition, we will pilot STEAM in some 3^rd grade classes as well.  STEAM is an interdisciplinary approach to the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics with an emphasis on the design process in engineering.  

All STEAM projects are integrated with science units of study.