Specific science studies include the strands of earth, life, and physical science as stated in the California State Content Standards for Science Grade Six, augmented by other related studies: (A) life science - ecology, interaction of living things, energy and matter exchange, interdependent food webs, marine biology, anatomy, and horticulture (gardening). (B) Earth sciences - geology, continental drift, plate tectonics, erosion and deposition, volcanism and earthquakes, oceanography, meteorology, and origin and conservation of natural resources. (C) Physical science - solar energy, and wave theory. Many studies are integrated into the study of the oceans and intertidal areas.

Through their studies, our students develop skills of comparison, critical thinking, problem solving, investigation, experimentation, and report writing. Instruction includes investigations of problems, interpretation of information, evaluation and organization of raw data, and prediction of outcomes using cooperative groups, paired learning, lecture, research, and field studies. Students conduct investigations using the scientific method.

Students working individually, in pairs, or in teams, to research, plan, and produce projects that are directly related to the specific components of the science curriculum. Each student individually and as a team member, maintains science journals or logs that include recorded notes on experiments, projects, observations, investigations, interpretations, worksheets, video reviews, and textbook and resource book applications.

Students use scientific and mathematical equipment, including lab equipment, microscopes, and calculators. They also use computers to research and publish projects and to find solutions to problems that often involve integrated scientific and mathematical reasoning skills.

Classes are involved in several field study programs. These may include: Catalina Island Marine Institute, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, UCLA, IMAX, whale watching, tide pool and wetlands research, and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

Our text is Earth Sciences by Holt, Rinehart, Winston.

Last year we were awarded the National Science Teachers Association and Toyota Motor Car Company's - 'Toyota TAPESTRY Grant for Teachers' - 2000. This year our research will be funded partially through a grant from the Disney Learning Partnership Creative Classroom Fund. We are involved in an effort to investigate natural and human impacts on the seashore environment, evaluate each to see what may be causing the current decline and disappearance of California wetland habitats, form reasoned judgment, and suggest actions to eliminate the problems.

EARTH SCIENCES CLASSROOM BASED SCIENCE PROJECTS: For a description of our classroom projects, highlight any listed below:
Fast-Food Web Menus	Clouds-in-Box
SCIENCE FIELD STUDIES: For a description of our field studies, highlight any listed below:
CIMI (Catalina Island Marine Institute)	Abalone Cove
Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, CA	UCLA - University tour
IMAX and Science Museum	Whale watching
Gardening/Horticulture	Cabrillo Marine Aquarium