Hands-on learning and the development critical thinking skills are the objectives of our science program at Laurel Hall. The scope and sequence for the fifth grade science program covers physical, earth and life sciences through investigation and experimentation. Topics covered include matter, organisms, ecosystems, energy, earth's systems, the human footprint, gravity, earth's rotation, and objects in the sky. The inclusion of STEMscopes provides a positive classroom culture that encourages a cooperative learning environment. This environment integrates technology with age-appropriate, hands-on activities to connect student learnings to the world outside the classroom. Students will engage in scientific and engineering practices to develop their skills in observation, questioning, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing and communicating reasonable conclusions. Students will be required to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze data and explain its meaning while also learning to effectively state a claim, cite appropriate evidence, and connect the evidence to the claim using reasoning. In addition, fifth grade students spend three days at AstroCamp, supporting and enhancing their scientific studies through exciting, hands-on adventures.