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Science

The East Haddam Elementary School Kindergarten–3rd grade science curriculum focuses on building a strong science foundation through exploration, observation, and hands-on learning. Students learn to ask questions, investigate, and explain the world around them in three main areas:

  • Life Science – Plants, animals, habitats, and life cycles
  • Earth & Space Science – Weather, seasons, natural resources, and space
  • Physical Science – Light, sound, forces, and matter

The curriculum aligns with the NGSS standards to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity, helping young students learn science by doing science.
Our K–3 science curriculum is built around Mystery Science, a hands-on, inquiry-based program designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the world around us. Rooted in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Mystery Science offers engaging lessons that make science come alive for our youngest learners.

Each grade level experiences a variety of mysteries—real-world science questions that children naturally wonder about. For example, students might explore questions like “Why do we wear clothes?” (Kindergarten), “How do plants grow?” (1st Grade), or “Where do clouds come from?” (2nd Grade). These mysteries are brought to life through short, high-quality videos, teacher-led discussions, and hands-on activities that encourage exploration and critical thinking.

Key Features include:

  • Engaging Questions: Each lesson begins with a big question that taps into children’s natural curiosity.
  • Interactive Experiments: Students participate in activities using simple materials to help them see science in action.
  • Grade-Level Progression: The curriculum builds from foundational concepts in Kindergarten to more complex ideas in 3rd grade, supporting long-term understanding.
  • Built-In Literacy and Thinking Skills: Mystery Science integrates reading, writing, and reasoning as students explain their thinking and share their discoveries.

With Mystery Science, our students learn to observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, and think like scientists. More than just facts and vocabulary, this curriculum empowers children to explore how the world works—planting the seeds for a lifelong love of science and discovery.