Science and social studies are taught in school-wide topic units each year. Topics are organized so that essential skills and knowledge that all elementary students need to know before middle school are taught each year. For example, each year Rivendell studies one of the continents. In the study of a continent, students also learn map-reading skills, geography, cultural literacy, and history. Science topics focus on the scientific process as well as inquiry-based learning. The topics repeat on a four-year cycle.
Topic studies at Rivendell are exciting for teachers, students, and parents. Teachers truly integrate the topics into all areas of learning, and student products are usually on display throughout the school for all to see. Hands-on activities and thought-provoking assignments truly engage our students in not only learning the facts but connecting with the content in personal and meaningful ways.
Rivendell School-Wide Topic Units:
| Year One: Oceans Mesopotamia Simple Machines Central & South America Colonial America/The American Revolution Plants Colorado History |
Year Two: Egypt Deserts & Reptiles The Five Senses Asia Light and Sound Westward Expansion Weather Birds |
| Year Three: Ancient Greece & Rome The Democratic Process Systems of the Body Europe Electricity & Magnets The Industrial Revolution Immigration Ponds & Rivers/Amphibians & Fish |
Year Four: Mayans/Incas/Aztecs The Solar System & Astronomy Native Americans Mountains & Plains/Geology Africa/Black History/Diversity Solids, Liquids & Gases/Acids & Bases Dinosaurs Insects |
