Eastern Point Day School

Social Studies

Cape Ann Museum-Field Experiences

Gloucester Natural History, Ice Age, Geography, Geology Map: Geology of Essex County 1905, Boris Photographs of Gloucester Rocks, Life Story

Native Americans on Cape Ann: Native American artifacts found locally, Paul Manship sculpture, Ruth Holberg’s Luke and the Indians chapter book

Early explorers to Cape Ann: Leif Ericson & Samuel de Champlain – le beau port map, recorded accounts of early voyages, Champlain and his landings at Cape Ann

Early explorers to Cape Ann: John Smith – Storytelling & maps, R.H Captain John Smith The Lad from Lincolnshire chapter book

First Settlers: Dorchester Company & Planters Plea 1623 – Stage Fort Park – John White

Granite Industry: Granite Gallery

Science

Maritime Heritage Center-Field Experiences

Water Cycle Lab-During a hands on lab, students experiment with evaporation and condensation to better understand how the water cycle functions and how it impacts the earth’s environment especially in the ocean. Students will make a model of the water cycle and have the chance to make it rain inside a closed environment.

The Rock Cycle-Students will investigate Earth’s surface changes due to processes such as erosion and weathering. Students will then participate in a hands on experiment in the class room exploring the creation of sedimentary rock.

Soil and Sediment/Decomposition-In the classroom students are introduced to Soil and Sediment through a series of hands on lab activities that compare and contrast samples taken from the land and sea. Topics covered include soil/sediment composition, classification and properties as well as the roles soil and sediment play in decomposition and nutrient storage.

Crystal Structure -Through hands on experiments in reflection and refraction, students will explore the properties of light using crystals (deck prisms, view scopes and secchi disks) in the boat house and in the harbor. Students will then explore crystal structure using the video microscope lab and conduct experiments on crystal growth.

Language Arts

The Macmillan Treasures Reading/Language Arts program is our core program. Additional instruction is provided by guided reading activities which offer a wealth of high quality literature to engage learners. Reading development includes literal and inferential comprehension, the use of figurative language and an understanding of a variety of genre. Phonics and phonemic awareness is learned and reviewed in a structured, sequential, and cumulative manner. Our writing program encourages students to gain an understanding and appreciation to communicate effectively through written and spoken language. Through Writing Workshop, children work through the different stages of the writing process, from prewriting, drafting, revising, and drafting. Finally, edited drafts turn into publishable work. Throughout this process students focus on traits of writing- ideas, organization, sentence fluency, conventions, and voice.

Mathematics

Our mathematics program promotes the ability to solve problems and build mathematics from situations generated within the context of everyday experiences. The curriculum offers opportunities for self-discovery and exploration of concepts and personal strategies as well as exploring and understanding traditional algorithms. Manipulatives are used at every level as models to provide concrete examples of abstract concepts. The Harcourt School Publishers Math is utilized as a comprehensive program that aligns with NCTM standards. Our program offers meaningful and ample opportunities to differentiate instruction and to provide all students with access to standards-based instruction.

Additional Field Experiences:

Duck Tour of Boston/Freedom Trail Guided Tour

http://www.bostonducktours.com

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org

Strawberry Banke