Eastern Point Day School

Middle School

Inspire - Challenge - Educate

Social Studies

The American Journey

Road to Independence

Declaration of Independence

The American Revolution

A More Perfect Union

The Constitution of the United States

A New Nation

Cape Ann Museum-Field Experiences

Gloucester participation in French and Indian War – document analysis

Taxation without Representation: Tax Records, Tax collector abuse

American Revolution: Judith Sargent Murray

Revolutionary Gloucester Walking Tour

Sea Captains: Privateering, Trading, Fishing, Whaling

Science

Maritime Heritage Center-Field Experiences

Introduction to Classification and Dichotomous Keys - In a hands on classroom lesson, students will be introduced to phylogenic classification. Using a dichotomous key and other identification materials, students will explore strategies used to identify and classify marine species.

Plankton Lab/ Classification - In the Maritime video-microscope lab, students will prepare and observe samples of marine plankton. Students will work with various identification guides to identify species in their samples and document the species found through digital photographs. The photographs will then be used to create new identification guides and distributed to participating classrooms.

Invertebrate Dissection -Through a hands on investigation students become acquainted with one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. As students examine the squid’s external anatomy they search for clues to the squid’s behavior based upon its unique adaptations. During the dissection students are introduced to the basics of lab procedure and provided with an opportunity to examine the internal anatomy of a squid.

Fish Anatomy - Students will observe several species of fish and explore their internal and external anatomy as they participate in a group dissection. Students then will have the opportunity to examine the different tissues under the microscope. At the end of the lesson, students will make fishprints on t-shirts to take home.

Research Vessel -During a trip aboard a research vessel, students are introduced to concepts in oceanography as they rotate through research stations. Stations include water quality analysis/salinity testing, bottom sampling, specimen collection and habitat exploration with an underwater camera.

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

Museum of Science/Overnight

http://www.mos.org

Orchard House/Louisa May Alcott

http://www.louisamayalcott.org

Minute Man National Park

http://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm