The members of the Junior class will explore the concept of change and continuity-throughout the history of the Earth, within communities, and through nature. Students will build an understanding of what lived on the Earth long ago and how its people, animals, and plants have changed over time. They will acquire a sense of how early Native American people lived and used the resources of their region and how their way of life has changed. Students will study the concept of time by looking at clocks and calendars. They will also study the changing patterns of the weather. In addition children will explore change and continuity as it occurs in the lives of plants and animals of the tropical rain forest.

Topics:
Geological and Evolutionary History; Dinosaurs
Native Americans: Regional Tribes, Myths and Legends
Weather: Clouds, Wind, Temperature, Storms
Rainforests: Fauna & Flora

Building on the children's growing sense of place, time, and change, the Juniors will learn more about their cultural and geographic world as they study North America and the westward expansion of the United States. Through their study of the solar system, the Earth, and Portland's bridges, students expand their understanding of astronomy, geology, and engineering.

Topics:
Space: Basic Astronomy, the Solar System
The Earth: Geography, Geology
North America: Maps, Topography, Land forms, Flight
Mexico: Cross-cultural Comparison, Spanish
USA: Geography, History (Colonists, Pioneers, Lewis and Clark Expedition, Oregon Trail)
Portland: History, Structures, Bridges