(Ages 9 to 12)

This classroom expands on the foundation of the previous years. Students work on hands-on curriculum with abstract concepts and problem solving. Students complete research projects that utilize public resources such as libraries and museums and that help them gain a better understanding of the world in which we live.

Students participate in activities that help foster a sense of community such as food drives and Christmas gift collection for area families in need.

The class takes various field trips during the year to various locations throughout the region. The trips include community theater performances, museum exhibits, fossil digs, and other educational activities. Once a year, the class takes an overnight field trip. The focus of the trip is understanding other cultures, such as visiting an Amish community, or learning more about nature through visiting an ecology camp.

Through use of our own 15-acre nature center, the students work on field studies which help in developing their reasoning abilities as they study ancient lifestyles and relate them to contemporary responsibilities and events.