Science Education Department (SED)
 
 ARIES Modules

Eight modules present key areas of physical science deemed essential in all the new science standards.

Exploring Time: Sundials, Waterclocks, and Pendulums
Children explore the concepts of time and timekeeping. They study time from historical and cultural perspectives; they relate time to day and night, months, and seasons; and they build timekeeping devices. Grades 3–6

Exploring Light and Color: Filters, Lenses, and Cameras
Children investigate characteristics of light. They examine light and vision, color filters, reflections, and lenses. Grades 3–6

Exploring the Earth in Motion: Daylight, Sun, and Shadow Patterns
Children investigate shadows, the changing relationship between the Earth and the Sun, the daily path of the Sun, and the spin of the Earth. Grades 3–6

Exploring Waves: Water, Vibrations, and Sound
Children observe waves and wave motion, build ripple tanks to explore water waves, and make and play their own musical instruments to investigate sound. Grades 5–8

Exploring Energy: Waterwheels, Windmills, and Sunlight
Children observe three natural energy sources — flowing water, wind, and sunlight — and construct devices to harness these sources of energy. Grades 3–6

Exploring Motion and Forces: Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
Children build devices, including an air puck, a ball-and-track system, and different carts. They make time and distance measurements to describe linear motion and then represent their findings graphically. Grades 5–8

Exploring Space: Sun, Moon, and Stars
Children explore the Earth/Moon/Sun relationship and become familiar with the night sky. Grades 5–8

Exploring Navigation: Location, Direction, and Latitude
Children explore map-making and map-reading, make and use compasses, and observe nature for clues that can help them determine direction. Grades 5–8

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