Kindergarteners learn beginning reading and writing skills using our ocean science theme as a motivational approach! We work on a phonetic and sight vocabulary in reading. Young readers gain phonemic awareness all year. These skills are applied as children learn to write, with assistance, as they sound their words along with their own illustrations. Our curriculum includes ALL elementary subjects plus learning to become six-year old “oceanographers” who respect their local natural resources. We observe our local tide pools at Little Dume Beach and at the UCLA Ocean Discovery Center.

First grade’s focus is on scientific exploration of the rocky shore. Utilizing the natural resources of the local tide pools as well as the incredible resources available to us in the science lab, we engage in learning opportunities that require us to think, act and report like real marine scientists. We observe marine life in their natural habitat. We record our observations. We use the data to increase our understanding of marine animals, the rocky shore, and how we can help ensure that it remains a beautiful part of our community.

2nd GRADE

Second graders learn about sandy beach community. They study about the animal and plant life found in the sandy beach environment and the effect of the tides on our beaches. They publish books comparing and contrasting the monthly changes they observe during our walking trips to Big Dume Beach. Our students also study whales and pinnepeds. Some of our field trips have included Point Vicente and Point Fermin lighthouses, Museum of Natural History, and our monthly tidepool walks.

With the study of Wetlands as its central theme, the third grade science curriculum covers the Life, Earth, and Physical sciences as outlined in the California State Science Standards. In Life Science, students discover the roles of living things, including plant and animal needs and adaptations, animal classification, and habitats. In Earth Science, students learn about the solar system, rotation and revolution, the phases of the moon, and the water cycle. In Physical Science, students conduct experiments in light and heat energy, transfer of energy, and states of matter. Special attention is given to wetlands as a critical habitat which houses an enormous diversity of plant and animal life. The Malibu Lagoon is a focus for these studies. Our science program is integrated with many areas of the general curriculum, especially reading and language arts.

Content standards for fourth graders include the following: electricity and magnetism are related effects that have many useful applications in everyday life (circuits, electromagnets, and compasses), all organisms need energy and matter to live and grow and depend on one another for survival (ecosystems of the kelp forest and ocean in our science lab, field trip to CELP, and Voyage of the Mimi program), the properties of rocks and minerals reflect the processes that formed them (landforms, volcanoes, earthquakes), scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.

Fifth graders are exposed to physical, earth and life sciences with an emphasis on marine science. They take a deep look into the open ocean and make connections with the marine mammals and their environments, weather, chemistry, and the human body systems. The fifth grade studies are further enhanced through field trip experiences such as Catalina Island Marine Institute, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea World, and WOLF Camp, an outdoor education program.

Sandy Carter, our Science Lab teacher, received her degree from the University of Hawaii and has been teaching marine science programs in Malibu for over 15 years. Sandy teaches classes at PDMSS on Tuesdays and Thursdays and conducts science programs at the Malibu Lagoon for the Resource Conservation District. She has worked as a docent at the UCLA Ocean Discovery Center and has an ongoing professional relationship with the Cabrillo Aquarium Museum in San Pedro.

SCIENCE LAB

Grades K - 5 receive instruction in our science lab weekly. Lab instruction supports and supplements science units taught in the classroom, and all lessons are part of the comprehensive science curriculum developed by the PDMSS teaching staff and in accordance with the California Science Standards. Tropical and cold water fish tanks in the lab and throughout the school provide our students with in-depth study opportunities and up-close observation of species, habitats and ecosystems. Several tanks contain specimens from local coastal waters and tide pools. Animals are often "borrowed" from the tide pools while Sandy Carter, teaches a particular unit. When she is finished, the animals are gently returned to their homes.

PARENT SCIENCE COMMITTEE

PDMSS depends on parent support in every aspect of school operations. Families are asked to donate funds directly to the PTA for art, music and science programs, for the specialist teachers' salaries and for classroom aides. Our PDMSS Science Committee is a group of enthusiastic parents and teachers organized under the auspices of the PTA who donate their time and energy in direct support of the science program at our school. The marine science lab, part of the school's original vision, is what makes PDMSS unique. The lab you see today -- ever a work in progress--is the result of years of on-site, parent participation. We think it's worth it. You will be amazed at how much your child will learn about marine science at the Point Dume Marine Science School!