• Understand life cycles and why some animals form groups that help their members survive
• Prove that inherited traits of organisms can be influenced by the environment
• Describe why characteristic variations in the same species may provide certain advantages
• Show the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object and predict future motion
• Determine cause-and-effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions of objects
• Represent data in tables and graphs to describe seasonal weather conditions and climates in different regions

• Sing stepwise melodies by sight and analyze melodic errors in singing
• Use dynamics to express emotion
• Identify pitches on the treble clef staff
• Describe music and interpret a composer’s intent while writing music
• Analyze their own ability to match pitch while singing
• Play rhythm patterns while speaking and playing instruments

• Understanding the role that teamwork plays in a theatre production and learning to start trusting others and themselves in regards to the team
• Explore sequencing with directional changes within complex choreography and patterns of movement
• Mastering the use of character, storytelling, ensemble work, and creativity with improvised storytelling
• Start their understanding of blocking notation for theatre scripts, through the use of stage directions, and working together
• Apply and analyze a work of theatre and communicate feelings, ideas, and understanding in response

• Evaluate different types of resources, including websites
• Safely use online search skills on preselected internet sites for research
• Identify keywords in searches and materials to locate relevant information
• Make informed decisions about books and materials that will allow them to pursue personal growth
• Independently select materials of personal interest and reading level
• Inquire and think critically about, and gain knowledge from, their reading

• Demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills and movement patterns (locomotor movements, throwing and catching, striking with and without implements, dribbling with hands and feet, jumping rope and gymnastics, ice skating (unique to USM PE curriculum)
• Meet age-appropriate benchmarks to maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Apply basic concepts and knowledge as it relates to movement and performance
• Exhibit responsible personal and social behaviors that respects self and others
• Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, and social interaction.

Our Lower School features a dedicated counselor who works with all students during class time and is available to meet with individual children on an as-needed basis. The focus of the guidance curriculum helps children achieve social-emotional competence and self-regulation. Guidance classes teach skills that strengthen their ability to learn, manage their emotions, show empathy and compassion, get along with others, and solve problems. More information can be found on the Lower School Counseling page.

Lower School students work hard in class during the school day and have two recess periods each day when they are able to unwind, play with friends, and get some exercise, while giving young brains a break and allowing children to better focus their attention while in class. Research also shows that this unstructured, free-play time is important for social-emotional health and development in children. Recess is held outdoors throughout the entire school year, as weather allows, with each grade level having time to themselves on the playground, the blacktop—for activities like basketball, kickball, foursquare, and other games—or the grass fields— for touch football, and fun in the snow in winter.