Program Curriculum
Core Groups
Core Group curriculum is meant to enrich the classroom experience by exposing students to a more complex and advanced curriculum. It provides students the opportunity to examine topics in depth and with more rigor. Some topics are an extension of concepts that are taught in the classroom. Other topics are selected by the PEP teachers, in each building, to best meet the needs and interests of their core group students. Some of the academic topics, studied in the past, are listed below.
Field trips and guest speakers are often used to further enrich the curriculum. Some trips in the past have included visits to the Dolan DNA Learning Center in Cold Spring Harbor, The Museum of the Moving Image, and the Nassau County Supreme Courthouse.
Developing an advanced understanding of computer technology skills is a crucial part of our curriculum. This area is addressed throughout the core group experience.
Grade 3
Critical thinking skills
Logic
Codes and Ciphers
Algebra
Mathematical Problem Solving
Mysteries
Independent Study
Ecology
Introduction to Biodiversity
Grade 4
Biodiversity
Cells
DNA
Genetics
Codes and Ciphers
Deductive Reasoning
Optics
Grade 5
Economics ~ Stock Market Game
Law Related Education
Mock Trial
Chemistry
Engineering
Grade 6
Taking Play to Whole New Level…
Fun with Physics and Toys
Newton’s Laws of Motion
History of Famous Play Classics
Advertising Analysis and Development
Let’s Get to the Root of It…
Greek/Latin Root Study
Deconstructing Language
Literary/Musical Greats
In-House Original Poetry Slam/Musical Display
Contest opportunities
There’s No “I” in Team…Team Challenges…
Scientific Exploration
Examples of exploration include:
Buoyancy
Density
Vortex
Theories of Math Greats (Pythagoras, Descartes, Archimedes, etc.)
Mathematical Exploration
Examples of exploration include:
Geometry
Balance
Length
Strength
Metrics
Olympic Measurement
Let’s Get Worldly….Ideal Cities…
Ideal City Creation
Histories
Cultural/Recreational Centers
Transportation
Recycling Incorporation
Contest Opportunities
World Studies
Examples of discussion topics include:
NYC planning
Olympics in Beijing
UN and Global Concerns
Grade 7
Sublime Design in the World of Academia…
Design the School of Your Dreams
Examples include:
Form vs. Function
Geodesic Domes
Triangular Rigidity
Floor Plans
TV Commercial Design
Material Measurement/Cost Analysis
Geometric Formulas (Cylinder Area, Surface Area, Circumference, etc.)
Balancing Act in the Literary Arena…
Classics/Themes Analysis
Historical Context (i.e. Rome’s Republic as a Foundation for Checks and Balances and the Value of Justice )
Shakespeare: Exciting Excerpts from Macbeth and Julius Caesar
Physical Theater/Stage Direction Workshop- In-House Field Trip with Michael Tester
Original Literary Creations (i.e. Modern Day Shakespeare)
Going Global…
Team Challenges
Including Structural/Material Exploration
Mystery Architecture
Design Squad Challenges
PBS.org
Contest Opportunities
Grade 8
Mystery (and History) Behind Innovation…
Digital Mystery Photo Jumpstart
Outline/Research Development of Existing Technologies/Products
Product Analysis and Improvements
Marketing Strategies for Improved Designs
Contest Opportunities
Taking Action in the 21st Century…
Original Innovation Development
Current Event Analysis Promoting Today’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Charitable Research (i.e. Where would you donate your millions?)
Contest Opportunities
Public Forum Debate…
Research/Speech/Thesis Development
Investigating Language Beyond Words
Presentation Analysis (Self/Peers)
“Resolved” debate topics include:
In the United States the president should be elected by the direct vote of the people.
The United States should rely on alternative fuels.
In the United States there should be year-round schooling.
In the United States colleges and universities should pay stipends to Division I athletes.
Pay It Forward…
Legacy Learning
Donation Game Creation
School Wide Enrichment ~ Elementary K-5
An enrichment unit is planned with every K - 5 classroom teacher, thus enabling every student to work with the PEP teacher during the school year. Units of study vary may vary within each building depending on the needs and interests of classroom teachers and students. Curriculum units have included topics such as:
advertising
algebra
architecture
attribute logic
bridges
bubbleology
consumer science
creative dramatics
creative thinking
data, chance, and probability
deductive reasoning
design technology
digital photography
mapping
mathematical problem solving
measurement
Multiple Intelligences and the brain
Mystery Festival
observation our microscopic world
poetry
product testing
solids, liquids, and gases
tessellations
weather
