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Activate Learning PRIME® Elementary Science

The Activate Learning PRIME elementary science curriculum was thoughtfully developed to address known challenges to teaching science in elementary classrooms, including:

1) limited science background and content knowledge of many teachers

2) minimal time for and focus on science in elementary schools

3) usability challenges inherent in a hands-on science environment

Activate Learning PRIME provides the needed support to teachers to engage children in learning science by doing science. The program’s science inquiry activities provide a real-world context for mathematics and language skill development, resulting in more confidence and higher achievement.

Available as a package or
for individual purchase

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Print

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Digital

On the Activate Learning Digital Platform

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Kits

Materials & Supplies

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Professional Learning

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Phenomena-Based
Inquiry Approach

The PRIME elementary science program focuses on developing discourse and critical thinking skills alongside disciplinary content knowledge.

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Students Learn Like Scientists and Engineers

PRIME utilizes science and engineering practices to help students make sense of engaging hands-on explorations.

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Total Support
for Teachers

In person and online teacher support, educational webinars, lesson modeling, and much more is provided by our Professional Learning Team to help teachers AND students succeed.

Need more info to decide if this the right curriculum for your district or school?

Curriculum Details

The goals of the Activate Learning PRIME elementary science program are to preserve the curiosity and open mindedness that children bring to their environment and to link hands-on explorations in the real world with accurate science content through thinking, reflection, and discussion.

  • Students Learn Science by Doing Science

    Students ask questions, explore materials, share and refine ideas, solve problems, and, ultimately, use critical thinking to make informed decisions.

  • Total Support for Teachers

    PRIME Teacher Edition includes lesson plans, discussion questions, differentiation strategies, and background information for each unit, providing comprehensive support for busy classroom teachers. 

  • NGSS Alignment

    Download the program brochure to view the detailed NGSS alignment for the Activate Learning PRIME elementary science curriculum.

Literacy and Mathematics Focus

With this elementary science program, students are not only actively doing science, but they are also reading, writing, and talking about science. PRIME promotes understanding of key science concepts while incorporating core learning goals in English Language Arts and Mathematics standards. 

Science Readers
Activate Learning PRIME incorporates a minimum of ten readings per topic (totaling over 375 readings!) and provides a list of trade books that align with the topic to support ELA in the classroom and promote independent reading. Reading science books helps students grow their scientific vocabulary, acquire knowledge of scientific concepts, and enhance critical thinking abilities. Engaging in reading fosters language development, comprehension skills, and effective communication, which are fundamental aspects of literacy.

Science Notebooks
Science notebooks, whether in print or digital form, are essential in the PRIME elementary science program. They provide children with opportunities to document their observations, thoughts, and data using pictures, words, and math skills. Mathematics connections are seamlessly integrated into PRIME lessons to link science topics with relevant mathematical skills. Furthermore, mathematics extensions are included at the end of many lessons, allowing for flexible implementation with individuals, small groups, or the whole class, both during and outside of regular school hours.

Elementary Science Curriculum

Elementary Science Topics

The PRIME elementary science curriculum includes 23 modular units to provide maximum flexibility, allowing districts to develop a sequence that best meets their unique needs.

Below are some example units aligned to Next Generation Science Standards by grade level. Download the program brochure to view the full list of units available in the Activate Learning PRIME elementary science program.

The Tracking the Weather topic encourages children to build on their natural sense of wonder and curiosity about the world while they: 

  • Make drawings of weather scenes, themselves wearing indoor and outdoor clothing, clouds and precipitation, and wind. 
  • Record daily weather conditions and look for patterns in the weather data during each season and over the entire year. 
  • Create seasonal Weather Books that contain a variety of their drawings. 
  • Explore severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and learn how to prepare for them to stay safe.

Digital
Platform

The Activate Learning Digital Platform (ALDP) hosts the interactive digital edition of the Activate Learning PRIME elementary science teacher and student curriculum materials.

Featuring an intuitive user experience, teachers have everything they need to Plan, Teach, Assign, and Assess lessons in a platform that is integrated with leading SIS rostering and Learning Management Systems such as Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas.

PRIME® Elementary Science
Developers & Contributors

A product of UChicago STEM Education, Activate Learning PRIME elementary science is the result of a rigorous iterative development process by an author team comprised of both content and classroom specialists, and is designed to be educative for elementary school teachers, as well as for students.

Activate Learning PRIME was thoughtfully developed to address known challenges to teaching science in elementary classrooms, including:

1) limited science background and content knowledge of many teachers

2) minimal time for and focus on science in elementary schools

3) usability challenges inherent in a hands-on science environment

Penny Atcheson, Belinda Basca, Colleen Bell, Diane Bell, Lance Campbell, Kerry Lee Cook, Annie Holdren, Cindy Buchenroth-Martin, Lauren Satterly, Debbie Leslie, David Sherman, Martha Sullivan, Susan Taddei, and Patrick Taylor Editors Laura Lee Bennett, Rachel Burke Cusack, Wanda Gayle, and David Sherman

Additional
Content

Reading Supports for Budding Student Scientists

Help students flourish with new reading and writing supports available on the Activate Learning Digital Platform.

The Power of Phenomena-Based Science Learning for K-5 Students

Dive into the significance of phenomena-based learning for young students, the challenges teachers may encounter along the way, and the ultimate solution. 

How to Teach Engineering to K-5 Students and Make It Stick!

Explore teaching engineering in grades K-5 and offer examples of how several schools are doing it successfully.