Unlocking Curiosity: A Deep Dive into Science at iLEAD Online

As parents, we all want our children to succeed, not just with good grades but as curious kids who love to learn. At iLEAD Online, our science curriculum is specifically designed to achieve just that. By providing personalized, flexible learning, our team sparks wonder, builds foundational skills, and empowers learners to confidently and creatively explore the world around them.

At iLEAD Online, a TK-12 free online school, science is anything but boring. It’s an active, inquiry-based journey where children don’t just memorize facts; they do science.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation of Discovery (TK – Kindergarten)

Imagine your Transitional Kindergarten (TK) learner asking, “What happens if you push or pull an object harder?” or observing how water changes from liquid to solid. This isn’t just play; it’s the beginning of scientific thinking. In TK, iLEAD Online learners are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, compare and contrast, and even make predictions. They explore basic concepts like changes in materials, characteristics of animals and plants, and fundamental properties of earth materials like sand and rocks. Early weather observations lay the groundwork for understanding seasonal patterns and their impact on life.

By kindergarten, the inquiry deepens. Learners investigate questions about animal habitats and delve into basic engineering challenges. This hands-on approach means they’re not just learning about science; they’re actively participating in the engineering design process, asking questions, developing models, planning investigations, and testing their ideas. This is where the magic happens — where innate curiosity transforms into purposeful exploration.

Elementary Explorations: Expanding Horizons (1st – 7th Grade)

iLEAD Online’s dynamic elementary science curriculum progresses from foundational inquiry in early grades to more specialized topics in later years, all while fostering a joyful spirit of investigation.

• First graders explore waves, light, sound, and space systems, investigating relationships between materials and living things.
• Second graders delve into matter, ecosystems, and Earth’s systems.
• Third graders expand to forces, life cycles, and weather.
• Fourth graders investigate energy, waves, and Earth’s changing features, examining the structures of plants and animals.

As learners advance, the curriculum becomes increasingly focused.

• Fifth graders dive into matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, Earth’s systems, and space, including stars and the solar system.
• Sixth grade shifts to energy transfer through Earth’s systems, human activity, and the intricate workings of organisms’ cells and reproduction.
• Finally, in seventh grade, students explore complex Earth system interactions, chemical reactions, and the critical topic of human impact on ecosystems, investigating environmental balances and the consequences of human actions.

High School: Specialization and Real-World Application

At the high school level, iLEAD Online offers a robust selection of science courses designed to meet rigorous academic standards and prepare learners for future success. Our course offerings extend to specialized subjects, providing depth and opportunities for advanced study:

• Advanced Placement Environmental Science
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Biology and Biology Honors
• Chemistry and Chemistry Honors
• Earth Science
• Environmental Science
• Intro to Engineering
• Medical Terminology
• Microbiology
• Naturalism
• Patient Care Capstone
• Physical Science
• Physics

While iLEAD Online adheres to California content standards and participates in state pupil assessments like the California Science Test (CAST), we emphasize authentic assessments. These methods evaluate skills best observed in real-world application. This may include a learner-designed science experiment, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding in a truly meaningful way and fostering the self-directedness crucial for successful careers and fulfilling lives.

An Adventure in Learning

At iLEAD Online, science isn’t just a subject; it’s an adventure. It’s a journey of asking questions, exploring answers, and developing the critical thinking skills that will serve your child far beyond the classroom. If you’re looking for a science program that ignites curiosity and builds a strong foundation for future learning, iLEAD Online’s approach is designed to deliver.

About iLEAD Online:

iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.

Join our innovative school today!