Science, Social Studies, Health, 2nd Step

Science

The goal of the Lincoln Public Schools science program is to help all students develop an understanding of the natural world and how humans utilize and impact the environment. The curriculum is based on the Nebraska State Science Standards and the National Science Standards. The program stresses hands-on activities to develop inquiry and thinking skills, as well as science process skills. The program is structured to help students realize that science is part of every day life and affects all individuals.

The four themes studied in elementary schools are living things, the physical world, space/earth, and STS (science, technology, and society)/environment. Students experiment and do hands-on-activities to learn to value curiosity, openness, inquiry, and critical thinking skills in science as a part of every day living.

For more information about the science program in Lincoln Public Schools visit https://home.lps.org/science/.

Social Studies

Social Studies education in Lincoln Public Schools engages all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed and active citizens, while also contributing to our diverse and interdependent world.

In elementary school students are exposed to historical thinking through the use of visual images and short texts. Each elementary social studies lesson is focused on an essential question.

In early elementary (K-3), students become familiar with their community, nation, and world.  Students begin to explore elements of effective citizenship and study the US Constitution.  Students are also introduced to basic economic concepts through the exploration of goods and services in their communities.  In upper elementary grades, students study the history of Nebraska and the United States in greater detail.

For more information about the social studies program in Lincoln Public Schools visit http://home.lps.org/socialstudies/.

 

Health

Health education is designed to help students learn how their bodies function, what affects their bodies and how to make positive choices related to their health. The health curriculum is comprehensive and progressive, promoting understanding of health-related knowledge and responsibility for decisions that affect one’s health.

Children learn to practice safety and daily personal health care. They study the five senses and basic parts of the body. Students develop an awareness of nutrition and fitness and the role each plays in their health. The effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco are presented in a manner appropriate to the children’s level of understanding.

For more information about the health program in Lincoln Public Schools visit http://home.lps.org/healthed.

 

Social Emotional Learning – Second Step Program

The Second Step program for pre-k through fifth grade is a classroom-based social-emotional learning program with lessons and reinforcement activities designed to increase children’s school success and decrease problem behaviors.

It teaches skills that strengthen children’s ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions, and solve problems. When children have Second Step skills it creates a safer, more respectful learning environment that promotes school success for all.

The program achieves its goal by promoting social-emotional skills and self-regulation, or self-control. Research shows that children with good social-emotional and self-control skills have a better chance at achieving school and life success