Fifth grade environmental science is more than a unit of study; it’s a journey rooted in curiosity, responsibility, connection, and real-world impact. “At the core, it’s about helping students see the connections,” explains fifth grade science teacher Karen Milnar. “We use Earth’s spheres as a platform so they can build knowledge and then apply it when they begin researching real environmental issues.” That process begins in the fall when students dive into hands-on explorations of Earth’s interconnected systems—the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. 

Rather than studying the spheres in isolation, students examine how they interact with one another. A disruption in one can ripple through the others. Natural events like hurricanes or droughts become case studies, allowing students to trace cause and effect across systems. Closer to home, they analyze local phenomena such as Houston’s urban heat islands, collecting and comparing data, interpreting maps, and asking critical questions about their own community

“It’s very much our Think.Make.Talk. paradigm in action,” Milnar says. “We introduce a concept, talk through it, and then give them something tangible to explore. That’s where the deeper understanding happens.” 

The curriculum takes students out of the classroom in meaningful ways through partnerships with the Houston Zoo and SPLASh, an environmental conservation program in the Houston-Galveston region. In the fall, students visited the Zoo to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in sustaining ecosystems. Back on campus, they connected these lessons to their own environment, spotting monarch butterflies during recess and discussing  their migration patterns through Houston. “They start noticing things they hadn’t before– like the monarch butterflies on the playground and how Houston is in their migration path.” Karen says. “That awareness is a huge first step.”

Following their study of pollinators, the Zoo invited the School to participate in a pioneering partnership focused on the critically endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken. Students explored the conservation cycle firsthand, beginning with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Zoo’s hatchery to observe the incubation process. Their next field trip took them to NASA, a conservation partner of the Zoo, where land at Johnson Space Center is used to breed and raise the birds. This setting closely mimics their natural prairie habitat while providing a quieter environment that supports more natural behaviors and improved welfare. Finally, students visited the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge and observed the birds’ release into their 10,528-acre preserve, which was established specifically to protect this critically endangered species.

“It’s about showing them the full cycle,” Karen says. “From understanding the problem to seeing the solutions in action and realizing that those solutions are happening right here in their community.” Whether analyzing Houston’s watershed systems, participating in coastal cleanups with SPLASh, or walking alongside the work of conservationists at the Zoo, students see firsthand how their actions and the actions of others can make a difference.

By January, students shift from exploration to investigation. Each student tackles a contemporary environmental issue. Students choose matters ranging from overfishing to habitat loss using carefully curated resources provided by Milnar. This intentional approach replaces overwhelming internet searches with specific, high-quality materials, helping students build more focused research skills and a more nuanced understanding of their topics.

But the learning journey extends beyond research. Students move into a speech-writing phase, designed to help them internalize their knowledge. “The goal is for them to be able to speak confidently about their topic without relying on note cards,” Milnar explains. “It’s about ownership of knowledge.” Following this, creativity takes center stage. Students conceptualize and construct projects that bring their research to life through models, videos, and interactive displays. They then present their work to classmates, parents, and community partners in the annual Environmental Summit Museum, where families and younger students are invited to engage with the projects and ideas that have taken shape over months.

The Environmental Summit Museum is a dynamic event that continues to evolve each year. Milnar is already refining future plans, including narrowing research topics to foster even deeper understanding and exploring new ways to connect learning across disciplines. There’s also a growing vision of expanding partnerships and service opportunities, creating even more avenues for students and families to engage meaningfully with environmental work. “There’s so much potential,” she reflects. “It’s about finding the balance of how much we can do in a meaningful way without losing sight of the core learning.”

This thoughtful balance is what makes our environmental science curriculum so powerful. It’s not merely about teaching science standards; it’s about shaping perspective. Students leave fifth grade not only with knowledge of Earth’s systems, but with a sense of responsibility and possibility. They begin to understand that caring for the environment isn’t an abstract idea. It’s personal. It’s local. And most importantly, it’s something they are capable of doing right now. A clear and empowering message resonates: taking care of our world starts with understanding it and believing we can make it better, together.

We invite you to explore our museum webpage and delve into the vibrant world of learning at PS. Nestled in the heart of Houston's esteemed museum district, PS aspires to one day stand among the official Museums of Learning in this illustrious community. Until then, we are proud to present our very own Presbyterian School Museums, a testament to our commitment to fostering a rich educational experience. From our Early Childhood grades, where end-of-year events showcase authentic student work, to the Lower School's annual creation of grade-level museums, each spring buzzing with the energy of research, creativity, and local expertise, our campus is alive with the spirit of discovery. In the Middle School, our year-end exhibitions are a celebration of student voice, choice, and agency, illuminating the profound impact of personalized learning experiences across all academic and elective disciplines. We invite you to embark on this journey with us, exploring the remarkable achievements and boundless potential of our students. Visit our museum webpage today and witness the magic of PS education come to life.

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