SCIENCE CLASS 4th - 8th Grades
4th through 8th Grade: Science
While all grades at St. Theresa School learn about Science, our Science Lab classes begin in 4th Grade. In our fully appointed Science Lab, a dedicated Science teacher uses interactive science units to allow students to develop and practice their science skills. Through a combination of lessons, hands-on activities, lab experiments and research, students build science vocabulary, practice safety, and acquire deep knowledge of scientific concepts across all domains in five years. Related mathematics, graphing, and data analysis are incorporated beginning in fourth grade and become more complex through 8th Grade.
St. Theresa students experience science using the Next Generation Science Standards; we rely on the more rigorous National Science Foundation standards of engagement and research. All Middle School students are required to develop a science fair project each year. Each year, six of those projects are chosen to participate in the Oakland Diocesan Science Fair; and each year, at least one of those qualifies to move on to the Alameda County Science Fair.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Kinder Prep through 5th Grades: Art
St. Theresa School partners with the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) to nurture creativity, innovative thinking, and self-expression through Art. Fine motor skills are strengthened, while observation skills and a variety of art techniques are introduced. Cultural awareness and art history are interwoven into the variety of student projects. Critical thinking skills, patience, and self-confidence grow as our young artists create. Ultimately, the program aims to provide a well-rounded experience that equips students with essential life skills, not just the ability to create Art.
Kinder Prep through 8th Grades: Music
Every student at St. Theresa is blessed to participate in our performing arts program, which includes both singing (choral music) and instrumental music.
- Students in Kinder Prep through Fifth Grades have musical instruction in the classroom with a choral music specialist, who introduces various types of song, and prepares students for the songs they will sing at school and parish liturgies.
- Instrumental Music is introduced in Second and Third Grades, with recorder classes led by our band teacher.
- Our 4th and 5th Graders are instructed in a variety of instruments and have a choice in what instrument they would like to play. They are members of our Beginning Band.
- Middle School students are offered a choice between the two music programs, and focus on preparing more advanced pieces.
Throughout the school year, our students participate in various musical performances and liturgies, raising joyful voices and entertaining each other, and our community.
Kinder Prep through 8th Grades: Physical Education
Students in Kindergarten Prep through 8th Grades enjoy regularly scheduled Physical Education (P.E.) classes. Our P.E. classes build fundamental motor skills and encourage health-related fitness and an active lifestyle. We emphasize teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and communication through our various group activities and games. Students develop problem-solving skills, learn game strategies, and understand rules in a physical context.
Kinder Prep through 8th Grades: Spanish
Dedicated Spanish classes provide all St. Theresa students with the opportunity for second language acquisition. Our students are listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish in year-long, regularly scheduled classes. These classes add to our students’ abilities to communicate effectively, and help them appreciate other cultures and the advantages of being multi-lingual.