Norris School District, Curriculum

Science 1

TEXTBOOK

                Multiple resources: trade books, video, CD-ROM’s, Weekly Readers, etc.

DESCRIPTION

                Science 1 is required for all first grade students.  It meets alternately with Social Studies for approximately 30 min. per day.  In addition Science is integrated with the Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies curriculum.  Major areas of study include the life cycle of the bee, woodland animals, magnets, plants, rocks and the five senses.  Instruction is supplemented with many resources including speakers, videos, and field trips.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Unifying Concepts & Process (1.1)

1.        Students will be able to compare and contrast properties of rocks (i.e. texture, shape size). (1.1.1)

2.        Students will be able to graph the weekly temperature (use and interpret a thermometer). (1.1.2)

3.        Students will be able to compare and contrast the daily temperature. (1.1.2)

4.        Students will be able to compare and contrast measurement using rulers and other objects, containers (bottles, cans) and balance scales. (1.1.3)

5.        Students will explain how the characteristics of a bee help it survive.  (1.1.4)

Science as Inquiry (1.2)

1.        Students will be able to explore liquids. (1.5.1)

2.        Students will collect scientific information from careful observation and share findings with others. (1.2.1)

Physical Science (1.3)

1.        Students will be able to group objects according to similarities (size, shape, and texture). (1.3.1)

2.        Students will be able to identify the days of the week, the names of the month of the year and name special events.

3.        Students will be able to compare front/back; left/right; near/far; higher/lower; and the position of themselves in relationship to other objects and persons; and, position of student within their families.

Life Science (1.4)

1.        Students will be able to identify the difference between living and non-living things. (1.4.1)

2.        Students will be able to compare and contrast the life cycles of the butterfly, bee and ladybug. (1.4.2)

3.        Students will be able to identify the parts of a plant.

4.        Students will be able to identify some animal defenses.

Earth and Space Science (1.5)

1.        Students will be able to compare and contrast rocks and sort them according to color, size, shape and texture. (1.5.1)

2.        Students will be able to describe how weather effects daily life. (1.5.3)

3.        Students will be able to identify time words (today, yesterday, tomorrow, before, after, hours, days, weeks, morning and night).

4.        Students will be able to identify sources of light. (1.5.2)

5.        Students will be able to use ways to preserve the Norris Forest. (1.7.2)

Science and Technology (1.6)

1.        Students will be able to identify the steps of bread making/baking (measuring cups, utensils, and mixing tools).

2.        Students will be able to apply the use of simple machines (lever, wheel, and inclined plane) (1.6.1)

3.        Students will be able to use simple science experiments (i.e. baking soda and vinegar, celery and food coloring, blending of colors). (1.6.2)

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives (1.7)

1.        Students will be able to describe how to care for their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. (1.7.1)

2.        Students will be able to discuss daily health maintenance program that includes proper eating habits, regular exercise, and sufficient rest/sleep to help the students attain a pleasing personal appearance and a healthy self-concept. (1.7.1)

3.        Students will be able to distinguish among the different food groups.

4.        The leaner will be able to identify foods from the food groups.

5.        Students will be able to choose healthful foods and snacks.

6.        Students will be able to identify ways to help maintain our earth, so that it is a healthy environment for all living things. (1.7.2)

History and Nature of Science (1.8)

1.        Students will be able to describe the farmer’s contribution to the past, present, and future. (1.8.1)

2.        Students will be able to identify the “sower” on the State Capital and relate the meaning to his/her rural community.

Special Activities

FIELD TRIP

1.             Nature Center –

a.  Observing needs of animals and insects such as their habitat, food, homes, etc.

b.  Small group discussions with a guide while going throughout the Nature Center.

2.             Morrill Hall –

a.  Encounter Center (hands-on activities)

b.  Museum (animals and fossils) (rocks and minerals)