Norris School District, Curriculum

Kindergarten Science

Textbook

                None

Description

The kindergarten science program provides a variety of hands on learning experiences for students which promote an understanding of self, their community and their environment. Our program integrates several other curriculum areas including math and language arts. We provide learning experiences which are meaningful and relate to the everyday world of our students.

Course Objectives

Unifying Concepts and Processes 1.1

1.             The students will identify the five senses and observe objects in the student's environment. (1.1.1)

2.             The students will sort objects by certain characteristics. (1.1.1)

3.             The students will describe how a model can represent a living thing or an object. (1.1.2)

4.             The students will recognize that change can be noted and measured. (1.1.3)

5.             The students will compare two or more objects using direct comparisons of measurement, such as shorter, longer, taller, heavier, and lighter. (1.1.3)

6.             The students will utilize nonstandard units of measurement. (1.1.3)

7.             The students will explain how living things interact with their environment because of certain characteristics (giraffe/long neck, camouflage). (1.1.4)

Science as Inquiry 1.2

1.             The students will use simple equipment and tools - magnifying glass, balance scale, thermometer. (1.2.1)

2.             The students will ask questions about their surroundings. (1.2.1)

3.             The students will conduct simple investigations. (1.2.1)

4.             The students will collect scientific information from observation. (1.2.1)

5.             The students will share findings with classmates and parents. (1.2.1)

Physical Science 1.3

1.             The students will observe characteristics of common materials. (1.3.1)

2.             The students will experiment with items that float/sink, dissolve /not dissolve in liquids. (1.3.1)

3.             The students will identify materials as solid or liquid. (1.3.1)

Life Science 1.4

1.             The students will differentiate between living and non-living things. (1.4.1)

2.             The students will observe how living things need food, water, and air. (1.4.1)

3.             The students will state the origin of plants. (1.4.1)

4.             The students will describe how roots, stems, and leaves serve different functions for plants. (1.4.1)

5.             The students will compare animals by specific characteristics such as body covering, diet, and habitat. (1.4.1)

6.             The students will recognize that organisms live in distinct habitats. (1.4.1)

7.             The students will describe how living things change as they grow. (1.4.2)

8.             The students will describe how offspring resemble their parents. (1.4.2.)

Earth and Space Science 1.5

1.             The students will observe that the earth's surface is made up of a variety of rocks, minerals and soils. (1.5.1)

2.             The students will identify the sun, moon and stars. (1.5.2)

3.                    The students will recognize that the sun provides heat and light. (1.5.2)

4.             The students will identify appropriate clothing worn during various seasons. (1.5.3)    

5.             The students will describe daily weather changes. (1.5.3)

6.                    The students will describe seasonal changes. (1.5.3)

Science and Technology 1.6

1.                    The students will use various scientific tools to improve observations (magnifying glass, thermometer). (1.6.2)

2.                    The students will identify the technology used in different occupations. (1.6.2)

Science in Personal and social Perspectives 1.7

1.             The students will identify safety rules for home and school. (1.7.1)

2.             The students will engage in personal care that will maintain and improve health. (1.7.1)

3.             The students will describe a healthy diet. (1.7.1)

4.             The students will describe substances that benefit or damage the body. (1.7.1)

5.             The students will describe how recycling helps our environment. (1.7.2)

History and Nature of Science 1.8

1.             The students will recognize the contributions to science made by men and women. (1.8.1) 

2.             The student will identify the technology used in different occupations. (1.8.1)