K-5 Science Instructional Resources

Standards and Practices Support

2014 South Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators for Elementary Science

• These are the 2014 SC Elementary Science Standards linked to the South Carolina Department of Education website.

Science and Engineering Practices Support Guide

• This is the SCDE Complete Support Document for the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) aligned to the science standards

A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas

• This document is one of the foundation pieces of the SC Science Standards, defining the science and engineering practices that serve as the performance expectations for our new standards.

Crosscutting Concepts in Science (Under development)

• This document outlines the nature of the seven crosscutting concepts that are evident across all scientific and engineering disciplines and how students should come to recognize evidence of these concepts through their science learning.

STEM Teaching Tools

• This resource is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and includes a variety of references to support and help teachers understand the inclusion of science and engineering practices throughout science teaching and learning. Under the "Tools" tab, there is an archive of 60+ Practice Briefs, each exploring a topic related to science teaching and learning.

Informational Text Resources

NEWSELA

• This free resource offers access to a wide array of grade level scales informational texts aligned to a variety of content, including science.

National Geographic Videos

• This link takes you to the National Geographic video library with many short videos that can be accessed by students to acquire background information on a variety of science concepts to help them construct explanations and develop models during their authentic science investigations.
• NOTE: It is IMPORTANT that video resources be used appropriately in the broader context of the hands-on, authentic, inquiry-driven science learning experience.

Discovery Education Streaming

• This link takes you to the Discovery Education Streaming video website with many video clips, audio clips, and photographs that can be accessed by students. Additionally, there are a variety of different resources, instructional supports, and strategies for teachers. As with any resource, teachers should carefully vet the materials they use with their students.
• NOTE: It is IMPORTANT that video resources be used appropriately in the broader context of the hands-on, authentic, inquiry-driven science learning experience.
• NOTE- Before using any lesson not specifically identified in the Richland Two K-5 Science Curriculum, be sure to check with your K-5 Science Content Specialist.

PBS Learning Media

• This website has access to a wide variety of PBS videos, lessons, and resources related to a wide range of content. It is free to register and account.
• NOTE: It is IMPORTANT that video resources be used appropriately in the broader context of the hands-on, authentic, inquiry-driven science learning experience.
• NOTE- Before using any lesson not specifically identified in the Richland Two K-5 Science Curriculum, be sure to check with your K-5 Science Content Specialist.

Weather Wiz Kids

• This site not only includes weather information presented in student-friendly language, it also include a link to other non-weather related natural disasters, such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Great background information for students to access.

Wild Finder

• This World Wildlife Federation website lets you search for different ecosystems and different animals and see what regions they live in and what other animals live with them.

Claims-Evidence-Reasoning Framework

• This article outlines the Claims-Evidence-Reasoning approach to supporting claims with evidence through the examination of a science content example. This is from the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) National Math and Science Initiative.